Pueblo chieftain., 1921-08-21
The Strange Case
OF Mr.. Challoner

Please, sir. Miss Normans tainted :"
william johnson. known TO his col
l,lSues as the innocent, stood at NAL
,pm sage's door, with widened eyes
and a general air that bespoke help
l1sness.
Without a word Malcolm Sage rose
rom his table. as II accustomed all his
lr- to the fainting OF secretaries. En-
ring her room. he found Gladys Nor
nan lying In a heap beside her type
writer Picking her up he carried her
TO his own room. placed her In an
imchalr fetched some brandy from a
nall cupboard and, still watched by
tIc wide William johnson, pro-
peeaed to force a little between her
teeth
Presently her lids flickered and, a
moment later. she opened her eyes. For
a second there was in them a look of
Lncertainty, then suddenly they opened
10 their fullest extent and became
led upon the door beyond. Malcolm
ige glanced over his shoulder and
.lW framed in the doorway Sir James
walton.
sit down. Chief" he said quietly.
his gaze returning to the girl sitting
imply in the large leather covered
tlmchair 4 shall be free in a mo.
ment"
As Miss Norman made an effort to
rise. he placed a OBTAINING hand upon
her arm.
send Mr Thompson"
With a motion OF his hand Malcolm
Sage Indicated to William Johnson
that the dramatic possibilities OF the
situation were exhausted, at least as
far as he was concerned.
When Thompson entered. Malcolm
sage instructed him to move the
mans room and, when she was rested.
to take her home IN the car.
Thompson's face heamed His devo-
tion TO Gladys Norman was notorious.
The girl rose and raised to Malcolm
sage a pair OF dark eyes from which
tears we're not far distant.
I'm so ashamed. Mr.. Sage" she be-
gan. her lower lip trembling ominously
nv. never done such a thing before"
I've been working you too hard. he
ssid. as he held back the door. You
must go home and rest"
She shook her head and passed out.
whilst Malcolm Sage returned TO his
seat At tho table.
Working Till o'clock thi. morning
he remarked as he resumed his seat
she won't have assistance. stranse
creatures, women he added muslngly.
but beautifully loyal
Sir James had dropped into a chair
on the opposite side Of Malcolm sage :
table Having selected a cigar from
TN. box his late chisf-of-staf pushed
across to him. he cut off tho end and
proceeded TO light Il,
Good cigars these he remarked, as
re critically examined the lighted end;
l'They'r. your own brand. Chief.
WAS tn, reply Malcolm Sage always
used tho old mama OF 'Chief when ad.
dressing sir James wai>on. II seemed
TO constitute link with the old war
d,y. when they had worked together
viih A harmony that had bevildered
,ho.e head. OF departments who had
regarded Malcolm sage as something
between q punishment and n misfor-
tune
For sore seconds they were silent, II
was l!k. old times TO be seated one on
each slde OF a table and both seemed
TO realize the fact.
'rv. Jus, motored up from Hurst
church" began Sir James at length.
having assured himself that his cigar
was drawing RS good cigar should
draw
"Be.n staying with an old friend Of
rnine. Gcotfrcy Chslloner."
Malcolm Sage nodded.
H. wa. shot last night. That's why
I'm here" He paused: but Malcolm
SAGE made no comment His whole at
t.ntion was absorbed In an ivory
pap~rknife. which he was enteayorinE
10 balance upon tho handle OF the
silver inkstand. .
"A. halr-past seven this morning
continued sir James, Peters. tho but
lcr, knocked at Challoncr's door with
his shsvins-wster. As there was no
reply n. entered and found, not only