Evening star., 1923-07-08
CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.
Francis Ledsam was himself again
the lightest-hearted and most nonu-
lar member of his club still a brilliant
fsure in the courts. although his ap-
pearances there were less frequent,
still devoting the greater portion of
his time 10 his profession, although
his work in connection with it had
become less spectacular One morn
ing, at the corner of Charges street
and Curzon street about three weeks
after his visit to the opera, he came
face to face with Sir Timothy Brast.
We'll, my altruistic peerer into
other peoples affairs, how goes ito"
the latte inquired pleasantly
How does il seem, my arch -crimi-
nal, TO be still breathing Gods fresh
! air?" Francis retorted in the same
vein Make the most of ii. 1t may
not last forever"
Sir Timothy smiled. He was look
ing exceedingly well that morning,
the very prototype. of man con-
tented with life and his part in it, He
was wearing morning coat and silk
/ hat, his patent boots were faultlessly
polished, his trousers pressed to per
fection, his gray silk tie neat and
fashionable. Notwithstanding his
waxenlike pallor. his slim figure and
1.-THE. athletic walk seemed to speak
of good health.
You may catch the minnow." he
murmured. The big fish swim on.
By-the-bye," he added, Il do not no
| tice that your sledge-hammer blows
| at crime are having much effect. Two
| undetected murders last week and
| one the week before. What are YOU
! about, my astute friend?"
''Those are matters for Scotland
Yard" Francis replied, with an in
which held his cigarette "Details are
| for the professional. L seek that cor
ner in hell where the thunders are
welded and the poison gases mixed.
. In other words, I seek for the brains
, of crime"
Believe me. we do not see enough
of one another, my young friend" Sir
| Timothy said earnestly. you inter
est me more and more every time we
| meet. / like your allegories. 1 like
your confidence, which in any one
| except genius would seem blatant.
When can we dine together and talk
about crime?"
The sooner the better" Francis
! replied promptly. Invite me, and 1
Will concel any other engagement /
| might happen to have"
Sir Timothy considered for a mo-
ment. The June sunshine was
streaming down upon them and the
atmosphere was a little oppressive.
will you dine with me at Hatch
End tonight?" he asked. My daugh-
ter and l will be alone
Il should be delighted" Francis re-
piled promptly. II ought to tell you,
perhaps. that / have called three
times upon your daughter, but have
not been fortunate enough to find her
at home"
: Sir Timothy was politely apollo
getic.
II fear that my daughter is a little
inclined to be morbid" he confessed.
Society is good for her. 1 will un-
dertake that you are a welcome
guest"
cat what time do 1 come aud how
| shall 1 find your house?" Francis in
quired
You motor down, suppose? Sir
Timothy observed. Good, In Hatch
End any one will direct you. We
dine at eight. You had better come
down as soon as you have finished
your days work. Bring a suitcase
and spend the night"
piled.
do not" Sir Timothy continued,
court disappointment by overan-
ticipation. You have without doubt
heard of my little gatherings at
Hatch End. They are viewed, I am
told. with grave suspicion, alike by
the moralists of the city and. I fear.
one of those gatherings. They are for
people with other tastes. My daugh-
ter and have been spending a few
days alone in the little bungalow by
the side of my larger house. That is