New Britain herald., 1924-01-02

elimination order"
1T is impossible" returned Inncs,
shortly. He was cremated."
Wearing a very gloomy expression,
| the detective inspector proceeded on
| foot to New Scotland Yard, and being
| informed on his arrival upstairs that
the Assistant Commissioner was ca
Iccting him he entered the office of
that great man.
The Assistant Commissioner, who
| had palpably seen military service,
was a big man with very tired eyes,
and a quiet. almost apologize man
ner.
"Ah, Detective Inspector" he said,
as Wcssex entered. II wanted to
see You about this business of Mr..
Nicol Brinn,"
YES, sir" replied Wessex nat
urally."
Now" the Assistant Commissioner
turned YEARLY in his chair and
glanced up at his subordinatc-"yonr
accepting the parole OF suspect,
under the circumstances, was official
~ improper. but | am not blaming
YOU for IA moment. Mr.. Nichol
Brinn's wcl-known reputation iusti-
fed your behavior" He laid one
large hand firmly upon the table.
MIR. Nichol Erinns absence alters
the matter entirely"
Il am well aware Of it," mnrmurcd
the inspector.
Although" continued the assist
ant Commissioner. Mr.. Brinn's
il ads me TO believe that he will have
some suitable explanation 10 offer,
his behavior. you will admit, is that
Of a guilty man."
1T is. sir: 1t certainly Is.
The Press. fortunately. has learned
nothing of this unpleasant business,
particularly unpleasant because IL In
wolves such known people. You
viii scc to H. -, tective Inspector. that
an publicity is avoided If possible.
Meanwhile. rs matter of ordinary
departmental routine. you will cir
culatc Mr. Brinn's description
through tho usual channels. and"
The Assistant Commissioner raised
his eyebrows slightly.
CHAPTER NNN11.
At Hillside
Phil Abingdon arrived at Hillside
in state OF mind which she found
herself unable to understand, Mrs.
McMurdoch. who had accepted the in
Nitation under protest. saying that If
Doctor McMurdoch had been at home
he would certainly have disapproved.
had utterly fallen under the strange
spell Of Ormuz Khan. that long be
for they had come 10 Hillside she
was hanging upon his every word In
g way which vas almost pathetic 10
watch.
when AT last the car was drawn up
before. the porch OF Hillside. and
Ormuz Khan. stepping out, assisted
the ladies to aligbt. for one moment
Phil Abingdon hesitated. although she
knew that was already too late TO do
50. They were received by Mr.
Rama BASS his excrllency's courteous
secretary. whom she had ALREADY met.
and whom Ormuz Khan presented 10
Mrs. McMurdoch. Almost immedi-
dely:
"You have missed Mr. Harley by
only few minutes" said Rama
bass.
W nat. Atlidiiilf1 liifa Hfi US
opening very widely.
"Oh, there is no occasion for
a'arm." explained the sccrctatry in
his urbanc manner. He has von-
tnrca as FAR az Lower Claybury sta
ton The visit was unavoidable.
Hr particularly requested that 80
should commence luncheon. but
hoped to be back before We should
have finished.
Phil Abingdon glanced rapidly
from The face Of the speaker TO that
or Ormuz Khan. But her scrutiny
or those unreliable coBntcnauccs
awaited her nothing. She was con-
scious Of great and growing un-
rasincss: and Mrs. McMurdoch, mis-
understanding the expression upon
hcr fare squeezed her arm playfuily.
"Checr up. dear sh" whispered:
.hc will bc here soon
CONTINUED in Our N"st IssucI.