Evening star., 1925-01-04

comedian is the fatuous, Sarrulous
| type. 1t seems to me that he's the
funniest man in the world"
He broke off. Just as the lights
| went down Rags had given d long
sigh and leaned forward intensely.
Her eyes were like the eyes of
pointer dog and John saw that they
were fixed on d party that had come
through some side entrance to a
table in the half darkness. The table
was shielded with palms and Rags at
first made out only three dim forms.
Then she distinguished a fourth who
seemed to be placed we'll behind the
three others, a pale oval face topped
with a glimmer Of dark yellow hair.
Hello" CALCULATED John. There's
his majesty now
!; :: :: :;
CHE was dimly aware that the
~ com edian was standing in a glow
of white light on the dancing floor.
that he had been talking for some
moments and that there was con-
stant ripple of laughter. But heH
eyes remained motionless, enchanted.
She saw one OF the party whisper
to another. Then something seemed
to happen TO her eyes. something
white. something terribly urgent and
she wrenched about sharply to find
herself full in the center Of a baby
spotlight from above.
"Sit still" John was whispering
"He picks somebody out for this
every night" Then she realized
il was the comedian. He was talking
to her, arguing with her. about some
thing that seemed incredibly funnT
to every one else, bat came TO he.
ears only as blur OF muddled sound.
You'll admit ] gave you the pa SIS.
he was saying. "It was a real pass,
see" Because here you are. But
was il much of d kiss. Be-prac
tically honest with me. If I'd given
you that kind OF pass it wouldn't
have got you past the courtroom"
1nstinctively she had composed her
face at the first shock OF light and
now she smiled. Into this smile she
insinuated vast impersonality as
If she We're unconscious of the light,
unconscious OF his attempt 10 play
upon her loveliness.
At a signal from the comedian the
spotlight was switched out. The
comedian left the floor and the far
ward her.
I'm sorry. There really wasn't
anything to do. You were wonder
full She dismissed the incident with
a casual laugh, then she started;
there were now only two men sitting
at the table across the floor.
He's gone" she exclaimed IN
quick distress.
"Don't worry he'll be back. He's
got TO be awful careful. YOU sec, so
he's probably waiting outside with
one of his aides until il gets darE
again He's not supposed to be back
In New York you know" The light
dimned again and dark haired man
was standing by their table.
- :, sr.aF =
raridly to John in supercilious
British voice. Lord Charles Este.
OF Baron Marchbank's party" John
nodded.
THAT is Of course between our
selves"
"of course" Rags CROPPED on the
table for untouched champagne.
Baron Msrchbanks begs that the
lady join his party during this num-
ber." Both men looked 1T Rags.
Very Well" she said, Glancing in
terrogatively at John. He nodded.
Then she rose and threaded the
tahles, making the half circuit OF
the room: then melted slim figure
in shimmering gold. into the table
set in half darkness.
THE number drew TO close and
L John Chestnut sat alone at his
table Just as the lights went on
there was 2 soft rasp OF gold cloth
and Rags sank into her chair Her
eyes were shining with tears. John
looked at her moodiiy.
We'll, what did he say"
"ITe was very quiet
"Didn't he say a word?' Her hand
trembled as she took up her glass
of champagne
He just-looked at ne while ii
was dark. And we said conventional
things He was like his pictures,
only he looks very bored and tired,
IIe didn't even as much as ask my
name.
rs he leaving New York tonight
I'm half an hour. lie and his aides
have a car outside and they expect
to be over the border before dawn.
'pid YOU find him fascinating?
She nodded.
r1itted John rlunly. do they eX-
pect YOU back there?'
II don't know" She looked across
The floor but the celebrated person
age had gain Withdrawn TO some re-
treat outside.
Just as she turned back strange
Young man came toward them. fe
was deathIy pale person in dis
heveled business suit and he laid a
shoulder.
Monte" exclaimed John, starting
up 50 suddenly that he upset his
champagne. What is it, What's the
NATTER"
They've picked up the trail. said
the young man in shaken whisper
"Tve got to speak to you alone.
John got to his feet and Rags noticed
that his face had become white as
the napkin in his hand He excused
himself and they retreated to an un-
occupied table. Rags watched them
curiously for moment. then she re-
surned her scrutiny of the table across
the floor. Would she be asked to
come back? The prince had simply
risen and bowed and gone outside.
Perhaps she should have waited until
he returned Monte disappeared, and
John returned to the table. He
lurclled into his chair like q drunken
man.
John! What's the natter In
stead of answering he reached for
the champa gne bottle but his fingers
were trembling.
Are you sicll?'
Rags" he said unstcadily Il m
all through"
What do you mean
TIN all through, I tell you" He
managed sickly smile. There's
been a warrant out for me for over
an hour
What have you done?" she de-
rnanded Whats the warrant for?"
The lights went out for the next
number and he collapsed suddenly
over the table.
What is it?" she insisted, with ris-
ing apprehension. MURDER He
nodded She took hold of both arms
and tried to shake him upright. His
eyeS were rolling in his head