Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-05
COPYRIGHT. 1918. bp d. Appleton q Co.
CopDvi0ht. Public Led0er. Company
{ READ THIS FIRST


READ THIS FIRST
= EVELYN Preston finds stranger
dad In the library of her home. An
4zztopsy shows death was due to
= pr1tssic, acid. probably administered
h cherry brandy. Her mother and
N ll4r stepfather, Peter Burnham,
4tFive but can throw no light on the
xny0tery. Captain La Montague, in
love with Evelyn, learns from
Marian Van Ness that his letters
10 Evelyn have been intercepted.
& They suspect Burnham. Burnham
and Maynard, a friend, visit Palm
1r, an architect, and Hayden a
q rbystcian. While they are discuss
ing the mystery Burnham Is shot
by somebody unknown, Palmer
rushes to the door and is there met
Z by la Montague, who inquiries for
the Van Ness apartments. Burn
ham shouts: THAT damned French
z man did i'll" and falls unconscious.
Palmer goes to the Van Ness apart
xnent and Maynard goes with him.
They are known to Miss Van Ness
and their call appears to be merely
social. They find La Montague and
EVELYN there. Palmer. in love with
EVELYN, is infuriated. Maynard
4accidentally upsets a sheaf of
fpapers from table.
NOW READ THIS
NT'HEY are the papers I carried
home for you and carelessly left
them in my tunic, Madame" explained
La Montague. 81, fearing might not
meet you so Immediately asked Miss
Preston that she take them in charge.
] trust my walkaway with the papers
did not distress you, Madame Van
Ness?"
Marian's smile was very charming.
ssYou have not inconvenienced me-"
she said. THE papers were unimpor-
tant. Must you be going?" she added
swiftly, seeing Palmer rise. The archi.
tect, surprised by the question, stared
at her in some confusion; he had
simply risen because he was too nerv.
Gus to sit still longer Maynard, mis-
taking Palmer's confusion for hesi-
fancy. rose also.
I'VE must be off, he said. Just
dropped in for friendly chat. Can't
see you home, Evelyn?"
"Thanks, Mr.. Maynard, but I am
spending the night with Marian. Are
you going also?" as La Montague see
ing the two men remained standing,
rose to his feet. Before the French
man could answer her question, May
nard spoke for him.
I'VE are going to carry off Rene"
he laughed. Don't begrudge US the
privilege of a talk about France, Eve
lyn; I have messages for La Mon
tagne. Mrs. Van Ness" His direct
gaze held hers. II hope very soon to
be neighbor of yours, as Palmer tells
me there is a vacant apartment in
the building. VIII you let me come
and see you again?'
Marian held out her hand; 1t re-
manned but second in his strong
clasp. then was withdrawn. II shall
always be happy to see you and Mr..
Palmer" she announced, and the in
clusson of Palmers name robbed the
message of any special cordially to
Maynard alone.
Palmer's reply was mingled with his
eood-bys to Evelyn; he was determined
to have the last word with her. but
La Montague outmaneuvered him and,
Just as the other men stepped into
the corridor. he whisked back into the
apartment, to return a second later
10 the corridor smiling happily.
"Pardon!" he exclaimed blandly.
s.Shall we take the elevator or walk?"
Walk" jerked out Palmer, his
temper getting the upper hand, ana
La Montagne's eyebrows rose as he
glanced significantly at Maynard. He
said nothing more, however, and ac-
his companions in silence
to the next floor, where Palmer halted.
''Will you please explain" he be-
gan. "why you stopped at the door
Of my apartment earlier this EVENING""
TO inquire the direction OF Madame
Van Ness,s apartment" La Montague
glanced at him in mild surprise. "I
told you SO when you questioned me
before
80 you did, but you did not tell me
why you walked into my apartment
and out on the balcony" retorted
Palmer.
but I did no such action" La Mon
fasne looked in bewilderment at May
nard standing silently by them.
4 s'Teli us. La Montague" began May
ulard hurriedly. and thereby check
big Palmer's next question, did you
Elnd the front door Of the apartment
ajar?r
l"Do you mean opened?" Maynard
nbdded. "But yes, and hearing voices
inside I thought to inquire my way"
AInquire your way" repeated Pal
maf mechanically. II have seen you
Dfden this autumn going upstairs in
his building"
"True, to visit my friend, Major
Jean," calmly. HE left today" La
lfcntagne looked more closely at May
1aard and Palmer and their serious
manner surprised him. 81 fear un-
Intentionally intruded by stopping at
your door" he said haughtily. as he
straightened himself. II would not
have risked disturbing you. but that
/ saw a man leave your door a second
before.
IA mani" Palmer came closer. did
~<ots seo who ha WASP"