New Britain herald., 1927-11-08

story duplicates the captain, u is brought out that Pfyfe had been in Alvin Benson's power because of forged check. Leacock con fesses to the murder. but Vance exposes the confession as a lie to shield Miss St. Clair. Vance pre- vails upon Markham to question Mrs. Platz once more.
 NOW BEGIN THE STORY
 CHAPTER NLVIII
 "Y' know, Markham, our so- called civilization Is nothing more than the persistent destruction of everything that's beautiful and en- during, and the designing of cheap makeshifts You should read Os- waId Spengler's Untergang des Ab- endands--a most penetratin' docu- ment. I wonder some enterprisin' publisher hasn't embalmed it in our native argot.+
 "The whole history of this degen'- rate era We call modern civ vlization can be seen in our woodwork. Look at that fine old door, for instance, with its bevelled panels and orna- mented bolection, and it's Ionic pilasters and carved lntel. And then compare it with the flat, film sy, machine made, shellacked | boards which are turned out by the thousand today. Sic transit. ." Vance studied the door for some time; then turned abruptly back to Mrs. Platz, who was eyeing him curiously and with mounting ap- prehension.
 What did Mir. Benson do with i the box of jewels when he went out to dinner?" he asked,
 "Nothin, sir she answered , nervously. "He left them on the table there"
 Did you see them after he had gone?"
 Yes; and I was going to put them away. But l decided I'd bet ter not touch them.' | "And nobody came to the door, or entered the house, after MT Ben son left?"
 "No. sir"
 l "Youre quite sure?"
 I'm positive, sir" Vance rose, and began 10 pace i the floor. Suddenly, just as he was passing the woman, he stopped and ] faced her.
 Was your maiden name Hoff- man, Mrs. Platz?"
 The thing she had been dreading had come. Her face paled, her eyes opened wide. and her lower lip dropped a little.
 Vance stood looking at her. not unkindly. Before she could regain control of herself he said:
 T had the pleasure of meeting your charmin' daughter recently
 My daughter ?" the woman managed to stammer.
 Miss Hoffman, v know-thc attractive young lady with the blond hair. MT. Benson's secret'ry.' The woman sat erect and spoke through clamped teeth
 She's not my daughter"
 Now, now, Mrs. Platz" Vance chided her, as if speaking to a child. "Why this foolish attempt at deception? You remember how worried you were when l accused you of having a personal interest in the lady who was here to tea with MT. Benson? You were afraid I though it was Miss Hoffman. But why should you h" anX- ious about her, Mrs. Platz? I'm sure shes a very nice girl, Ard you really cant blame her for pre- rerring the name of Hoffman to that of Platz.
 "Platz means generally a place, though it also means a crash or an explosion: and sometimes Platz is bun or a yeast-cake. But a Hoff- man is q c0urticr-much nicer than being a yeast-cake, what?' He smiled engagingly, and his manner had a quieting effect upon her.
 Tt isn't that, sir she said, look ing at him appealiugly. "I made her take the name. In this country any girl who's smart can get 10 be a lady if shes given chance And--''
 "I understand rcrfoctly,' Vance interposed pleasantly. Miss lioff' man is clever, and you feared tha the fact of your being q housekeep' or if it became known, would stand in the way of her success, So yol eliminated yourself, as il were, 'o1 her welfare. l think il was vcr! generous of you, Your dauGh. fer lives alone?"
 "Ycs, sir in MorninCSid, Heights. But l see her every week. Her voice was barely audible.
 "Of course--as often as you can I'm sure. .I. Did you take tn