The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-11-23

know at what hour Mr.. Harry returned
home last night, and it happens that l
know"
do you?" said Cleek "That's jolly At
what hour did he return last night, them
"He didn't return last night at all, sir.
1t was this morning. OF course / wouldn't
have said anything about it to anybody, sir,
If Hawkins hadn't told me that you said he
was with YOU, which, of course, means that
you were the friend ne was going to see, and
not, as I'd supposed, the Lady in Pink
CHAPTER VH-At the Gate.
In spite of himself Cleek's nerves gave
an absolute jump, but being an adept in the
art OF discrimination, he laughed lightly and
gave Hamer a quizzjcal look.
''The Lady in Pink, eh?" he said cheer
lily. "You know more than your prayers,
I'm afraid, Hamer. Now what in the world
made you think he'd be calling on her last
night, eh?'
s'Wen, sir, can't exactly say what. I'M
less it was a sort of putting two and two
together, sir. I'd seen him with her over
Kingston way on my day eff. And last
night l happened to go around back and
slip into Mulberry lane for pull at my
pipe, and there she was standing in the
shadow of the trees"
''Who? The Lady in Pink
eyes. sir. Took her by surprise, and she
just Tdu tiIlfe W IIiAo" pAilh SCol1 DIX was
wearing over her face and hurry away, sir,
before could so much as apologize. Looked
to me as she was going to some sort of an
evening affair, for she didn't have any hat
on, and although she was wearing Tong
black cloak that reached almost to the
ground l gould see when she made such
bolt to get out of sight that it was lined
with ermine, and that, under it, she wore a
rose-pink evening frock that she was hold
ing up to keep from touching the ground"
well, here's half crown to pay you to
keep your tongue behind your teeth. I'm
derstand?"
Eyes, sir. Thank you. sir
"Stop moment! Got time to do some
thing for me?"
ooh, yes, indeed, sir
"Siip into the library and get NE sheet
of paper and bit of pencil, will you?'
'Masters in there reading, sir, and he's
locked the door and given orders that no.
bodys to disturb him. But if bit of type
writing paper will do, sir
Eyes, certainly. The very thing. Gan
you get me sheet or two?"
He hurried away forthwith and was back
presently with half dozen sheets Of type
writing paper bit of pencil, and an en-
velope. Cleek scrubbed few hasty words,
sealed them up in the envelope, and then
handed it over to Hamer.
"'Here, take this to Miss Lerne. You'll
lind her IN the draWlng-foom, ne SAID, as
he threw the remaining sheets on one of
the hall chairs.
He turned as he spoke, as if to go up
stairs again, but the very instant Hamer had
disappeared he went fleetly back to the
chair, caught up one of the sheets of paper,
folded it carefully, slid it into his pocket,
and passing swiftly and soundlessly down
the hall, went out into the night.
There, some time later, he was Joined by
Miss Lorne, in response to his summons.
''As do not even know Lady Clavering
by sight," he told her, IT was going to ask
you if you would mind proving about the
common in company with me, so that if the
lady put in an appearance, you might be
able to identify her for me-"
"Oh, yes" she said, "T'l go with you
willingly, this minute if you like
"WiH you walk with me as far as the
angle of the wall on the other side of the
shrubbery, Miss Lorne? Dollops is waiting
there for me. Thank you!"
At the angle Of the wall he stopped and
began to whistle softly. The wall door
gaped open and flashed suit again and Dol
leps was with him.
FFor Gawd's sake, gov'nOr. Come quick,
sir!'' he said as he laid nervous grin on
Cheeks arm. Neither door in the wall, sir.