Tombstone epitaph., 1918-06-30
GIN. arA A.M.WuLIAMSOM {


 of the ball which will be the sensa- ton of the century. if we can only carry 1t out" Fitzgerald went on. "lt falls on the last of March. as l said ; so that at midnight we shall have the first of April or All Fools Day. you know. But that gives you no hint of our brilliant idea-thoush 1t did give us our inspiration. We had reason to believe up to last night. that the plan was in the best working order but-the schemes of mice and men One of our best mice suddenly failed us-infiuenza or something obvious. The wheels wouldn't go round without him-literally: because he's a motor ist. was upset: but l reflected, When in doubt. always consult an American girl so called Miss Dauv- ray into consultation. No chaperon,' I said; and. having the courage of her convictions, she consented to a lunch at the ultra-respectable Athenaeuri. While waited for her l saw you and your car. What a beautyr l said to myself. Now. If only we had motor like that to do OUT trick"
 "Just then came along Major Nor burn. In six words he told me your cars history. Your audacity and originality captivated my imagination on the instant I felt you were the man for us. If we could secure you. l And lost no time in trying to secure you. did IF"
 "But I must hear the scheme before pledging myself.' replied Christopher. Unfortunately. that's just what you can't do. You See, it's to be 6 great joke. We trust you. of course one knows ones man instantly in some cases. But stiIl-well, we're pledged not to let out the secret to anyone unless he is first enlisted as one of us. This much l can say, though. We want you to take US Miss Dauyray, myself. and several friends-to St. Roran's Mount for the ball in your ripping motor-car. We don't mean to stay late; in fact, we can promise that you'll be back in town before most of the guests have stopped dancing. Now. what do you say, when. in addition to short hours you'll be in for a splendid adventure just the sort of thing to appeal to you?"
 Its rather odd" said Christopher. but my errand here this morning was to leave note for Lord Arrowdale. making an appointment for a talk about motoring party of his friends to St. Romans for the ball."
 Miss Dauvray looked up suddenly. and was nobly beautiful with the ivory curve of her cheeks stained & deep rose-color. Still she did not speak.
 ''Is Lord Arrowdale lunching herer inquired Fitzgerald. glaacing about.
 At half-past two, believe--so said the friend who asked me, by Lord ArrOwdale's request, to leave a note for him here. Its not yet half-past one. But even if he were here shouldn't know it, for I've never seen him"
 "Well, then, as you're strangers to each other. and you and have known each other, man and boy, for at least half an hour, do think you might give me the preference over Arrow dale. You aren't pledged to him in any way yetT
 "No.' Christopher admitted.
 "When you keep that appointment couldn't you tell him you are engaged, but could recommend hir1 some or dinary chauffeur with a fine car, which would suit his purpose just as well!
 "what if I recommended such a chauffeur ard such a car to youT"
 "Ah, but an ordinary chauffeur wouldn't suit our purpose at all. We must have a gentleman, Mir. Race"
 ''In that case," he said, T am at your orders"
 Its settled-you're one of us" ex- claimed Fitzgerald.
 "Yes," said Christopher.
 Then you shall hear the whole thing. We'll. as you've heard all about the ball, you know that Milly van Bouten-or her aunt, who poses as hostess-has offered the Scrope blue diamond as a prize for the greatest sensation of the evening""
 Meaning the handsomest cos tumeT
 Not exactly that, for 1t can even be won by a party. Indeed, 1 think 1t will be won by my party. What she means Is to give the diamond to the person or group of persons whose appearance and manner of entrance creates the greatest sensation. That's why she's having 1t masked: 1t can be so much more sensational, rouse % much more fun and speculation. than even the best fancy dress dance."
 T should have thought 1t rather risky to let masked guests into such To house. and among such jewels as are sure to be worn." said Chris tophee.
 ~Of course. that danger was dis cussed," returned Fitzgerald, land 1t was arranged for the general safety that . society detective sort of per