The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-02-15

invitation an impressive ceremon.
ial.) II really don't know why
should have received you. But
suppose you called on business.
Perhaps You wish me to appear at
society bazaar, or something OF
tho kind. But I'm 50 busy, Mr..
Vance. You simply can't imagine
how occupied / am with my work.
/ just love my work." she
added. with an ccstatic sigh.
And I'm sure there are many
thousands Of others who love it.
too" returned Vance. in his best
drawing-room manner. "But un-
fortunately I have no bazaar to be
graced by your charming presence.
have como on a much moro Sc
rious matter. You were a very
close friend OF Miss Margaret
Odell's-"
The mention OF the Canary's
name brought Miss La Fosse sud.
denly to her feet. Her ingratiat.
ing air OF affected elegance had
quickly disappeared. Her eyes
flashed. and their lids dropped
harshly. A sneer distorted the lines
OF her cupid's-bow mouth, and she
tossed her head angrily.
"Say, listen! Who do you think
you are? I don't know nothing.
and I got nothing to say. So run
along-you and your lawyer"
But Vance made no move to
obey. He took out his cigaret-case
and carefully selected q Reggie.
do you mind il I Sunderland
won't you have one? import
them direct from my agent in Con.
stantinople. They're exquisitely
blended"
The girl snorted. and gave him
Q look Of cold disdain. The doll.
baby had become a virago.
"Get yourself outa my apartment.
or I'll call the house detective"
She turned to the telephone on the
wall at her side.
Vance waited until she had lifted
the receiver.
III you do that, Miss La Fossc.
I'll order you taken to the district
attorneys ONCE for questioning"
he told her indifferently, lighting
his cigaret and leaning back In his
chair.
Slowly she replaced the receiver
and turned.
whats your game. anyway.
Suppose I did know Margy-then
what? And where do you fit into
the pictures"
ALAS! don't 1t in at ALL"
Vance smiled pleasantly. "But, for
that matter. nobody seems to At In.
The truth is they're about to arrest
. poor blighter for killing your
friend. who wasn't in the tableau.
either. happen to be q friend Of
the district attorneys: and I know
exactly what's being done. The po-
lice are scouting round in q perfect
frenzy Of activity. and it's hard to
say what trail they'll strike next.
Il thought. don't y know. !
might save you q lot OF unpleasant.
ness BY q friendly little chat.
OF course" he added, III you pre-
fer to have me give your name to
the police. I'll do 30. and let them
hold the addition in their own in.
imitable but cruel fashion. r
might say. however. that. as yet,
they are blissfully unaware Of your
relationship with Miss Odell, and
that. Il you are reasonable, l see
no reason Why they should be in
formed OF It."
The girl had stood. one hand on
the telephone. studying Vance In.
tently. He had spoken carelessly
and with . genial infection: and
che q length resumed her seat.
Now. won't you have one Of
ny cigerets?" he asked. IN . tone
q gracious reconciliation.
Mechanically she accepted his OF.
Ter. keeping her eyes on him al
the time. - Il attempting to de-
termine how far hs was to be
trusted.
WHO are they thinking Of ar
resting?" ohe asked tho question
with scarcely : movement Of her
features.