Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-09-14
THE MYSTERY GIRL
roscinans Of Bas Plot Interest
8tEl ey CAROLYN WELLS
by

| She met little response, for he
mother was absorbed in the traininl
Of the Japanese, and the two mel
seemed indisposed to pursue the sub
ject.
Don't you think she's odd looking? p
Helen asked of DR.. Waring.
"Odd looking" he repeated: I"
don't know. didn't notice her espe
cially. She sees,ed to me rathe
distinguished type"
distinguished is the word" agreed
Lockwood. What about the lectur,
tomorrow night. Doctor? Will Fes.
senden take care Of it?'
No: l must lecture myself tomor.
row night; I'm sorry, for I'm busy
with that book revision. However. ri
shall be ready for it,
of course you WILL" laughed Mrs
Peyton: You were never caught un
ready for anything" !"
| But 1t means some work." Warlns
added, as he rose from the table.
lie went into the study, followed
by Lockwood. whose experience made
him aware Of what books his chief
would need. and be began at once to
take them from the shelves.
Right Waring said, looking over
the armful Of volumes Lockwood placed
on the desk and seating himself in the
swivel chair.
:, Bring me Marcus Aurelius, too,
please, and Martial"
The classic touch" Lockwood
Yes, It adds dignity, If one Is a
good. .naturedly. That's All, Lock.
WOOD: You may 60. if you like
No. sir. I'll stay until eleven or
so. I'm pretty busy with the reports.
and, too. some one may call whom l
can take care Of"
Good chap you are. Lockwood. I
appreciate 1t. Very we'll. then. don't
bother me unless absolutely necessary.
The secretary left the room and closed
the study door behind him.
The Tragedy
This door gave on to the end of the
cross hall. and the hall ended then.
IN roomy window seat, and also held
a.book rack and table; altogether
comfortable and useful nook, frequently
occupied by Gordon Lockwood. The
window looked out on the beautiful
lake view. as did the great study win
DOW. and 1t also commanded view of
the hlghroad on which stood. not far
away. the Adams boarding house,
Lockwood lodged there, as being
more convenient, but most of his
waxing hours were spent in his en-
ployer's home. A perfect secretary he
had proved himself to be. for his pre.
science amounted almost to cIairyoy.
ance, and his imperturbability was ex-
ceedingly useful In keeping troublesome
people or things awat from John War
ing.
So, he determined to stay on guard
lest a chance caller should come to
olS,uro the doctor at his work.
But Lockwood's own WORK was some
what neglected. Try as he would to
concentrate upon 1t. he could not en-.
tlrely dismiss from his mind certain
mysterious little face, whose meaning
eluded him. For once, Gordon Lock-
wood. reader of faces. was bafled. He
couldn't classify the girl who was both
rude and charming, both cruel and pa
thetic.
At any rate he thought about her
while his work waited. And. then, he
thought of other things-for he had
troubles of his own, had this super
cilious young man. And troubles which
CALLED him the more that they were
sordid--money troubles, in fact. His
whole nature revolted at the mere
thought of mercenary considerations.
but If one Is short of funds one must
recognize the condition, dstasteful
though 1t be.
At 9:30 Nogi came with a tray bear
ing water and glass Under the
watchful eye of Mrs. fe,.,.i the jap
anese tapped at the study door and, in
response to the masters bidding, went
in with his tray. He left it punctil-
iously on the table directed, and with
his characteristic bow, departed again.
At 10 30 Mrs. Peyton and Helen
went upstairs to their rooms, the house.
keeper having given Nogi strict and
definite instructions. which included his
on duty until the master
should also retire.
And the night wore on.
A clear, cold night, with late rising
moon, past the full, but still with its
great yellow disc nearly round.
1t shone down on what seemed like
for the sleet that had COW
cred the trees with a coating of ice.
and had fringed caves and fences with
icic!es, had ceased, and left the glitter
ing landscape frozen and sparkling in
the STILL cold air. i
And when, some hours later, the sun
rose on the same chill scene its rays
made no perceptible impression on the
cold and the mercury stayed down at
It's lowest winter record.
And so even the stolid Japanese Ito
and his yellow teeth chartered
as he knocked at Mrs. Peyton's door
In the early dawn of Monday morning.
What is it?" she cried, springing
from her bed to unbolt her door.
Grave news. madam and the Ori-
etal bowed before her.
what has happened? Tell me, Ito"
II am not sure, madam-but, the
Eyes, what about DR.. Waring?"
''He is--he Is asleep in his study"
"Asleep in his study! Ito, what do
you mean"
That. madam. His bed is unslept
In. His room door ajar. / looked In
the straightforward from the dining
is there by his desk---"
asleep, Ito--you said asleep -
Yes -madam--but--1 do not know.
And Nogi-he Is gone. -
Gone! Where to?'
THAT also; do. not know. Will
madam come and look|'
"No; will not! l know something
las happened knew something would |
,appen,' lto' he is not asleep-he
Don't say it, madam. We do not
Snow.'
Find out Go in and speak to
him."
"But the door is locked. ! tried
t."
} LOCKED The study door locked, and
DR.. Waring still In there? How do you
know?"
~ peeped from the dining room win
iow-and | could see him, leaning down
m bio daSk -