The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-18

CHAPTER
 "It seems to me as if the storm is abating," said Sir George Granville to his weekend guest.
 He moved piece on the chessboard and then got up from his chair and went to the window to listen to the rain on the glass.
 His guest was so intent on the chess board that he did not reply. Sir George Granville remained at the window, his attention di- vided between watching for his opponents next move and listening to the storm.
 Sir Georges opponent was young man; that is to say, he was under 40. He was evil dently tall, and his well-cut clothes indi- cated that he possessed the well-built frame which is the natural heritage of most young Englishmen of good class. But his clear-cut. clean-shaven face suggested that its owner was man of unusual personality and force of character. It was a remarkable face which would have puzzled the student in physiognomy The upper portion was purely intellectual in type, the forehead broad and the head >wellshaped, but the dark eyes. with a touch of dreaminess and sadness in their depths. contrasted strangely with the energy and determination indicated by the firm mouth and heavy lower jaw.
 The guest moved piece and then looked at his host.
 "You are not yourself tonight. Sir George" he said. q think we had better s.:c nALo eel it."
 Sir George walked over to the table and looked at the position on the chessboard.
 Perhaps it would be better to cancel it," he said, though it is generous on your part to offer to do SO with piece to the good and the threatening development of your pawns on the queens side. But am off that nephew of mine to give you a good game"
 'It is bad night to be out" said the guest. "But surely he would find shelter somewhere in the downs."
 "He may have met with an accident. He must have seen this storm coming. He should have been home hours. ago in any case"
 Putting aside the possibility of an ac- cident, the fact that he hasn't turned up in the storm indicates that he has found shell ter," said the guest. "He is waiting until the storm is over."
 "But on the downs there are so few places where one can obtain shelter except at . shepherds cottage"
 Sir Gonrno ot Inx.,r s,, ou o~,~. oho;v xoop the fire and invited his guest to take the chair on ihe other side. The room they were in was large one, expensively furnished in black oak. The small chess-table with the chessboard and men had been placed near the large table in the center of the room for the benefit of the light, but the autumn night was chilly and the fire comfortable, and an open box of cigars and spirit-stand close by enhanced the appearance of indoor comfort. After his guest had declined a drink, Sir George mxied himself whisky and soda and settled himself in an easy chair. His guest lit cigar.
 They had been seated in front of the fire but few minutes when the sound of the telephone bell was heard in the hall Sir George jumped to his feet with an alacrity that was surprising in man of his weighty figure.
 Perhaps that is Harry" he said to his guest, as he hurried into the hall.
 The guest lit another cigar and leaned, back in his chair as he awaited the return of his host. The length of time Sir George was at the telephone would indicate to some ex-