New Britain herald., 1929-06-06

got up and l followed him to his car. After he left. I went slowly back | to my den. After some thought took up the telephone and was pres- ently talking with an old colleague who lives in Los Angeles.
 After breakfast the next morn- ing, I telephoned Deacon. To my sorrow. he had no word Of the chill dren and l strengthened my re4olve to start for Skull Valley if they were not back by noon. I went out into the garden. As I approached l the patio door. voices came to me. One of them was Mrs. Moffit's dis nal treble. The other. woman's voice also, did not recognize. They came into view. Dumbfound- ed. I slipped behind q hydrangea bush.
 Mrs. Moffit was showing my lilies to The Woman in Black! I did not doubt that she was Mrs. Lundy. Tall. angular" and 'all sinew and bone and tight-shut mouth," Hubbard had described her. Her long, black coat and dress were unrelieved by the slightest touch of color and I wondered how i Deacon's men had missed her.
 ''The lily is the vessel of purity" Her voice reminded me of priest of one of the mystic religions. These are beautiful"
 ''Mr. Peebi.s looks after them as if they were babies," Mrs. Moffit sighed. I'm sure he won't mind if you want to pick a few" I thought it time to reveal my self and I stepped from behind the hydrangea.
 Have your friend help herself, Mrs. Moffit," I said lavishly. My housekeepcr started. "Oh! I didn't know you were there, MT. Peebles. Why, why-this is Mrs Lundy. the demopstrator of our circle"
 I bowed Mrs. Moffit said you were-forgive me if I did not un- derstand?"
 ''Demonstrator of the Forty-ninth l Circle in the Fifth Realm, Cosmic Indulgence" she informed me se- renely.
 Light broke upon me, "Ah! Cos mic 1ndulgence.'
 You have heard of our beautiful faith. Mir. Peebles?"
 "Hmn!" I said. Yes. From Mrs. Moffit." The latter cast doubtful eye at me. Do you mind coming into my study for few minutes before you go?'
 She 3id not seem surprised. "Of course not. We are always glad to answer questions about our faith"
 took her through the patio door, leaving Mrs. Moffit goggling at our backs.
 Mrs. Lundy,' said briskly. my questions have nothing whatever to do with Cosn;c Indulgence"
 Her mouth frightened.
 T don't wish to be impertinent, I said earnestly. Tell me: have you teen questioned by the po- lice?"
 She opened her eyes. ''The po- man."
 Where have you been ever since Friday night?"
 II was in my room at the Gen. tral Hotel. was meditating. Four days of continuous meditation are required ot the priestesses of our faith every month."
 "Indeed!" I began to understand. You called on MT. Andrew Og- den last week, didn't you?"
 'I did"
 ''He gave you check for $1 ,000 ?"
 What has that got to do with you ?"
 Evidently" I said watching her closely, you do not know that An. drew Ogden was murdered in his library last Friday night"
 She looked at me. gaping. "Mur- dered.
 l explained the circumstances of the murder and the check stub.
 Do you mean the police want to see me about that check? It was a contribution to our cause"
 stared at her. astonished. Do you mean to say Ogden gave you $1,000 for this-your faith?"
 Certainly"
 fell silent. Andrew had hated humbug Of every description. He couldn't have fallen for any such nonsense as Cosmic Indulgence.
 Mrs. Lundy," I said placatingly you must forgive me for goins ] into personal matters, but I am de termined to get at the bottom O.