New Britain herald., 1923-12-13
iLluSrRATfD By -Rau.s~TsnTtflp
CHAPTER l.
 | Client for I'aul Harley

Some of Paul Harley's most inter- esting cases were brought to his notice in an almost accidental way. Al though he closed his office in Chan cery Lane sharply at the hour of six, that hour by no means marked the end of his business day.
 One summers evening when the little clock upon his table was rapidly approaching the much-desired hour, Farley lay back in his chair and stared medtativeIy across his private office in the direction Of a large and very handsome Burmese cabinet.
 ialey's office was part of an old city residence. and his chambers ad- joined his workroom. so that now, noting that his table clock registered the hour of six, he pressed a bell which summoned Innes. his confidcn- tiai secretary.
 Well, Innes," said Harley, looking around. another uneventful day"
 Well" replied Innes. laying a card upon the table, T was just com ing in with it when you rang"
 Paul Harley glanced at the card.
 sir Charles Abingdon" he read aloud, staring refiectively at his sec retary. That is the osteologist?"
 Yes" answered Innes. but l fancy he has retired from practice"
 An" murmured Harley. T won der what he wants. l suppose I had better see him. as l fancy that he and l met casually some years ago in India. Ask him to come in, will you""
 Innes retiring, there presently en- tered a distinguished looking. elderly gentleman upon whose florid face rested an expression not unlike that of barrassment
 MT. Harley.' he began, "I feel something il at ease in encroaching upon your time. for am by no means sure that my case comes within your particular province.'
 Sit down. Sir Charles" said Har- Icy with quiet geniality. "OTicially my working day is ended. but if nothing comes of your visit beyond chat it will have been very welcome. Calcutta, was it not, where we last met?''
 Tt was" replied Sir Charles, plac- ing his hat and cane upon the table and sitting down rather wearily in a big leather armchair which Harley had pushed forward.
 Sir Charles evidently was oppressed by some secret trouble, thus Harley unused silently, as. taking out tin Of tobacco from n cabinet beside him, he began in leisurely manner 10 load Il briar.
 Sir Charles slowly nodded his head, | and seemed in some measure to re- cover confidence.
 Briefly, then" he said, "I believe my life is in danger"
 "H'm," said Harley. replacing the tin in the cupboard and striking a match.
 You arc naturally anxious for the particulars" Sir Charles presently rec sumed. They bear. l regret 10 say, ! close resemblance to the symptoms | of q wcl-known form Of hailucination. | In short. with one exception, they may | practically all be classed under the | head Of surveillance"
 surveillance" said Paul Harley. i. You mean that you are more or less constantly followed" ."
 "1 do."
 Anything else"
 "One very notable thing, NIT. liar Icy. l was actually assaulted less than q week ago within sight Of my own house."
 "Indeed Tell me Of this" Paul Harley became aware Of an awaken ing curiosity.
 ''I had been to visit friend in the neighborhood," Sir Charles continued. ''whom l nm al present attending professionally. although | am actually k retired. 1 was returning across the square. close to midnight. when. for tunately for myself. l detected the sound Of light psttering footsteps i'm mediately behind me. I turned in the very instant that man was about to spring upon me from behind. He was holding in his hand what looked like large silk handkerchief"
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