The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-07-13
By AGATHA CHRISTIE

CHAPTER vilI.-continusd.


III
II was absurd. this giving way to
nerves Slowly she went out of the
room. Julius and Sir James were
talking IL low voice. Sir James
turned to her.
Lock the door on the outside,
please, Miss Tuppence, and take out
the key. There must be no chance of
anyone entering that room.'
The gravity of his manner impressed
them. and Tuppence felt less ashamed
of her attack Of nerves"
'Now. Miss Tuppence," said Sir
lanes. you know this place better
than do. Where do you suggest we
should take up our quarters?'
Tuppence considered for moment
or two.
Il think Mrs. yandemeyer's boudoir
would be the most comfortable" she
said at last. and led the way there.
Sir James looked round approvingly.
This will do very well, and now,
my dear young lady. do go to bed and
get some Sleep"
Tuppence shook her head resolutely.
Il couldn't, thank you. Sir James.
should dream of Mr.. Brown all night !"
But you'll be so tired, child"
mo, / shan't. I'd rather stay up
really
The lawyer gave in.
Tuppence related her adventures,
There's one thing l don't get clear
ly," said julius. "What put her up to
clearing out?"
Il don't know" confessed Tuppence.
Sir james stroked his chin thought
fully.
"The room was in great disorder.
That looks as though her flight was
unpremeditated. Almost as though
got a sudden warning to go from
some one"
"AIr. Brown, suppose" said julius
scoffingly.
The lawyer looked at him deliberate
ly for minute or two.
"Why not?' he said. Remember,
you yourself have once been worsted
by him."
julius flushed with vexatlon.
81 feel just mad when 1 think of
how | handed out James photograph
TO him like a lamb. Gee, If l ever lay
hands on 1t again, I'll freeze ON to it
like-like hill"
That contingency is likely to be a
remote one" said the other dryly.
Il guess you're right" said julius
frankly. "And, in any case, it's the
original I'm out after. Where do you
think she can be, Sir James?"
The lawyer shook his head.
Impossible to say. But I've a very
good idea where she has been. At the
scene of your nocturnal adventures,
the Bournemouth hospital"
There? Impossible. ! asked"
mo, my dear sir, you asked If any |
one of the name of Jane Finn had been |
there. Now, If the girl had been placed |
there it would almost certainly be I'M
der an assumed name"
Perhaps the Doctors In it too" sug-
gested Tuppence.
Julius shook his head
81 don't think so. l took 10 him at |
once. No. I'm pretty sure Doctor Halls
all right"
Hall. did you sayT asked Sir
James. "That is curious-really very
curious"
"WhyT" demanded 'Tuppence.
Because 1 happened to meet him
this morning. I've known him slight
" on and off for some years, and this
l ran across him In the street.
Staying at the Metropole, he told me-"
lie turned to- julius. didn't he tell
you he was coming up to town.
julius shook his head.
Curious" unused Sir James. you
lid not mention his name this after
loon, or / would have suggested your
yoing to him for further information,
With my card as Introduction"
81 guess I'm a mutt" said julius,
With unusual humility. Il ought to
lave thought of the false name stunt"
A silerce settled down over the
,arty. Little by little the magic of
he night began to gain a hold on
hem. There were sudden creaks In
he furniture, imperceptible rustlings
n the curtains. Suddenly Tuppence
prang up with cry
II can't help It, know Mr.. Browns
in the fat s l can feel
Iim"
"Sure, Tuppence how could he be?
his doors open into the hall No one
ould have come in by the front door
Without our seeing and hearing him."
II can't help 1t. feel he's here"
She looked appealingly at SIR James,
,ho replied graveiy:
with due Difference to your feel /
ngs, Miss Tuppence (and mine as s
yell. for that matter), / do not see
ow it is humanity possible for anyone
0 be in the fiat without our knowl- {
dge."
The girl was a little comforted by {
is words.
Sitting up at night is always rather {
she confessed. S
The hours drew on. With the first {
iint glimmerings of dawn, Sir James
rev aside the curtains. Somehow, /