Evening star., 1925-10-27
The Double Cross
BY A. Z. THOMAS.
A Mystery Stor. of Dramatic Power.
b Mead& Co
Copyright. 1928. by Dodd. Mead 4 Co.

too many. He had been spending an
hour or two on Sunday afternoon
at his desk in his apartment in u dis
agreeable oc,rt1ation. He had been re-
viewing his business situation. To
ameliorate the unpleaSantneSS of the
conclusions to which this occupation
had driven him he had resorted to
liquid consolation. Certain of these
papers, he presently reflected, would
be much better off in his safety de-
post box than in his desk at home.
lie thrust them into his pocket, filled
his glass again, emptied it, and started
to go out.
AS he reached the hall door he
stopped. Those papers-what had he
done with them: His slightly clouded
memory could not instantly inform
him. He thrust his hand into his
pocket, drew out the papers. identified
them, and thrust them again into his
DoCket--all but one. That one fiut-
tered lightly over the edge Of the jar
diniere and tucked itse!L neatly be.
lween that ornament and the base
board. There it lay, an hour later,
when Mr.. Colby, having enjoyed n cup
of tea and n half hours chat with his
laughter, departed from the apart
ment. AS he opened the door his eye
caught flash of white behind the jar
tliniere. STOPPING, he picked up the
scrap of paper, glanced at II casually
then read ii with care. Thought
fully he put it in his pocket and de-
parted.
This was why, about noon the fol-
lowing day, Mr.. Bromf!eii received an
unusual communication. Air. Brom-
fields mail was often interesting, to
lie sure. but though he had intimate
relationships with a good many people
in society he did not receive many for
mai invitations. 1t was therefore with
considerable curiosity that he read as
follows:
MIR. Alexander Colby presents his
compliments to Mr.. William Bromfield.
and requests the pleasure of his com
pany this afternoon at Number One
Hundred Broadway, at half past three
o'clock. r. :. V p"
Mr.. Bromtield read this communica-
ton through twice. then he leaned
back in his swivel chair, thrust his
thumbs into the armholes of his waist
coat. put his feet upon his desk and
meditated. Any one who knew him.
seeing him just then, would have re-
allied that he was considering a knot
~ problem. Mr.. Bromfield had always
been assisted in the process of deep
thought by the simple eXpedient of
putting his feet upon his desk. The
feet of Mr.. Bromtield We're large and
square. They did not look particu-
larly at home upon his desk. which
was Empire and beautiful-but there
they remained until Mr.. Bromiield had
come 10 a decision.
At a few minutes before the ap-
pointed hour Mr.. Bromtield's beautiful
French coupe rolled up to the side
walk in front Of Number One Hundred
Broadway. Mr.. Bromtield had had
other fish to fry at that particular
hour. but the source of his invitation,
together with certain implications
which it carried. had induced him TO
cancel his other appointments. He
was plea antly welcomed by the law
yer. who was evidently no stranger
to him.
Sit down, Mr.. Bromfield. l think
you'll find this the more comfortable
chair. Very good of you to come
Just Il moment till | make certain that
we shall not be interrupted"
Having taken this precaution over
the office telephone, the lawyer turned
again to his visitor and went on. Il
must apologize for asking you to come
SO far downtown. but l thought per.
haps our meeting would be more tact
full here than elsewhere"
Il quite understand. Mr.. Colby. All
sorts and conditions come to your
office in the way of business. AS Il
matter of fact, after receiving your
kept me away"
You are curious TO know why
wish to see YOU
Il admit it,
''Ah, Well" smiled the lawyer, Il
counted a little on that. VIII you
smoke?" he added, indicating a box of
F. perfectos upon his desk.