Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-15
THE FORTUNATE WAYFARER
BY E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

pounds in Bank OF England notes Is
quite great deal of money"
Oddly enough. Martins first sensa-
ton had been one Of annoyance that
these men should have imagined him
a person who could be bribed.
Momentarily he lost confidence IN
himself. The ex-commercial traveller
must still be manifest. Notwithstanding
his clothes and car. Mingled with his
annoyance, however, was strong sub
consciousness of curiosity. A hundred
pounds to set ones feet inside pro-
hibited house at the risk of prompt
eXpulSion The thing seemed amazing.
Who were these men and what could
they want with Lord Ardrington?
Il don't know why You should make
such proposition" he observed. THE
pass was Issued to me for my own Use,
and, CT course. l could not dispose OF
it"
Mr. Victor Porle accepted defeat
Rraciously. There was a slight sfrug
Of the shoulders, slight opening of
the palms of his bony hands 1t was
by such gestures as we'll as his speech
that he gave evidence of his long resi-
dence abroad
Il regret" he said. that nv sugges-
ton does not appeal TO you. II is not a
matter, however, Of vital importance.
My friend and have been partners in
various enterprises for the greater part
of our lives. We have had many dis
appointments many reverses. but never
ultimate failure. We shall see the
Corots and obtain our interview with
Lord Ardrington within a weex."
Martin rose to his feet a little pre-
cipitately. His dislike OF these two men.
one Of whom was seated By his side.
the other standing looking out OF the
parlOr window. YVES growing rapidly
They seemed out of the setting in such
a locality Their actions were ine&plic-
ABLE hv eecentricitv alone More than
ever thov seemed to diffuse an atnnos-
phere of UNPLEASANT mystery.
Il am going to have look over my
car he remarked shortly.
Victor Porle inclined his head. and
Martin made his wav out through a
gate in the wall to the cobbled stable
yard. The man whom he had left be-
hind remained in the rustic chair. me-
cfanicallv pulling to pieces one Of The
Dorothy Perkins roses he had gathered
The Unnamed Terror.
Punctually, at the time appointed,
after his pass had been rigidly scrutin-
lied, the oak gates of Ardrington Hall
were unlocked and swung back to admit
Martin and his car The entrance
seemed at first a quaint one to house
of such size and consequence. but justi-
fed itself amply and surprisingly. The
avenue which skirted the ancient court
ward and the side of the house passed
through short grove Of beech trees
and finally emerged with a sweep to
the right onto magnificent and un-
expected terrace. Martins little ex-
elenation Of astonishment was almost
q gasp. The house. the back of which
hid seemed Sullen with its sognber lack
OF ornamentation. presented front dig
niied and extensive In the best Jaco-
bean architecture. with lawns stretch
ing down from the terrace to an Italian
garden and beyond TO a rich wooded
park, As he brought his car slowly
TO standStill before the imposing en-
trance Goor. he vas aware of a man
servant in plain black livery standing
motionless upon the threshold II was
his friend the butter who had admitted
him to the house in Ash Hill.
Il have an appointment with his
lnrdship for O'Clock" Martin an
no'nced as he stepped from the car
His lordshiu is expecting YOU. sir. -
was the measured reply. Kindly step
this way
Martin was once again confused with
e 4iSoN vi AEisAFSSfDIS rs IiS crossed
the vast hall. with its white stone flags
its stained glass windows. its stone
arches Of ecclesiastical design, which
but for the Insight of the place might
almost have suggested the crypt of
cathedral He caught a glimpse OF a
huge oak staircase. a vista of picture
gallery which seemed endless. Then he
found himself suddenly ushered into
room, Unexpectedly small and furnished
with almost Spartan simplicity. Lord
Ardrington. appearing at first sight very
much as he had on ths night Of their
first meeting. except that he was dressed
IN country tweeds instead of dinner
clothes, laid down book he had been
reading and locked intently at his Wis
ltor from the depths of an easy chair.
There was suspicion as well as curiosity
In the earnest regard.
mr.. Barnes. my lord" the butler an
Lord Ardriucton nodded and watched
Martins somewhat Insulating approach.
his eyes were s'InSsn and seemed almost
black against the leatherv sallownesS of
MS complexion His smile OF welcerne.