Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-10

I.o Montague, in love with Evelyn,
lehrns from Marian Van Ness. a
a friend, that his letters to Evelyn
n have been intercepted and blames
y Rurnham. Burnham Is shot while
visiting Palmer, a friend, whom he
wishes Evelyn to marry. He be-
lieves La Montague fired the shot.
Maynard, an actor and a friend OF
the family, is quietly investigating
the death mystery. He questions
EVELYN concerning the servants.
THEN READ THIS
T5yELYN reflected before she an
- answered. "The chambermaid and
mothers maid and the second man are
new; only came this summer; but
Mrs. Ward has been with us over three
years, while Jones came over ten years
ago"
"Js Jones a trustworthy servant?'
.Well. rather" Evelyn laughed
merrily. HE Is the oldest character.
Hasn't he confided to you about the
Missions and his human derelicts'?'
His what?'
'Reclaimed souls. A year ago
mother got very much wrought up
over the ex-gamblers, eX.thieves, eX-
swindlers-there may have been a few
ex-murderers among his friends-to
whom he offered the hospitality of our
servants hall, so she suggested that
the Lord had called him to join mis-
sion. and now he is entirely happy in
his new field. He levies contributions
fn hn1 n,
port it; I shouldn't be bit surprised
~ mother has to adopt the mission in
order to keep Jones'"
"You think he is worth keeping"
Evelyn looked at Maynard in great
surprise. "Yes, indeed. Jones really
is an excellent butler, and kind and
considerate to the other servants. His
eccentricities are growing on him, I'll
admit. He infuriated my stepfather
last winter by using religious notices
on the icing of cakes and having the
floral decorations made in the shape
of crosses. I rather enjoyed ther
rows
'oh, so Mr.. Burnham and Jones
don't hit it OFF,
mot very well. But mother really
is attached to Jones and declined to
discharge him even after the birthday
dinAer-you heard about that?" she
broke off to inquire.
No
Evelyn's eyes danced. 1T was Mr..
Burnham's birthday and mother gave
a large party. The cook, a wonderful
cakemaker, was told to make the
birthday cake instead of getting it
from Rauscher's. Unfortunately she
left the icing of the cake to Jones'
Evelyn paused dramatically. Jones
brought in the cake with the candles
all lighted and before it was cut the
guests examined the decorations. In
the center, done in chocolate, was the
date of the day of the dinner; then
Mr.. Burnham's initials, and right
around the cake Jones had put in large
lettering: Prepare to meet thy God
"Mr. Burnham hasn't any sense of
humor," added Evelyn. And he hates
to be made ridiculous; don't believe
he has ever forgiven Jones and he is
always pestering mother to discharge
him"
docs Jones know it,"
"Oh, yes" Evelyn laughed mischiev-
ously There is not much love lost
between them"
Maynard lowered his voice. "Is Mr..
Burnham a pacifist, Evelyn"
II believe SO. but I don't pay much
attention to his arguments" she an
swered. "At one time he was a pro-
nounced admirer of the Germans eff.
cheney, but that was before we entered
the war;
Maynard thumped the neat pile of
gravel he had raked up with his cane
back into place before he again ad.
dressed Evelyn.
Il am wondering" he began Anally
"if you can recall how Mrs. Ward ap-
peared when you found her on your
doorstep after discovering the dead
man in the library?"
Il Evelyn wrinkled her brow in
thought. II am afraid can't" she ad-
Initted. II was in a blue funk and I
just clutched her; think I would
have clutched almost any one whom
found there-even the murderer!
Maynard shot quick look at her.
There is a point which has been
bothering me good Bit" he said
slowly. TT occurred to me that per-
haps-" he stopped, to add hastily:
please treat what / am about to say
as confidential--"
Evelyn nodded. Certainly, I prom.
ise.7
did Mrs. Ward have keys to the
house?"
suppose so; no, come to think of
IL she must have given the keys to
Jones" Evelyn rubbed her forehead
Mrs. Ward was to close the house at
Chelsea after the servants had left and
join them here"
Maynard drew out an envelope and
pencil and jotted down several words
Do you recall, Evelyn, hearing the
front door bell ring while you were
in the library with the dead man."
Evelyn's eyes opened. IL didn't hear
any bell-then," she stated with posi-
fiveness. But thousand bells might
: -