The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1927-01-07
PROLOGUE

n NE of the morning trains that
" tap the little towns along the
sound ran into the Grand Central
depot. The passengers, few IN mum
ksr--for 1t was midsummer, and
people were going out of town, not
coming in-hled strazglingly up
the long platform I 0 the exit. One
Of them was a girl, fair and young,
with those distinctive attributes
Of good looks and style that drew
mems eyes TO her face and WON
ems to her clothes.
People watched her, noting the
1.-THE grace Of her movements, her
delicate slimness, the froth OF
blonde hair thai curled-out under
the brim Of her hat. She appeared
oblivious 10 the interest she
aroused, and this indifference had
once been natural, for to be looked
at and admired had been her nor
NAL right and become a stale ex-
perience. Now IT was assumed, an
ar1Dor under which she sought pro
lection, hid herself from morbid Gu
riosity and eagerly observing eyes.
To be pointed out as Sybil Saun-
ders, the actress, was "A very diff
ferent thing from being pointed out
as Sybil Saunders, the fiancee of
James Dallas of the Dallas-Parkin-
son case.
The Dallas-ParkinsOn case had
been a sensation three months back.
James Dallas, a well-knOwn actor,
had killed Homer Parkinson dur
ing a quarrel in a mems club, and
fed before the Mortified OnlOOkers
could collect their senses Dallas,
a man Of excellent character, had
had many friends who claimed nit
igating circumstances - Parkinson.
drunk and brutal, had provoked the
assault. But the Parkinson clan.
new-rich oil people, breathing zen
geance, had risen to the cause of
their kinsman, poured out their
money in an effort TO bring the fu-
gitive to justice, and offered n
reward of ten thousand dollars for
his arrest. OF course Sybil Saun-
ders had figured in the investiga-
ton. she was the betrOthed of the
murderer. Their marriage had been
at hand. She had gone through
hours of questioning, relentless
grilling. and had steadily main
tanned her ignorance of Dallas
whereabouts from the night Of his
disappearance she had heard moth
ing from him and knew nothing Of
him. The Parkinsons did not be-
lieve her statement, the police were
uncertain.
Her taxi rolled out into the swell
tering heat, incandescent streets
roaring under the binding glare Of
the sun. Her destination was the
Office of Stroud and Walberg, the
atrical managers. Mr.. Walberg Of
fered her a friendly hand and a
chair. Mr.. WaIberg, a kindly He
brew, was kindlier than ever n this
particular visitor. He was sorry
for her-as who in his profession
was not-and wanted to help her
along. and here was his PROPOSE
ton:
A committee of ladies', a high
society bunch summering up in
Maine. wanted 10 give a play for
charity. Thomas n. DriscOll, the
spool-cotton mHgnate, who was in
California. had offered them his
place up there-Gull island was the
name-for an outdoor performance,
The ladies had wanted q classic
which Mr.. WaIherg opined was all
right, seeing the show was for char
ity. and people could stand being
bored for a worthy object. Twelfth
Night" was the play they had Sc
lected.
The ladies had placed the matter
In Mr.. WaIberg's hands, and he had
at once thought of Sybil Saunders
for Viola. she was, In his opinion
the ideal person. Compensation
was not so munlficent, but then Miss
Saunders was not yet In the star
and all expenses would be
covered, including a week at Gun
uA nod no need for further per-