The Washington times., 1919-04-29
"The Dark Star =
By ROBERT W. CHAMBERS
Neeland Awakens FrOmStup0rtO Find
Strange Alien Trying to Open the
Mysterious Olive Wood Box
By ROBERT w. CHAMBERS

ana ne saw neF eyebrow bend in
ward as though She were annoyed.
PO0F Cook Good sport.
You are pretty. SCheherazade.
he repeated. You know you are.
don't you? But you're a poor cook
and rotten shot You can't ba
perfection. you know. Cheer uD.n
She ignored the suggestion, her
dark eyes DroOding and remote
again and he lay watching her
with placid interest in which no
rancour remained. He was feeling
decidedly better every minute now.
He lifted the automatic pistol and
showed IL under his pillow, then
cautiously flexed his fingers, hB
arms. and finally his knees, with
increasing pleasure apd content,
Such dreadful soup" he said.
But I'm a lot better. thank you.
Was Il to have been murder this
time, too. Schehera4ade2 Wonld
the entire cupful have made a ptet-
ty angel OF me? on. lie, Naughty
Scheherazadei@
She remained mute.
Didn't you mean manslaughter
with intent TO exterminate?" he in
sisted, watching her.
=
blond and bearded companion. and
the open port. for she made no
reply.
me OutT' inquired Neeland- why
did you Object?"
At that she reddened- to the root1
OF her hair. understanding that
what she feared had been true
helpless. had retained suffCfent
consciousness TO be aware Of what
was happening TO him. and 70 M
derstand at least a part Of the con-
versation.
What was the stun with which
you favored that soup. Schehera-
zade?"
He was merely batting her; he
did not expect any reply: but to
his surprise. she answered him
"Threlanium-Spey solution is
what / used" she said with q sort
Of Hstless effrontery.
Don't know it. Don't like L.
either Prefer other condiments."
He lifted himself on one elbow,
mained propped so. tore open his
wireless telegram. and after q.
while, contrived to read t.:
James Neeland,
IS. s. Volhynia-
Spies aboard Be careful R
trouble threatens captain has in
structiOns British government q
protect you and order arrests %
your complaint.
with a smile that was almost .
grin, Neeland handed the telegram.
to Ilse DumOnt
''Scheherazade." he said. you'll
be good little girl now. won't
you? Because II would be a shock
ing thing for you and your friend
across the way to land in England
wearing funny bangles on your
wrists ana keeping step with each
other wouldn't it?"
She continued to hold the slip OF
paper and stare at II long after she
had finished reading it and the
words became a series Of parallel
blurs
"Scheherazade. he said lightly,
what on earth am going to Do
with your
II suppose you will lodge .
charge with the captain against
me" she replied in even tones
why not? You deserve il. don't
you? You and your humorous
friend with the yellow beard?"
She looked at him with a vague
smile.
What can you proven said she.
Perfectly true. dear child. Moth
ing. l don't want to prove any
thing, either"
She smiled incredulously.
Had Taken Precautions.
Its quite true. Scheherazade.
1 shouldn't have or
dered my steward to throw the
of my dinner out OF the
portfolio. No. dear child.
[ should have had il anaIyzed. had
your stateroom searched for more
of that elusive seasoning YOU
used to flavor my dinner; had q
further search made for a certain
sort OF handkerchief and perfume.
Also. just imagine the delightful
evidence which a thorough search
your papers might reVeal"' He
laughed. NO, ScheheraZade; I did
not care TO prove you anything
a menace to society.
Because, in the first place. 1 an
absurdly grateful to you"
TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW