The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-01
CHAPTER 6 The Tragedy.


 That same Sunday evening the War ing household dined alone. Oftener than not there were guests, but to- night there were only the two Pey- tons, Lockwood and John Waring himself.
 Ito, the butler, had holiday Sunday afternoon and evening. and Nogi, the second and less experienced man, was trying his best to satisfy the ex- actions of Mrs. Peyton as to his ser vice at table.
 Helen Peyton was in a talkative mood and commented volubly on the caller of the afternoon, Miss Austin.
 She met little response, for her mother was absorbed in the training of the Japanese. and the two men seemed indisposed to pursue the sub ject.
 Don't you think she's odd look ing?' Helen asked of Dr. Waring.
 odd looking" he repeated. T don't know. l didn't notice her espe- cially. She seemed to me a rather distinguished type"
 Distinguished is the word" agreed Lockwood. What about the lecture tomorrow night, Doctor? Will Fes- senden take care of it?"
 No; I must lecture myself tomor- row night. I'm sorry, for I'm busy with that book revision. However, I'll lOOk up some Qdla iulS .dHQ shall be ready for it."
 "Of course you twill" laughed Mrs. Peyton, You were never caught un- ready for anything!'
 But it means some work" Waring added, as he rose from the table.
 He went into the study, followed by Lockwoo ', whose experience made him aware of what books his chief would need, and he 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 him self in the swivel chair.
 Bring me Marcus Aurelius. too, please, and Martial
 The classic touch," Lockwood
 Yes, 1t adds dignity, if one is a bit shy of material" Waring ad- mitted, good -naturedly. That's all. Lockwood. You may go, if you like"
 NO, sir. I'll stay until II 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. appreciate it. Very well. then, don't bother me unless absolutely neces- sary."
 a The secretary left the room and closed the study door behind him.
 Th1S door gave on to the end or the cross hall, and the hall ended then, in a roomy window seat, and also held book rack and table; alto gether a comfortable and useful nook, frequently occupied by Gordon Lock- wood. The window looked out on the beautiful lake view, as did the great study window and it also commanded a view of the highroad on which stood not far away, the Adams boarding house.
 Lockwood lodged there, as being more convenient, but most of his waking hours were spent in his em- ployer's home. A perfect secretary he had proved himself to be, for hIs rrescience amounted almost to clair voyance, and his imperturbability was exceedingly useful in keeping troublesome people or things away from John Waring.
 So, he determined to stay on guard. lest a chance caller should come to disturb the doctor at his work.
 But LOckwoods own work was somewhat neglected Try as he would to concentrate upon it, he could not entirely dismiss from his mind a cer- tain mysterious little face, whose meaning eluded him. For once, Cor don Lockwood, reader of faces, was baffled. He couldn't classify the girl who was both rude and charm ing, both cruel and pathetic.
 For cruelty was what this expert read in the knowing eyes and firm little mouth of Miss Mystery. And because of this indubitable element in her nature, he deemed her pa- thetic. Which shows how much she interested him.
 At any rate he thought about her