The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-08-03
The Mystery Of
theSilverDagger
BY Randall
Parrish
Author of
"The Strange Case
of CavendiSh"
Copyright, b. Randall PaHTfsh
Copyright, By Randall PaHrish

| parlor Of the McAlpln, on the mezza-
nine hoor-a friend wishes to see YOU"
but really. do not recognize your
voice."
(which is not altogether strange, as
nm only the clerk on this floor. am
making this request In behalf of
guest"
"A man or a woman, may l askT
She laughed go0d-hum0redly.
Really. am not ut liberty to say.
You will comeT
"Yes. of course"
Before l had really finished my SEN
tence the connection had been severed.
However, there was no doubt now in
my mind but that 1t was Harrjs. ]
took the subway and was at the en-
trance within twenty minutes, eager
to learn what had actually TRANSFERRED
during the past twelve hours. With
out using the elevator passed un the
marble stairs to the mezzanine floor.
pausing in uncertainty at the ton to
look about in search of some familiar
face. A number Of people were con-
gregated about the rallied opening look
ing down into the lobby, while others
were scattered around on convenient
divans, or at small writing desks
From the recesses of the ladies' room
at the left came the strains of piano
music, and the sound Of a soprano
vninn cinrinu Tho Tn q
clapping of hands. The faces l was
able to distinguish were all strange
and l moved forward in search.
had attained the opposite side Of
the room before came to halt, sud-
denly arrested by vision as startling
as unexpected. Leaning over the rail,
gazing intently down on the jostling
crowd to the lobby below, apparently
unconscious Of all else, was Marie
GesSler There could he no doubt; !
stood motionless, looking at her in
tently, satisfying myself that could
not be deceived. No. 1t was certainly
the same girl had talked with the
evening before, dressed more elaborate
ly, changed somewhat in appearance
by a more careful toilet, yet assuredly
the same. She must have felt the
intensity Of my stare and thus sensed
my presence, for she suddenly looked
about with little start saw me in
stantly and arose to her feet. There
was second of hesitation, barely per-
ceptible, before she ventured a step
forward, her lips smiling, her gloved
hand held out.
"You were very nice to come" she
exclaimed quietly ESPECIALLY in re-
Spouse to so ungracious q message of
invitation"
1T was you then who sent for me?"
"Of course. Did you imagine some
one else?"
II came rather blindly," l admitted,
unwilling to mention Harris. "Your
messenger refused to satisfy my Gu
riosity even to the extent of telling the
sex of the one calling"
She laughed, quite at her ease now,
and seemingly amused.
"She was duly warned. l confess
l feared you might hesitate to RESPOND
if you once knew what awaited you"
mo fear Of that"
"But l didn't know" her voice more
earnest, her eyes on my face ques-
tlOningly. you have not thought very
we'll Of me, have you? Let us 60 over
there in the corner, where we can talk
without being overheard-there are
two vacant phOirSn
We reached there and seated our
selves in silence. felt the necessity
of restraint, the desire to permit her
to lead the conversation in whatever
direction she thought best. She ap-
peared younger in the bright light,
her face even more attractive than in
my memory.
"You are thoroughly puzzled, are
you not" she asked gayly. "Well,
SO was l, last night. 1t Is only right
l should pay you back in your own
coin; that Is perfectly fair, l am sure.
Now l know who you are, but l am
still an enigma. You accepted me on
blind faith before; I wonder II you
are willing to do 1t again?"
II can hardly refuse"
Answered like a gentleman. But
suppose l tell you nothing and vet
ask of you dangerous service?
Would you risk your life for me, not
even asking who am or why make
| the reQueSt?"
There was grave earnestness to
| the voice, an entreaty in the eyes not
| to be ignored. This was no Idle ques
| ton TO he thrust aside with smile
~ believe | can make the pledge
to you," l replied soberly. at is verv
unusual. but"
"But you are Philip Se"ern," she
interrupted, with an eXprr. Sive ges-
ture. Hind you not been would
have never asked"
| 1T Is very nice OF you ~ put II In
that way, l am sure, bu, low do YOU
chance to know that I am Phil,p
Savern?"
suppose l insist that also Ia nv
secret? Yet surely ~ CO. ld not be-
| lit,va I would ho hero with ,,o,, ,,.,,