Evening star., 1922-03-26

Here" he explained, you will be
within a few hundred yards of the
place in which your husband is sad
to spend his time. l will be living in
the same hotel. If find him you will
know it in ten minutes"
The widow gave little gasp.
whether of excitement or of happiness
Ford could not determine.
"Whatever happens" she begged,
will you let me hear from you some
times? You are. the only person l
know in London-and it's so big it
frightens me. l don't want to be a
burden" she went on eagerly, but if
] can feel you are within CALL
What you need" said Ford heart
lily. ais less of the doctors nerve tonic
and sleeping draughts and little in
nocent diversion. Tonight 1 am going
to take you to the Savoy to supper"
Mrs. Ashton exclaimed deHghtedly,
and then was filled with misgiyings.
II have nothing to wear" she pro-
tested. "and over here. in the evening,
the women dress SO well. l have a
dinner gown" she exclaimed, "but it's
DldCk. "Outu tHdl 10:
Ford assured her nothing could be
better. He had mans vanity in lik-
ing a woman with whom he was seen
in public to be pretty and smartly
dressed. and he felt sure that in black
the blond beauty Of Mrs. Ashton
would appear to advantage. They ar
ranged to meet at eleven on the prom
enade leading to the Savoy supper
room, and parted with mutual salts
faction at the prospect.
X x X
THE finding of Harry Ashton was so
simple that in its very simplicity
it appeared spectacular.
On leaving Mrs. Ashton. Ford en-
gagged rooms at the Hotel Cecil. Be
fore visiting his rooms he made his
way to the American bar. He did not
go there seeking Harry Ashton. His
object was entirely se1f-centered. But
as though by appointment. the man
he had promised to find was waiting
for him. As Ford entered the room,
at a table facing the door sat Ashton.
There was no mistaking him. He wore
a mustache, but it was no disguise.
He was the same good-natured, good
looking youth who in the photograph
from under a Panama hat. had smiled
upon the world. With a glad cry Ford
rushed toward him.
Fancy meeting you!" he exclaimed
Mr.. Ashton's good-natured smile did
not relax. He merely shook his head
Afraid you have made a mistake" I"
he said.
The reporter regarded him blankly.
His face showed his disappointment.
Aren't you Charles w. Garrett of
New York;" he demanded.
Not me-" said Mr.. Ashton.
But" Ford insisted in hurt tones.
as though he were being trifled with.
you have been told you look like him.
haven't you?"
Mr.. Ashton's good nature was un-
assailable.
Sorry" he declared. never heard
Of him"
Ford became garrulous, he could
not believe two men could look so
much alike. The stranger must GER
tainly have q drink. the drink intend
ed for his twin. Ashton was bored.
but accepted. He was well acquainted
with the easy good-fellowship of his
countrymen. The room In which he
sat was meeting-pface for them.
This one, though as 1oQuacious as the
others, seemed better dressed. more
wise; he brought to the exile, the
atmosphere Of his beloved Broadway.
so Ashton drank to him pleasantly.
my name is Sydney Carter" he vol
unteered.
AZ q poker-player skins over the
cards in his hand, Ford. in his minds
eye, ran over the value OF giving or
not giving his right name. He decided
that Ashton would not have heard 1t
and that, II he gave q false one' there
was q chance that later Ashton might
find out that he had done so. Accord
ingly he said, Mine is Austin Ford." "
and seated himself at Ashton's table.
within ten minutes the man he had
Ipromiss4 to pluck from among the
earAt m4iiion inhAb4tants OF London
|-e~ srn&lfnne asuvNinf Ankfrallv A hia