Evening star., 1927-05-01

treasury" said Bill, recognizing him.
what is he doing in this galley?"
The superiority of Toby's smile was
offensive to a we'll informed reporter.
Paxton has been a front-row lizard
at all La Florette's productions for
the last two years" he said.
I've heard that treasury officials
go mad at So said Bill. This is one
of those cases. l wonder who is
paying the bill?''
Somebody else in the party was pom
dering that question. Charles Van
Campo was amazed, but also alarmed
at the prodigality of the entertain
ment. He waited an opportunity
which was long in coming, to take
his friend to the little study at the
back of the hall which she had re-
served for her own use that night,
kid. this is fine, but | hope you've
so fixed it with Latin that there's no
comeback. Did he give you any
money"
She mentioned a sum and he whis.
tied.
"That wouldn't pay the breakage
bill, ,''.he said. You want to see him
right away and get this scheme OF
his on proper business basis. A
man told me yesterday that he's near
broke, and / know for fact that
he's only paid a deposit on the rent
of this house,
"He will not let me down." she
said. but she was a little uneasy.
I'm phoning him tonight; 1 was
hoping he would come, but he told
me he was too busy
Phone him now,'' urged Van
Campo, troubled.
sShe locked the door and called Laf'
fms number.
s'Iies probably in bed" she said.
'oFhose kind of men do not keep late
hours"
Even as she spoke she heard LAT.
fms gentle voice.
''It is La Florette speaking, doc
tor, . she said in low voice. Il have
the information you wanted" And
in two sentences she told him all he
wished to know. though she did not
realize this until a long time after
ward. ''And, doctor, don't you think
it would be wise il you let me have
some money! The 500 you sent me
viii not 60 very Tar. The band has
cost a hundred and the people who
supply the refreshments want a check
tomorrow morning.
THAT will be quite in order, Miss
Florette, - said the soothing voice OF
the doctor. Yen need have no ap
prehension i will send you a check
by the early morning delivery"
Before she could urge this need
still farther he had switched of.
We'll, that's that, she said with
sigh of relief. 81 don't think you
need worry, Charles. Now come and
q Fs.fn 1ctB
Who is that queer-looking man in
glasses and the oh-fashioned suit?'
Hes a friend of mothers" she
said, bitterly regretting that, in a
moment of expansiveness induced by
Toby Marsh's unblushing fiattery. she
had sent him an invitation at all.
Il know the reporter who is with
him; he ought TO be able TO get
some good publicity for you"
''Dr. Latin doesn't want a word
in the newspapers. Can you beat
it?" she sai%. with pardonahle ex
asperation. I'm supposed to be get
ting publicity out of this stunt of his
and yet not line must be published.
She saw the three standing in the
hall together as she went back to
the ballroom and observed with salts
IdCLlOH IlldI hANAf9NA FN"~ N~--'1
helped into his coat.
| Toby was the first to leave and
stood waiting for the other two while
| the footman found their belongings
| Bill had walked out on to the street
| and Bullott was following when he
| heard the footman say:
| Excuse me-, sir" and felt in his
pocket for a tip. Can have Woro
| with you?"
The detective looked at the servant
| in surprise.
Yes, certainly" he said.
The footman came with him to the
| sidewalk.
| You don't know me, sir, but
know you. You're Mr.. Bullott OF
| headquarters, aren't you?"
THAT is so," said Bullott, IS the
man made a sign. You're Ragou
SAM"
II wanted to talk to you about
| that the man went on. Il was al
| the lodge when you were initiated
| You wouldn't know me, because
was one of the two men who put or
| your robes"
BulIott remembered the two attend
ants in the anteroom who had ASSISTED
| himself and Bill Holbrook TO don tht
| livery of the Proud Sons.
what / wanted TO ask you, sir
was this" said the man, lowerinf
his voice and glancing back at tht
| open door. DO you think everything
| is all square and aboveboard with th'
| Ragousans? 1t used to be-" he wen
on quickly. when l joined the
order, about ten years ago, it wal
one of the most brotherly societies
YOU could wish for. And don
think, sir, that I'm frying to knocl