Evening star., 1928-10-12
Jcontinued from Yesterdays starr
INSTALLMENT xxx.
whistled.

want to know Gerardo doesn't
cut much ice anyway"
He might assure us as to the where
abouts of my niece
Marney shrugged his shoulders.
'Wed have to corner him some
where first-and that's none too easy
in a big city. Gerardo's one bundle
of nerves. He starts out thinking hes
being followed. AS soon as he felt one
of rs behind him. he'd make for the
first policeman-and we don't want any
truck with the carabinieri just now
Unless I'm much mistaken, you'll flnd
news of Miss Haye upstairs"
A ring at the door of Second-hoor
fat brought a trim italian maid onto
the landing.
"I've brought along friend to see
Mr. Dighton," explained the American.
The girl ushered them into a tiny
drawing room that was typlcally Eng
lish. Taverner perched himself on the
edge of deep. upholstered chair and
stared round him at an assortment OF
occasional tables piano IN black
case and an endless array O. pnoto-
graphs in silver frames.
Within a few minutes OF their ar
rival. a plump, uniformed matron
came in.
"Good-morning, she said to Mar
nev. "Our patients ever so much
better this morning. The doctor was
astonished when he saw him.
Marney frightened at the news.
He looked at Taverner.
"You heard that, chief? Miss Leckie,
this is Mr.. Gallagher, gentleman VINO
IS particularly interested in Mr.. Dlgh-
ton. I've been telling him that the
poor fellow was in very good hanos'
Taverner was on his feet.
"I can't tell you how grateful I am
tn Won for YOUR kindness" he declared.
"Mr. Dighton has the usual youthful
procliyity of getting into scrapes, and
as I daresay Mr.. Marney has explained,
we are anxious to avoid publicity. SO
he's progressing favorably, eh?"
"Splendidly. AS matter OF 1act,
his injury was slighter than we at flrst
supposed. 1 almost think you might
see him."
Taverner cleared his throat.
II should like to, if I could. I-er-
I've come rather a long journey with
that object in view and I may have to
return almost Immediately"
Miss Leckie smiled.
"If YOU will excuse me a moment,
TIL see If his room is ready.
She had hardly left the room When
she was back again, with a sr1al pun
envelope between her fingers. she
handed it to Marney.
s.,T1l,is letter came a few minutes
hack. It was delivered by hand. Your
friend has made such remarkable
recovery that I was in two mlnoS
whether 1 should let him see 1t. But
%I'n take charge of it." said the
American. "I saw the messenger out
side and I know exactly what 1t con-
AS soon as they we're alone again,
he inserted a finger beneath the nap
and ripped it open. 1t contained some
writing on single sheet OF paper
Tayerner looked over his shouloer;
''villa Sabine, Rapallo," they reao
together: u ,,,u. ,,rouo,t
,,a here am safe and well. AS
long as no attempt is made to rescue
me. there is no danger. If the police
come. thaR have threatened to XIII me.
For heavens sake do nothing.
There was a postscript at the foot:
"Destroy this as soon as you have
head it,-G." Tavener sat down
"What did I tell you?" he demanded.
somebody must have followed you
here Yesterday. They made her write
that. don't you see? It's incredible,
Marnev, who is this Lizard-and
where does he get his information?"
"It beats me-" said the other.
The matron, reappearing at that
moment, led them along narrow,
carpeted corridor to a door at the lar
end.
"Don't make him talk too much"
was her parting request. I'VE don't
want relapse"
Dighton was sitting up in bed with
a blanket thrown over his shoulders.
At sight of Taverner trace OF color
came into his cheeks.
The baronet held out his hand.
.How are you, Alan? expect you're
wondering what I'm doing here"
at think I can guess. Have you
any news of her?"
"Now see here Dighton," put in Mar
ney's voice from the foot of the bed,
your Jobs to listen-not to talk. Miss
Leckie's afraid we'll excite you"
Dighton laughed.
"EVery one wants to treat me as an in
valid" he complained. "Its perfect
nonsense I feel a holy fraud lying
here at all.' The smile vanished in ar
instant. Tell me what's happened
since I crooked UP. Have you found
her yet?"
Tavener moistened his lips
+ Miss Haye is quite safe," he said.
The other started.