The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-13


Ca, newly arrived in London from Paris,
at in the lounge of the Hotel Milan, talking
TO his daughter Lady Sittingbourne. The
latter was little distressed.
81 am worried about George, Dad" she
confided. "When did you say the Maureta-
MIA arrived"
"Docked in Liverpool at noon yesterday"
Mr.. Cray replied. "The special arrived in
London last night
George cabled me from New York that
he was sailing on her." Sara continued,
land | have heard nothing since. l sat at
home all last night, and all today 40 till
O'Clock. Then l telephoned the Cunard
office and they told me that he was on
board They knew nothing else, of course
Mr. Cray admitted to being littla PEI
picked himself.
81 suppose he'd have to go to che Foreign
Office first he observed.
II thought I'd allowed plenty Of time fer
that. Why, Dad Mr.. Cray was leaning
forward in his chair He too was staring in
some bewilderment at the tall, good-looking
man who had just descended the steps, and
with companion by his side was making
his way toward the restaurant.
There was not the slightest doubt that
the MIN was Sir George Sittinghourne, or
that his companion was an. extremely good
looking woman of somewhat flamboyant
type.
George Sara exclaimed breathlessly.
"What on earth does this mean?"
She rose impulsively to her fet. Her hus-
band turned and glanced in their direction.
uo 4oo eli h+a o;+ boc 81
his wife or his father-in-law. The woman
by his side plucked at his arm to ask him
question, and he smiled into her face as he
leaned down.
"Geew Mr.. Cray murmured "Ths is
bad"
Its sgraceful-horriblen Sara cried.
$50 this is why George hasn't been home"
Mr. Cray pulled himself together.
George isn't that sort, my DEAR he de-
clared. There's something queer about it.
Let's sit and think for moment"
Il shall do nothing of the Sort" Sara de-
clared. 81 shall go straight in and con-
front him. l will let him know that 1 saw
him with my own eyes"
of your Ladyship will excuse me!''
Both Mr.. Cray and his daughter turned
round. Standing behind their settee was a
small, dark man of unobtr1sive manners
dressed in an unobtrusive dinner-suit and
with family deprecating smile upon his
lips.
81 regret so much,' he went on, "being
compelled to make my little explanation
here. l called in Curzol Street but found
that your Ladyship had just left. l wish to
nave word with you in reference to your
husband"
"My husband?" Sara repeated blankly.
"Who are you?"
"My name is King" the young man re-
Piled 81 am connected with the Intelli-
gence Department.
Neither Sara nor her father felt capable
of any comment. The situation so suddenly
disclosed had taken their breath away.
Your husband" Mr.. King continued
smoothly, latter very successful visit to
the States, has met with one of those mis-
adventures on his homeward journey to
which we are all of us sometimes subject.
can autograph letter which he was con-
veyng from certain person in Washington
to the Prime Minister was stolen from his
person during the last day of his voyage
home''
"What has that to do with my husbands
presence here with that-that woman?"
Sara demanded.
"sir George sought the aid of my depart
ment by wireless Mr.. King replied. 81
boarded the steamer in the Mersey and at
O, ce realized the probable thief The wom-
al whom he is dining with tonight sat at
his table and occupied the next s!ateroom