Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1924-06-20

favor me with one, l shall be delight
ed to come, provided Margaret has no
objection"
"Such a reservation promises well
for the future" Sir Timothy observed,
with gentle sarcasm. Here comes
Margaret, looking very well, I am
glad to see."
Margaret came forward to greet her
father before stepping into the car.
They exchanged only a few sentences,
but Francis, whose interest in their
relations was almost abnormally
keen, fancied that he could detect
signs of some change in their de-
meanor towards one another. The
cold propriety Of department which
had characterized her former attitude
towards her father, seemed to have
given place to something more uncer-
tain, to something less formal, some
thing which left room even for
measure of cordiality. She looked at
him differently. It was as though
some evil thought which lited In her
heart concerning him had perished.
"You are busy over there fatherT
she asked.
"In a way" he replied. "We are
preparing for some festivities on
Thursday"
Her face fell.
Another party?"
"One MORE" he replied. Perhaps
the last-for the present, at any rate"
She waited as though expecting him
to explain. He changed the subject.
however.
Il think you are wise to run up to
town this morning." he said, glancing
up at the gray skies. "By-the-bye,
If you dine at Curzon street tonight,
do ask Hedges to serve you some OF
the "99 Cliquot. A marvellous wine,
as you doubtless know, Ledsam, but
1t should be drunk. Au revOir!"
Francis, after pleasant lunch at
Ranelagh, and having arranged with
Margaret to dine with her in Curzon
street, spent an hour or two that aft
I ernoon at his chambers AS he was
leaving, just before five, he came face
to face with Shopland descending
from taxi
Are you busy, Mr.. Ledsam" the
latter inquired. "Can you spare me
half an hourY'
IAN hour, If you like" Francis as
sented
Shopland gave the driver an ad-
dress and the two men seated them
selves in the taxicab.
"Any newsT' Francis asked curl
ously.
mot yet" was the cautious reply.
1T will not be long, however"
Before you discover Reggie Will
more?"
The detective smiled in a superior
way.
II am no longer particularly inter-
ested in Mr.. Reginald Wilmore," he
declared II have come to the con-
clusion that his disappearance is not
serious affair"
"It's serious enough for his rela-
tives," Francis objected.
mot If they understood the situa-
tion," the detective rejoined. Assure
them from me that nothing Of conse-
quence has happened to that young
man. l have made inquiries at the
directions. I am convinced that his
absence from home Is voluntary, and
that there Is no cause for alarm as
to his welfare"
"Then the sooner you make your
way down to Kensington and tell his
mother so. the better" Francis said,
little severely. Don't forget that
I put you onto this"
"Quite right, sir" the detective ac-
quiesced, "and I am grateful to you.
The fact Of 1t Is that In making my
preliminary investigations with re-
gard to the disappearance Of Mr.. WILL
more, I have stumbled upon bigger
thing. Before many weeks are past,
hope to be able to unearth one Of
the greatest scandals of modern
times"
'The devilp Francis muttered.
He looked thoughtfully, almost anx-
iously at his companion. Shopland's
face reflected to the full his usual
/ confidence. He had the air Of a man
buoyant with hope and with stifed
self-satisfaction.
II am engaged" he continued.
upon a study Of the methods and
habits Of one who I believe to be a
great criminal. I think that when
place my prisoner in the bar, VAIN
wright and these other great artists
In crime will fade from the memory"
us Sir Timothy Brast your manT'
Francis asked quietly.
His companion frowned porten-
tously.
"No names," he begged.
considering that it was I who first
put you on to him." Francis expos.
tulated, II don't think you need be SO
sparing of your confidence"
"Mr. Ledsam," the detective assured
him, II shall tell you everything that
Is possible At the same time, will
be frank with you. You are right
when you say that it was you who