Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-07-17

shopland. to guide that young mans
f1abby arm? He scarcely seemed man
enough for murderer, did he, when
he sat quaking on that stool In Soto's
| beg you again not to hurry. Miss
Hyslop. At any rate wait while my
servants fetch you a taxi. 1t was
clouding over when ! came In. We
may even have a thunderstorm"
naav want rs,o to get out of this s house,
are all horrible. Mr.. Ledsam did be-
have like gentleman when he came
to see me, and Mr.. Shopland asked
questions civilly. But you-" she
Hass MN s to sr
holding out his hand. Don't abuse
me. I am not angry with you--not
in the least-and / am going to prove
1t. / shall oppose any search war
rant which you might apply for. Mr.
1t with success. But I invite you two,
Miss Hyslop and Mr.. Ledsam, to my
party on Thursday night. Once under
my roof you shall have carte blanche.
You can wander where you please.
knock the walls for secret hiding
places, stamp upon the floor for
oubliettes. Upstairs or down. the
cellars and the lofts. the grounds and
the park. the whole of my domain is
for you from midnight on on Thursday Thu
Mr.. Shopland? Does my offer satisfy
your"
The detective hcc!tated.
II should prefer an invitation for
myself" he declared bluntly.
Sir Timothy shook his head.
Alas. my dear Mr.. Shopland," he
regretted. that is impossible! II I
not hesitate. Personally ! like you.
You amuse me more than any one /
have met for a long time. But. un-
fortunately, / have my guests to con-
slider! You, must be satisfied with
Mr.. Ledsam's report"
Shopland stroked his stubbly mus
tache 1t was obvious that he was
not I'm the least disconnected.
There are three days between now
and then" he reflected.
course" Sir Timothy said drily. II
shall do my best to obliterate all
traces of my various crimes. Still.
you are a clever detective. and you
can give Mr.. Ledsam few hints.
Take my advice. You won't get that
search warrant. and If you apply for
it none of you will be at my party"
Il accept" Shopland decided.
Sir Timothy crossed the room. un-
locked the drawer Of magnificent
writing table, and from little packet
drew out two cards of invitation.
They were of small size but thick.
and the color was a brilliant scarlet.
On one he wrote the name of Francis,
the other he filled in for Miss Hyslop.
Miss Daisy Hyslop," he said. shall
we drink a glass of wine together on
Thursday evening, and will you de-
eide that although. perhaps. ! am not
a very satisfactory correspondent, !
can at least be an amiable host?"
The girls eyes glistened. She knew
very well that the possession of that
card meant that for the next few
days she would be the envy of every
one of her acquaintances
Thank you, Sir Timothy" she re-
piled eagerly. You have quite mis-
understood me, but l should like to
come to your party
Sir Timothy handed over the cards.
He rang for servant and bowed the
others out. Francis he detained for
a moment.
"Our little duel, my friend
marches" he said After Thursday
night we will speak again of this
matter concerning Margaret You
will know then what you have to
face"
Margaret herself opened the door
and looked In.
What have those people been do
ing here?" she asked. What is hap
pening?"
Her father unlocked his drawer