The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-05-02

| q murderer, did ne, when he sat Quaks-
ing on that stool In Soto's bar while
Mr.. Ledsam tortured him? / beg you
again not to- hurry, Miss Hyslop. At
any rate wait while my servants fetch
you taxi. 1t was clouding over when
I came in. We may even have Q
| thunderstorm"
II want to get out of this house,"
Daisy Hyslop declared. II think you
are all horrible. Mr. Ledsam did be-
have like a gentleman when he came.
to see me, and Mr.. ShopIand asked
questions civilly. But you" she
added, turning round to Sir Timothy.
Hush, my DEAR. he interrupted,
holding out his hand. Don't abuse.
me. l am not angry with you-not In
the least-and I am going to prove 1t.
I shall oppose any search warrant
which you might apply for, Mr.. Shop.
land, and think can oppose it with
success. But 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
on 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 Thursday until four
o'clock. What do you say, Mr.. Shop
land? Does my offer satisfy your"
The detective hesitated.
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! If !
had only myself to consider / would
not hesitate. Personally like you.
You amuse me more than anyone
have met for long time. But unfor-
tunately have my guests to consider!
You must be satisfied with Mr.. Led.
SANS report"
Shopland stroked his stubbly mus.
tache. 1t was obvious that he was not
in the least disconnected.
"There are three days between now
uIlu tucu, lie reuCClcu.
During those three days, of course"
Sir Timothy said dryly, II shall do my
best to obliterate all traces Of my va
rlous crimes. Still, you are clever
detective, and you can give Mr.. Led
sam a 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, I'M
locked the drawer of a magnificent
writing table, and from little packet
drew out two cards of invitation. They
were Of small size but thick, and the
color was brilliant scarlet. On one
he wrote the name of Francis, the
other he filed in for Miss Hyslop.
Miss Daisy Hyslop," he said. SHALL
we drink glass Of wine together on
Thursday evening, AID will you decide
that although, perhaps. I am not
very satisfactory correspondent, l 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 1 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
moment.
"Our little duel, my friend, marches"
he said. "After Thursday night we
will speak again of this matter concern
irs Margaret You will know then
what you have to face"
Margaret herself opened the door
and looked in.
"What have those people been doing
here?" she asked. "What Is happen
ing?"
Her father unlocked his drawer
once more and drew out another Of
the red cards.
Margaret" ne said, "Ledsam here
has accepted my invitation for Thurs
day night. You have never, up till
now, honored me, nor have I ever
asked you. suggest that for the first
part of the entertainment you give me
the pleasure of your company"
"For the first partT
"For the first part only" he repeat
ed, as he wrote her name upon the
card.
"What about Francis?" she asked
/, "Is he to stay all the timer"
Sir Timothy smiled. He locked up
his drawer and slipped the key into
his pocket.
"Ledsam and l." he said. "have
promised one another a more complete
mutual understanding on Thursday
night. may not be able to part with
him quite so SOON"
(To BE CoNTINUED)