Evening star., 1924-03-24
PTER yXII.
Concerning Miss Brock.

Smith hurriedly glanced over the
two OF three lines of type which lay
half lost in the blankness Of the
stop-press space, passed the paper to
,Styler, and with a muttered exclama-
tion turned away in the direction of
the old church. And Styler smoothed
out the paper and read:
This morning, soon after day
break. the body of young woman.
who had evidently been stabbed to
death, was found near the Reformer's s
Tree in Hyde Park, where il had pre-
sumably been lying for some hours.
II has now been identified as that Of
Miss Brock, the governess who dis
appeared from Lynne Court almost
Immediately after the mysterious
murder of the man known as John
Kesteven."
Styler crumpled the newspaper into
q pocket and went after his master,
who at once pointed to the door of
the vicarage adjoining the church.
One thing at a time. Styler." said
Smith. We'll carry out the job that
brought us to the city before we even
discuss Miss Brooks death. But
Will make one remark--if Miss Brock
has really been murdered. then
think we shall find ourselves face to
tace with some strange developments,
and, maybe. We shall nave to start
our Investigations all over again. And
who knows?-we may learn some
thing pertinent here"
The sending in of Smiths card re-
suited in an invitation to him and
Styler to step into an old-fashioned
book-lined parlor where there pres
emily came to them a clergyman, at
sight of whom Smith Immediately felt
n sense of disappointment. For the
vicar of st. Eanswythe's was COM
paratiyely young, and suggested
somehow or other. an atmosphere of
freshness, and Smith at once jumped
to the CONCLUSION that he was not the
man who had celebrated the marriage
ceremony into which i1a and Styler
were professionally inuuiTing
Il don't know said Smith. going
straight to the point, "is | hara the
pleasure OF seeing the Reverend Ger
vase Bright"
Mr.. Bright died two years ago" he
answered. Il am his successor
Il am sorry to hear that Mr. Bright
rs dead. remarked Smith. Il par
ticuiarly wished to see him on ii pro-
feSsiona1 matter. But there used to
be two. people connected in some way
with this church who are, perhaps,
ailVe!-a man named Anthony Den
ton. woman named Sarah ,iidd:ns. ;
CLERK and church cleaner,' replied
the vicar. "They are dead, tco-.I
buried them myself"
Smith shook his head. AMI drew out
Sty!ers copy of the marriage certifi-
cate. That's unfortunatH," he sale
II wanted to interview some person
who was actually present ~ the mar
rage ceremony referred 70 in this
copy of a certificate w!lich was. as
YOU see. issued by the late Mr.. Fright.
about it,
The vicar. who had glaac at the
copy. elevated his eyebrows and
uttered sharp exclamation.
"Oh, don't ], though" he said. with
q laugh. ITS rather odd. but [ had
an inquiry about that very marriage
let me see 1T again-yes! marriage
Of Edward Charleston iIagette and
Maud Eleanor Rivers-onIv the oth II
day. Day before yesterday, to ;:e
Had you really?" exclaimed Smith.
Now, do you know that interests me
and my clerk, Mr.. Styler-very
greatly; May l ask who the person
assure, you that | don't ask out of
any idle curiosity"
The vicar. who had already noticed
the eminently legal character of the
address on Smiths card, responded
readily.
THE inquirer was a young lady"
he answered. Il think I can describe
her Rather slight. rather pretty.
light haired: gray eyes--they might
be a little inclined to blue-quietiy
dressed, rather shy and reserved in
manner. DO you happen to recognize
the description"
Smith looked at Styler. Both shook
their heads. Then Styler drew out
the newspaper and handed it to
Smith, who held II before the wears
aStonished eyes.
I'VE recognize your description so
we'll as to believe that it applies to
the unfortunate young woman who
is mentioned here" said Smith. You
see who she was. Did she by any
chance give her name to you, now?"
The vicar, who was greatly shock
hand and read the brief announce
ment of the discovery in Hyde Park
for himself. He handed it back with
a shake of the head.
NO" he answered. she gave me
no name. She asked to see me-yes.
1t was day before yesterday. about
o'clock in tire afternoon-and she