New Britain herald., 1927-05-18
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"asH sHe. I1eF lace HduHts me"
 Tt would. She is a raving beauty. you know" "Go away and let me alone. l want to think this thing out" All right, Pelton. l suppose you know your own business" Tite Riggs walked away mar yelling at the way things were go- ing.
 Miss Tolsom's tete-a-tete with Maddy Barron. Dan Pelton stirred up over some memory or reminis- cence, mistaken or otherwise, of Maddy.
 Madeline herself. upset and wor- ried, taking a short respite of gayety when Pelton proved enter taining, but sad at heart for some reason.
 Could it, he wondered, could it all hark back to Croydon Sears? For the Searses and the Barrons were always together, and Made line was fond of the older man in
 
 be alarmed for him?
 Was she just clever enough to try to learn a little from the rela- tives of the dead man. whom she had just met by chance?
 For she and Miss Folsom were certainly hitting it off. He turned to look back at them, and they were hobnobbing over their tea like neighbors.
 Tite Riggs was astute and clear headed, but sometimes he let his vivid imagination run away with him.
 He came to port next at table where sat the Duchess and Carme- lita with Roger Neville.
 Come home truant," the Duchess bade him. You've de- serted us. and one more absence from school makes you liable to expulsion"
 He sat beside her and began to pay her compliments.
 Ses' 1b66o, 1NOseT NeNllIc said, abruptly. whats doing in the Folsom matter?"
 Not much" was the guarded reply. By the way, do you know anything of Garrett Folsom's pri- vate business, or only the one where you were more or less part ners?"
 And this time Carmelita valdon gave a sudden quick movement, that in less graceful woman would be called a start. but with her was 8 mere sinuous quiver, such as a beautiful python might make.
 Riggs glanced at her.
 What ailed the women todayo Madeline Barron all upset, Angel Fair disturbed sympathetically, and now Carmy Weldon throwing a shiv- CT.
 She was in black. with an enor- nous black hat. for when not on the beach or boardwalk, Mrs. Val don affected picture costumes. The touch of contrast was supplied by some large jade buckles on both hat and gown.
 Her brilliant coloring, not all due to her makeup box. was ac- celerated by her quite evident agi- tation at Riggs question.
 He resolved to take it up boldly.
 What's the matter, Mrs. Val don?" he asked, smiling at her. You look as If some one had kissed you"
 q wish I looked like that" cried the Duchess, trying to look wistful.
 Can I help?" said Riggs, so- licitously. bend so near that the Duchess moved back in alarm. while the others laughed.
 Apparently Carmelita. too, re- solved on a bold stroke.
 Do you, MT. Riggs" she said. In low. steady voice, do you know anything of the private busi- ness of Garrett Folsom?"
 "Why-I do," he said, slowly. Suppose We have an exchange Ot condolences all round."
 He looked straight at Neville, who said, simply:
 "It would be no confidence on my part; I mean no betrayal of confidence. Whatever I know about Folsom and his business is, and always has been. at the dis posal of those Investigating his death. It Is an utter mystery to me. and I'd be glad to give any ] can, as we'll as to get any I can."
 Tite Riggs looked at him. His words were fine. His manner and tone were unassailable, yet Tite