Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-01-21
TlHElMIDDLET TElNPLEMURDER
Detective Story by j. S. Fletcher

proprictorship, but the younger, the girl
with the laughing eyes and vivacious
smile, and 1t suddenly dawned upon him
that somewhere, deep within him. there
had been notion, hope of seeing this
girl again--why, he could not then
think.
Spargo. thus coming face to face with
these three. mechanically lifted his hat.
Breton stopped. half inquisitive. His
eyes seemed to ask a question.
Yes said Spargo. "I--the fact
g. remembered that you said you were
coming up here, and I came after you.
I want--when you've time--to have a
talk. to ask you few questions. About
this. affair of the dead man. you
know"
Breton nodded. He tapped sporgo on
the arm.
Look here" he said. when this
'ase of mine is over. l can give you as
much time as you like. Can you wait
bit? Yes? Well, l say, do me a
favor. ] was taking these ladies round
to the gallery-round there. and up the
stnirs-and I'm bit pressed for time
I've a solicitor waiting for me. You
take them-there's good fellow; then
when the case is over, bring them down
here, and you and will talk. Here
I'll introduce you all--no ceremony.
Miss Aylmore-Miss Jessie Anymore.
Mr.. Spargo-of the Watchman. Now,
I'm off !" Breton turned on the in
stant his gown whisked round cor
ner, and Spargo found himself staring
at two smiling girls. He saw then that
both were pretty and attractive, and
that one seemed to be the elder by some
three or four years.
That is very cool of Ronald" OBJ
served the elder young lady. Perhaps
his scheme doesn't fit in with yours,
Mr.. Spargo? Pray don ut
ooh. it's all right, - said Spargo.
feeling himself uncommonly stupid.
I've nothing to do. But-where did
Mr.. Breton say you wished to be
taken?"
Into the gallery of No. Z court"
said the younger girl, promptly.
Round this corner-I think I know
the way"
Spargo, still marveling at the rapid-
ity with which affairs were moving that
morning, bestirred himself to act as
cicerone, and presently led the two
young ladies to the very front of one
OF those public galleries from which
idlcrs and specially interested specta
tors may see and hear the proceedings
which obtain in the badly ventilated,
ill-lighted tanks wherein justice is dis
"ensed at the law courts. There was
no one else in that gallery: the at
tendant in the corridor outside seemed
to be vastly amazed that any one should
wish to enter it, and he presently opened
the door, beckoned to Spargo, and came
'alf-way down the stairs to meet him.
morning" he whispered behind a raised
hand. "But there nice breach case
In No. 5--get you three good seats
there il you like"
Spargo declined this tempting offer.
and went back to his charges. He had
decided by that time that Miss Aylmore
was about twenty three, and her sister
about eighteen; he also thought that
young Breton was lucky dog to be in
possession of such a charming future
wife and an equally charming sister in
law. And he dropped into seat at
Miss Jessie Aylmore's side, and looked
around him as if he were much awed by
his surroundings.
II suppose one can talk until the
udge enters?' he whispered. "Is this
really MIR. Breton's first case?'
His very first-all on his own re-
way, IcDlitu SpuTSO
companion, smiling. "And he's very
nervous-and SOS my sister. Aren't
you, now, Evelyn?'
Evelyn Aylmore looked at Spargo. and
smiled quietly.
81 suppose ones always nervous
about first appearances, she said.
However, / think Ronald's got plenty
OF confidence, and, as he says, it's not
much of case it isn't even jury case.
I'm afraid you'll find it dull, Mr..
spargo--it's only something about a
promissory note"
."Oh, I'm all right, thank you," re-
Piled Spargo, unconsciously falling back
on favorite formula. II always like
to hear lawyers-they manage to say
such lot about-about-'
About nothing" said Jessie Ayl-
more. But there-so do gentlemen who
write for the papers, don't they?"
Spargo was about to admit that there
was good deal to be said on that point
when Miss Anymore suddenly drew her
sisters attention to a man who had lust
entered the we'll of the court.
Look, Jessie - she observed
There's Mr.. Elphick !"
CONTINUED TOMORROW