Evening star., 1921-07-27
HOW MANY CARDS.?
BY ISABEL OSTRANDER
Island of Intrigue Suspense "Ashes Ashes
Copyright. M. &
By ISABEL OSTRANDER

nine of diamonds. but superimposed
were tiny blotches of dull crimson.
unmistakable in their significance.
McCarty picked it up gingerly. and
saw that Is was torn half across its
face: the crimson spots were fast
turning murky brown and a smudge
which resembled the imprint of a
finger was plainly discernible near
one side. The card itself was of the
most expensive grade Of linen, gilt
edged. and despite its sinister stains
had obviously come from new deck.
The back was of a peculiar design
printed in rich colors and gold after
the manner of tie ancient illuminated
text and McCarty studied it with
minute care. fixing the pattern in his
mind. Then he crossed to the writ
ing table between the windows and
opening drawer selected an envelope
and placed the card within it.
This he slipped into his pocket and
search OF the room, albeit he shook
his head obviously as he did so.
How that single bloodstained play
ing card happened to have been slip
ped under the edge of that strip of
tapestry he could not fathom nor
he felt certain that the rest of the
deck would not be brought to light
within those four walls. His sup
position proved to be correct one.
for he FOUND no playing cards or
games of any description save a set
Of rare old ivory chessmen which he
unearthed from a lower drawer of
one Of the bookcases. He took a
final survey OF the room and opened
tie door to return to the inspector
when just as he did SO he beheld a
dark. clerical appearing form noise
leSsly pass across the hall from the
other side of the staircase
1t halted before the door of the
breakfast room for an apprecia BILE
minute as. though listening intently.
then opend 1t and McCarty heard a
deferential voice utter the conven-
tional Il beg pardon. sir"
There was murmur of indistin-
guishable words and the man passed
within. closing the door behind him.
In his turn. McCarty advanced to it
and listened. and so it came that he
heard the inspectors questions and
learned the identity of the intruder.
At the Wallets refusal to state his
whereabouts during the night McCarty
quietly entered -
Possibly not" The inspectors curt
tones held a hint OF menace. Your
preference. however. will not be con-
suited and l warn you that you had
better be candid with us now"
Perhaps" Mr.. Alexander's thin.
nervous tones broke in. ut would be
best to wait until Mrs. Creveling ar
riVeS"?'
y To McCarty's keen gaze 1t seemed
that glance of warning shot from
the eyes Of Creveling's late partner to
the valet. but the latter's demeanor
did not change even as Inspector
Druet turned wrathfully upon the
author of the suggestion.
Il am conducting this inquiry. SIR
he thundered. Then to the man be-
fore him he added: your employer
has been found dead. shot through the
heart. Do you still persist in your
REFUSAL"
Mr.. Creveling dead" The valet
started back a step or two: II
overheard Mr.. Alexander say some
thing about murder as 1 stopped at
the door just now. but 1 didn't
think! This is horrible! Who
who shot him?"
He passed one hand across his lips,
as though to hide some uncontrolia-
BILE evidence of emotion, but his eyes
were fixed watchfully. unchangingly
upon his interrogation.
That is what we are endeavoring
to ascertain" retorted the inspector
Did you know of your employers in
tention to come here to his house last
night?"
for a shade of a second II was here
earlier in the evening; 1t was I who
received the caterers men and ar
ranged the table for supper"
Continued in Tomorrow's Star.)