Evening star., 1928-09-10
,ntinued from Yesterdays Starr
INsTALLMENT XXXVIII.
The Plot Works in Spite Of Everything

THEIR mutual SJupeIdCtloi was
marvellous short duration. mar
tin finished his whisky and sod'
at a gulp, stretched himself u
feel how sore his limbs reall,
uer. and then laid down his plan O
action.
Look here" he said. I've plcket
I'm a thing or two from sort of hal
sentences I've heard, but 1 understand
the whole business now. It's easy
enough to see what they are going u
trv. They're going to try to carry Lau'
rita off from some night haunt OF
other. I suppose Mr.. Garnham--
He stopped short Their eyes met
Blanche shook her head.
II haven't much Of an opinion OF
Gerald myself" she admitted, but he's
not downright bad. AS matter OF tact
I think he's rather fond OF Laurlta
No, he'd do what he could to help II
there was trouble, but I'm afraid II
wouldn't be much
What time does the opera come
out?'
About IL o'clock"
I'VE can only guess at their plans,
Martin continued, after moment
pause. Il should imagine that she'd
take them first to one of the best places
to stou any suspicion, and then after
ward on to some other haunt. Where
would they go to first, do you think?"
They didn't say"
We'll it's only just past H." Mar
tin reflected. Wed better call round
at my rooms. They wouldn't let me
in anywhere like this. In ten minutes
can change a few things. I've a
revolver there and I can get some
money. Then We'll go round to the
likely places. I don't see anything else
to be done"
what about the police?"
81 shall want your help there, "
Martin declared III never be able to
convince them by myself. Well go
direct to Scotland Yard before We try
the supper places"
All right" Blanche agreed. "Ill
just slip my frock on again and I can
wait at your fat while you change
! think we are bound to find them at
either Mario's or the Ambassadors Z"
She turned to leave the room. Sud-
denly they both yielded to the nerv-
Gus start inspired by simple but un-
expected happening. The telephone bell
from the little instrument on the side
board was ringing. Blanche moved
over to it, took off the receiver and held
~ IA 4LCA 1idilO u1IeAA tAlC UuLALIIB was
finished.
Blanche Birmingham speaking" she
said. Who are you?"
There was a little laugh at the other
end of the wire.
'Laurita!" Blanche exclaimed under
her breath.
Blanche, we're having such a lovely
time. The opera was so wonderful;
I'm still Quivering with excitement
Now we are all here at Marios."
Where did you say?"
AT Marios." Laurita repeated. why
does your voice sound so strange,
Blanche?"
THE telephone startled me-" Blanche
explained. 60 on, please"
Everything is SO delightful here"
Laurlta continued. "We want you to
come. Madam da Mendoza invites
you specially. Gerald has several young
man friends here who are dancers.
Please dress yourself and come quickly"
Blanche stood away from the tele-
phone for a moment and turned to
Martin.
She wants me to go there to
Mario's." "
Can you get her away without max
ing them suspicious?" he asked.
We'll, dear? Don't keep me waiting
will you? They are playing such d.
vine music"
"Laurita." Blanche went on earn
estiy, I have found Martin. We have
heard something. We believe that
everything is not safe for you tonight"
"A mocklng laugh came down the
.. That is ridiculous" Laurita scoffed.
was never SO safe or so happy. But
mat Martin is found-I am deliehtedl
Come quickly and tell me all about if
Laurlta," Blanche insisted. tell
Gerald from me that there is trouble
Insist that he bring you away"
AND leave that dear aunt of minei"
was the indignant response. ''Neyerr
1oa must be mad, Blanche. You do
not know how sweet and kind She is
Wnlle am with her and with Gerald
l am perfectly safe Are you coming
or not? I must go back"
blanche hesitated for a moment.
u come" she decided "Only listen
!.aurlta. La Promise me that you will not
tell even Gerald-certainlv not Mn,e
"a Menoora-that 7 have begged Won
TO come away" '@
Il would not do anything so stunid /"
Laurita agreed: "it might hurt them
come quickly, Blanche. I'm very happy
about Martin" --"PpS
one moment" Blanche begged.
docs Nine. da Mendoza really know
mat you are telephoning to meo"
Laurita kesitated
q, Perhaps she does not" she admitted
but she did say that it was a nitv we
nao no other girl when Gerald had 50
many man friends here. But that Won
need not mind. She is so kind and GEN
erous, she will be delighted"
very well, dear, I'll come" Blanche
That sounds all right, Martin
DOESN'T lt?" Blanche asked a little
ooubtfully, after she had rung of.
You're sure that 1t was Laurita
speaking?"
Absolutely. What she said at first
wasn't quite true, though, Nine " da =,
Mendora didn't know that she was
speaking to me-"
Martins face cleared.
That explains it. On with the frock.
please. Lady Blanche. This may short
en- matters"
Blanche passed swiftly through into
her room. Martin, still q little unsteady.
threw open the window for more air,
He thought with a grim smile of the
time less than IL months ago when he
had prayed for more adventure in his
life!
Mario's, perhaps the most popular
dance club in London. was at its best
when Laurita, after her brief moment
at the telephone, rejoined Gerald, who
was waiting in the lounge and was
uShered by bowling maitre d'hotel tc
the table where Nine. Ola Mendoza al
ready sat installed. chatting to some
acquaintanceS whom Gerald had in.
troduced. She welcomed Laurita with
an affectionate little smile
Il have ordered everything I coulc
think Of for supper. dear" she said
Meanwhile make the best of this won.
derful music. Dance now. Why not.
BY the time you have finished there
will be cocktails s."
Won't YOU take q turn, madame?