New Britain herald., 1929-09-14
| TIA l | Eh 70 \ CONFIDANT

the colloquy between Royle and Veronica, but looked very hard at me, I thought We waited while he waded out, climbed on board and started the engine.
 Then Royle took Veronica in his car, and Mrs. Seabroke drove me home. We were in Blackwater be- fore lunch time, though long after the arrival Of Roylc and Veronica.
 My mothers nerve was quite equal to receiving me as if l had just gone for a stroll after break fast and come in to lunch. But when, later on, she told me what happened the night before her sang -froid appeared literally aston ishing.
 While Cousin John and I were in his room talking she thought she heard q, sound and saw somebody moving in the garden and went out in the direction of her rose garden While she was there the electric bell in the house rang. but she con tinued her walk.
 Suddenly she heard thudding footsteps. Cousin John and l ran by her within a yard.
 Then she guessed at an alarm.
 She delayed her return to the house for several minutes. I.aXto on was waiting for her in the drawing oom.
 Sorry I wasn't in. professor, said my mother, Toms gone to sec my Cousin Mcrryweather off. { cont quite know when he'll be back"
 "What did he say 10 that?" asked her.
 He inquired if Mir, Merry wc"'her was returning to Blackwa-
 Eaid rather >xpcctcd hin, 1 tomorrow"
 ",Iother."
 "Wcll, Tom" said she, go I do. | l tclcpEonod to him this morning. He'll be here this evening"" John Mrrrywcather. her cousin, i was a rather amusing bachelor, i lond of her in his old boyish way, But l should certainly never havA ] dreamed of dragging him into this l business.
 "I suppose you know we're skat- ! ing on thin ice" said l. ! I'm rather enjoying it." sh2 answered. "I rely on your iudcmen1. Tom, to justify all we've done"
 But that was just the mischief I could not even rely on my oW7 Judgmcnt it was so hope'cssiy de. ] tlected by the blue eyes of Neron- ica.
 We seemed to have covered ouI trac,,s fairly well for the time. Bu' you could never tell. 1 found my, self hating to go into my studio merely brcau3e behind the door oI my safe there was a certain hlacl bag.
 After lunch l went 10 rest in | hammock in the garden and 1T about five minutes l was sount Gslcep.
 woke up hearing voices opened my eyes and saw my mothc and Somerfield looking down oI nc.
 "Hcuo," said I. Anything up?"
 "Nothins up,' mother lcrlicd "Mr. Somcrfcld called to inqui~ about your foot
 l had forgotten the injured foot
 "Foors almost right now" I said
 "Thcn come and take cup 0 tea late as it is" she adviccd me,
 My mother left us over our tea.
 "WrU, GrcnoFen," said Somor
 field, isn't it time to drop the lone hand stunt"
 If you'd be a little mere eX
 plicit--''
 Hast nights business" he sai
 laconically. Rather lucky for Royle-' I "Ch, come off it," cNclaime : Somerfiold T don't know wha Andy thinks. But you cant wor
 it off men. Grenofcn. Don't yo think Veronica's too decent a girl { $ He mixed up in this?' 5 Not explicit enough" l shoo ) my head.
 ] "Very well. You got som, bod l away last night across tha Channc l Don't say you didn't. There wor l 80 gallons of gasoline in the tank { and this morning I had just enouG \ to get back with" t And then?" said l, as Ncronic
 lad said to the lieutenant, "WhG e about it? Where are we?" 1 T don't know where We are. 6l 2 I know where that bum profcssc 8 is. Hes on your trail good an 7. close And I'd hate 10 see Vcronic | in any nastiness. ., "I-aXton on my trail?' l sat back in my chair and lookC V up at Somerf!eld, who stood hant | in pockets with serious eyes ike
 on me.
 = Hook here, Som arfield,' said
 you don't think I'm rosue?" ." Nc"
 q wonder if I could take you in d my confidence! Of course l know l. could with safety. But I mes 2 whether you'd think it proper to l. lugged into a funny business
 What did 1 say just TOW abo :, the lone hand" asll,c Somerfiel
 "Ill tell you how 't strikes m st you've '"mhlad into a rlace yc q len. ] came over on purpose