New Britain herald., 1927-05-03

oo0AV& " "eo S~s~e>sO W e>~~ Except to return short answers Co his unasked-for remarkA I eaid nothing to him at all" You were annoyed by himf" "Oh. it's going too far to call 1t annoyed. But l never like to have | stranger address me in the oosan, and that Q what hs did." You were unacquainted with him?"
 Entirely co. I never cav him before. and. presuming on the in- .formality of the sea, suppose, he began to chat. was decently po- lite. but in no way did I encour- age hts conversation"
 None of your party was ac- quainted with htm. then?''
 'No-that Is. l don't think any of them were. I'll inquire"
 Ned Barron turned back toward the people who had come in with him and who stood waiting while tho detective spoke to him.
 T say. Sears." he beckoned to his friend. you didn't know that man Folsom. did you7"
 Not socially" Croydon Bears replied. stepping closer to them. 'I've had . little business with him once or twice. but 1t was some time ago-I doubt if he remem- bered mo at all. Why?"
 "Mr. Dixon wants to know. How about you. Robin?" and he turned to Sears son. Did you know Folsom 2"
 ''No; never heard of him till the commotion on tho beach. Somebody told mo his nams then" "And the ladtesf" Dixon turned to the two women of the party.
 But both Madeline Barron and her young friend, Miss Fair. as- serted that they had never before heard of Garrett Folsom. and 70 Dixon concluded the interview with an apology for the Intrusion.
 "Rotten business" he told him. self. Don't see why I should poster any more people about it. The hotel will get . bad name if we don't hush the thing up as soon as we can."
 Whereupon Dixon saw to 1t that strict orders were given to all em- ployes to say nothing whatever on tho subject of MT. Folsom's death. which orders were publicly obeyed and privately disresarded.
 The elevator men refused any information asked of them by curious passengers and tho bell- boys told patrons that they knew nothing of the circumstances, but somehow the news flew about and knots of talkative chambermaids gathered in the halls and walters in the pantries whispered unceas- ingly.
 On the deck. after luncheon. many of the guests of the hotel sat about and those who had seen the affair at the beach in the morning eagerly told the story to those who had not been present.
 Roger Neville. who felt in a way conspicuous as being friend of Folsom's, would have preferred to absent himself from the crowd ed scene.
 But both Mrs. Barnaby and Mrs. Valdon insisted on his presence and he couldn't we'll desert them.
 My heavens!" exclaimed the Duchess. don't you dare leave us alone! Why. we'd be besieged by gossip and what in the world could we say to them ?"
 What can say to them. my dear lady?" asked Neville. Sup pose we 50 for . ride in the wheeled chairs. Don't you think 1t would do you both good?"
 ''No," returned Carmelita. Tt would not do to go away now. The manager might want to see us. and. too, I want to be here when word comes from Miss Fol- son."
 "You know her. don't you?" said Neville.
 five met her a few times, and, between you and me. I didn't take to her at all."
 Neville laughed. "Who could take to her? Anastasia Is not an attractive person. I'll admit"
 "Anastasia" exclaimed the Duch- ess. what an intriguing name! I'd love to meet somebody named Anastasia!"
 (To Be Continued)
 Certain of Carmelita Valdon's sc- tfons begin to look suspicious. Read the next chapter.