Evening star., 1918-11-10

u Dt Out lol q lohS kAihS. A<utNhNoSa
retraced his steps to the British en-
bassy, where he had spent most of the
morning, and made his way to the
sitting room of one of the secretaries
The Honorable Philip Downing. who
was eagerly waiting for cable re,
calling him to take up promised
commission, welcomed him heartily.
"Things are slack here today. old
fellow. Let's go out to the Country
Club and have few sets OF tennis or
game of golf, whichever you prefer"
he he, suggested; ,Sa i've done my little lot
"Show on tonight. isn't there?" Lut-
chester inquired.
Just reception. You're going to
put In an appearance?"
II fancy so. Have you got your list
of guests handy?"
The young man dived into a drawer
and produced few typewriter
sheets. ~
Alphabetical list of acceptances.
with here and there q few personal
self-satisfaction. II go through this
list with the chief while he's changing
for dinner"
Lutchester ran his forefnger down
the list.
have have, niece staying with them"
Want a card for her?r the Honor
able Philip inquired with grin.
II should like 1t sent off this mo-
ment," Lutchester replied.
The young man took y square, gilt
edged card from drawer by his side,
filled 1t out at Lutchesters dictation,
rang the bell, and dispatched 1t by
special messenger.
i've got my little buzzer outside"
he observed. "Well make tracks for
the club If you're ready"
'Hha two man ,laved several sets
of tennis and afterwards lounged in
two wicker chairs, underneath gigan-
tic plane tree in corner of the lawn.
The place was crowded, and Philip
Washington" he explained, has
never been so divided into opposite
camps. and this is almost the only
common meeting ground. Every one
has to come here. of course. The Ger
man staff play tennis and the Aus
trians all go in for polo. Here comes
Ziduski. He's most fearfully popular
with the ladies here-does us lot
of harm. they say. He's great stick
er for etiquette. He used to nod and
call me Phil. Now you watch. He'll
bow from his waist, as though he had
corsets on. AS a matter of fact, he's
good sportsman" N.-
Count ziduskis bow was stiff
enough, but his intention was obvious.
He stopped before the two men. ex-
charged somewhat stilted greeting
with Philip Downing and turned to
Lutchester. -...t
81 believe" he said. that 1 have
the honor Of addressing Mr.. Lutches-
ter"
Lutchester rose to his feet. 80,
That is my name." he admitted.
I'VE have met in Rome, l think. and
in Paris" the count reminded him.
IF l might beg for the favor of
few moments conversation with you"
The two men strolled away to-
getber. The count plunged at once
into the middle of things
ut is you. sin, / believe, whom I
have to thank for the abrupt depart
ure of Mile. Sonia from New York;"
quite true" Lutcl,ester admitted.
Under different circumstances" the
count proceeded. II might regard such
interference in my affairs in a diff
is impossible. ! speak to you out of
regard for the lady in question:. You
appear in some mysterious manner to
have discovered the fact that she was
in the habit of bringing entirely un-
important and nonpolitical messages
from dear friends in France"
Mile. Sonia. Lntchester said calm
ly. had for Brief space of time for
gotten herself. She was engaged in
carrying out espionage work on your
behalf I believe l may say that she
will do SO no more"
The count was a man of medium
height, thin. with complexion abso-
lutely colorless, and deep-set, tired
eyes. At this moment. however. he
seemed endowed with the spirit of a
new virility. The cane which he
Grasped might have been =. dagger.
His smooth tones nursed thrept.
"Mr. Lutchestcr," he declared, III
harm should come to her through your
shall pay!"
Lutchester's manner was mild and
unprovocative.
Count" he replied. I'VE make no
war upon women. Sonia has repented.
and the knowledge which I have of
her misdeeds will be shared by no
one. She has gone back to her coun-
Try to work for the Red Cross there.
SO far as ] am concerned, that is the
end"
The two men walked a few stems
further In unbroken silence. Then the
count raised his hat.
Mr.. I.utchester," he said, yours is
the reply Of an honorable enemy. I
might have trusted you, but Sonia js
half Of my life. offer you my
thanks"
He strolled away. and Lutchester
feJoined his young friend.
nave parted safely" the latter ex-
claimed. Now sit by my side and I
Will show you interesting things
Those four irreproachable young men
over there in tennis flannels are all
from the German embassy. The two
elder ones behind are Austrians. All
those women are the wives of SEN