The Dolores star., 1923-11-02

| OVeTuOSe OF cnlOral. tie doubted
whether an inquest would be neces-
sary. Sir James and his young friends
had been paying a call upon her, when
she was suddenly stricken down and
they had spent the night in the flat,
not liking to leave her alone. Did
they know of any relatives: They did
not. but Sir James referred him TO
Mrs. Vandemeyer's solicitor
Shortly afterward Il nurse arrived
TO take charge, and the Others left the
ill-omened building.
And what now?" asked Julius, with
| u gesture of despair. Il guess were
down and out for good"
Sir James stroked his chin thought
fully.
No" he said quietly. There is still
the chance that Doctor Hall may be
able to tell US something. The chance
is slight, but 1t must not be neglected.
l think l told you that he is staying
at the Metropole. l should suggest
that we call upon him there as soon
us possible"
1t was arranged that Tuppence and
Julius should return to the Ritz, and
call for Sir James in the car. This
| program was faithfully carried out,
and little after eleven they drew up
before the Metropole. They asked for
| Doctor Hall, and page-boy went in
search of him. In few minutes the
| little doctor came hurrying toward
them.
Can you spare us a few minutes,
Doctor Hall?" said Sir James pleas
antly. Let me Introduce you to Miss
Cowley. Mr.. Hersheimmer, l think,
you already know. Can we have
word with you in privateT"
Certainly. think there is a room
here where we shall be quite undis-
turbed."
He led the way, and the others fol-
lowed him. They sat down, and the
doctor looked inquiringly at Sir James.
Doctor Hall, l am very anxious to
find certain young lady for the pur-
pose of obtaining IA statement from
her. / have reason to believe that she
has been at one time or another In
your establishment at Bournemouth.
hope l am transgressing no profess
the subiect?"
Il suppose it is a matter of testi-
mony?"
Sir James hesitated moment. then
he replied: YES"
Il shall be pleased to give you any
information in my power. What is
the young lady's manner Mr.. Her
Shpimmar pSsah I ramap,har-f'
He half turned to Julius.
The name" said Sir James bluntly,
lis really immaterial She would be
almost certainly sent to you under
an assumed one. But ! should like to
know If you are acquainted with a
Mrs. Vandemeyer?"
Mrs. Vandemeyer of 20 South Aud
You do not know that Mrs. Vande-
meyer is deadf'
Dear, dear, I had no idea of 1t.
When did 1t happen?"
"She took an overdose of choral
last night"
"PurposelyT"
Accidentally, 1t is believed.
should not like to say myself Any
way, she was found dead this morn
ing"
Very sad. A s!ngularly handsome
woman. l presume she was a friend
of yours, since your are acquainted
with all these details"
"I am acquainted with the details
because-well, 1t was I who found her
dead"
Indeed" said the doctor, starting.
This Is very sad news, but you will
excuse me If I say that I do not see
how It bears on the subject of your
inquiry"
"It bears on 1t in this way. Is 1t
not fact that Mrs. Vandemeyer com
mitted relative of hers to your
charger"
Julius leaned forward eagerly.
THAT is the case" said the doctor
quietly.
Under the name Of"
Janet Vandemeyer. understood
her to be niece of Mrs. Vande-
meyers"
And she came TO your
"As far as I can remember in June
or July Of 1915"
WAS she mental casei"
"She is perfectly sane, If that Is
what you mean. I understood from
Mrs. Vandemeyer that the girl had
been with her on the Lusitania when
that Inflated ship was sunk, and had
suffered severe shock in conse-
quence."
"We're on the right track. think?"
Sir James looked round.
"As I said before, I'm mutt!' re-
turned Julius.
The doctor looked at them all curl
ously.
you spoke of wanting a statement
from her." he said. "Supposing she
Is not able to give oner'
"What? You have just said that
she is perfectly sane"