Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-06-11
The Man From the Clouds
7opyrs0ht. 1913. ov George Fl. Doran Co.
THIS STARTS THE STORY

& fCopyright, 1913. bv George Fl. Dordn co..
THIS STARTS THE STORY
Roger Merton, descending in par
achute from runaway balloon,
finds himself on an English island,
q and, by supposing he Is in Germany,
surprises German spy into reveal
Ing himself. He decides upon plan
to uncover the spy plot for the Brit
ish government. Meeting one Mr..
Kendall, owner Of the island, he tells
z In mysterious story of his arrival on
the island on secret business Mr..
4 Kendall gives him lodging. Later he
4 4neets strange old man by the road
side who asks for wax match,
DIR. Kendall and topper O'Brien,
under DIR. Rendall's care. He also
finds half wit supposedly the son
Of a farmer, Scollay. Instead of
again meeting the German spy and
A unraveling the mystery, he mar
rowly escapes death in two strange
experiences, and succeeds in getting
himself arrested as a spy. Luckily
the officer in command is his cousin
in the secret service, who investigates
his story without solving it. Later
& he is wounded in n naval engagement
/ at sea, and while at the base hospital
is visited by his cousin. They de-
eide upon new plan against the
German spies. Roger returns to the
island disguised as one Sylvester
Hobhouse, an alcoholic patient.
AND HERE is CONTINUES
] TNVENING was near at hand when
- Mr.. Hebhouse entered his teetotal
haven, and his effusiveness was quite
sincere as he rubbed his hands over a
blazing fire in the doctors smoking
room, and still sinccrer when he faced
an excellent high tea.
The conversation naturally turned on
the war, and Thomas Sylvester showed
an anxiety to learn his hosts opinions
and an enthusiastic agreement with each
pne of them that seemed to please the
doctor. He became more and more
talkative and genial, but though his
guest mentally went through his words
with a toothcomb as he uttered them.
he had to confess at the end of chatty
hour that the doctor exhibited neither
any special knowledge OF military and
naval affairs nor any lack of zeal for the
cause of his country.
''No treason so far !" said Thomas
to himself.
Then with what he flattered himself
was the art which conceals art, Mr..
Hobhouse brought the conversation
round to the subject of the doctor him
self and his household He enthusias-
tically assured his host that each ar
rangement he mentioned Vas the best
imaginable-from the Doctors being a
bachelor to his having no hot water
8 laid on in the bathroom but large cans
brought when necessary. And presently
he blinked more amiably than ever and
inquired:
And do you often have-er-guests
doctor; guests such as myself"
The Doctors geniality seemed sud
denly to contract little.
"Occasionally," he said briefly.
quite so,' agreed Mr.. Hobhouse
Too often would be a great nuisance
Occasionally-yet, yes, that must be
much pleasanter. Just when you feel
inclined l see. And / hope you get
decent fellows as a rule, doctor 1t
would be very unpleasant otherwise.
st is" said Doctor Kendall with
distinct emphasis.
Il trust | won't be a nuisance said
Mr.. Hobhouse anxiously.
"Oh, no, no." said the doctor hur-
riedly, "I was thinking Of"
He broke off, and his amiable guest
tactfully changed the subject A little
later, with what he hoped was equal
tact, he returned to it again. Assuring
the doctor of his anxiety to give no
trouble, he said:
''I'll do just as the last fellow did.
You just put me into his shoes, doctor,
and then you'll always know where you
are
There was no doubt about the oddness
of the glance which Doctor Kendall shot
at his guest this time. His answer was
q murmur that might have meant any
thing. Mr.. Hobhouse innocently rat
tied on:
.I presume he fitted into your ways
all right and so will if you tell me
first what-er-you did mention his
name-or didn't you?'
"O'Brien," said the doctor.
''O'Brien ?" repeated Mr.. Hobhouse
with distinct air of distaste for so
mild gentleman.
The doctor looked at him quickly.
s.Do you know him." he asked sharp
".
"Oh, no, no! Oh dear me, no! It's
< only that have a very foolish and very
stupid prejudice against Irishmen-as l
presume he was"
Mr.. Hobhouse laughed pleasantly. and
inwardly he laughed still more pleas
antly, for his shot came off.
$50 have l." agreed the doctor, and
there was no doubt that he was in
earnest.
Mr.. Hobhouse decided that he had
probed the matter sufficiently for the
present, and with what he was now be-
ginning to consider his usual tact he
changed the subject.
Before they parted that night he
could not resist one touch of art despite
the counsels of Sir Francis.
''Before we go to bed, doctor" he
said, with his most ingratiating smile,
s'do you think one little drop would
do us any harm? l feel as though |
might have little cold coming OH"
a. gbaE