Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-06

young man to the club" he said. Il
should like to pay the fine."
Can I appeal?" ] asked the magis-
trate.
"You can, but should advise you
not to-" was the uncompromising reply
stepped down and made my way
outside. A quarter Of an hour later ]
let myself into my rooms. Smart
greeted me with an air Of grave dis
tress.
"A bath quickly" I ordered. "Any
calls or mesSages?"
Nothing of any sort, sir"
mo note?"
Nothing"
I took up the telephone and asked
for Claridge's Hotel.
''Is Miss Essiter staying in the
There was a brief delay. Then the
reply, - 49,. -.
is not in"
made my way to the bathroom and
began to throw of my clothes.
I bathed, dressed, ate my breakfaS!
and walked to Claridge's. never fell
more nervous than when I inquired
for Miss Essiter. The clerk listened
to me with q certain hesitation.
miss Essiter was staying here yester.
day, SIR" he admitted. Il am not
quite sure whether she has left. WI
Won take a seat for q minute or two?'
While I waited Mr.. Leopold, clad with
almost offensive perfection, strollec
toward the lounge. Arrived almost
at the threshold, he stopped, and q
man, dressed in dark clothes and nav
| ing the appearance Of a servant, STEP
, ned forward and handed him q letter
| leopold asked no questions, made nc
remark. His hand slid with 1t into
his overcoat pocket. without q glance
toward the retreating figure OF the
messenger he continued his progress
was half inclined to follow him. Then
I reflected that he was safe there, al
any rate for some time. Presently the
clerk approached me.
Miss Essiter is staying here, sir,
he announced. "but she Is not In al
present"
do YOU mean that Miss Essiter has
gone out already this morning?" ]
asked.
The young man hesitated. He looked
at me surreptitiousfy and probably took
note Of my agitation.
"Are you q relative Of Miss EsSiters
may I ask?" he inquired.
ST am her uncle's secretary" told
him. "She was in my charge last night
and through an unfortunate accldent
we were separated. came round 10
be sure that she reached the hotel
safely and to see her, II possible.
The young man looked me over and
apparently decided in my favor:
miss Essiter has not yet returned,
sir" he acknowledged.
I received the news with greater
calmness than had believed possible. ]
felt queer little choking In my throat
but fancy that there was nothing I'M
usual in my manner.
HAS there been any mesSage?"
asked. Are her clothes still In her
room?"
"There has been no message" the
young man replied. land her clothes
"Has her bed been slept IMP" per-
Apparently not" the clerk answered.
"The chambermaid went to call her
this morning and found that the room
had not been occupied.
Something must have happened tc
Miss Essiter." said II shall tei t;,
the police"
All the time had stood facing the
hall so that no one could pass OUT
| Of the lounge unseen. took my leave
of the clerk now and made my way
toward it. When I entered Mr.. Leo
pold was seated in a chair, reading
$50 you've pulled yourself together
young man, have your" he asked
coolly.
brought you back your 40 shillings' MI
Leopold"
He accepted the money with ses'
ture of indifference.
Would you be so good as to tell me,
I continued, what became Of Mis-
Essiter after you packed me on las
night2"
Certainly" he assented. "You have
observed, I hope, that I was very care
! full not to mention the young lady;
name in court. I waited until sht
| came out Of the dressing room, ane
then explained the situation to her
I asked her whether she would carr
to accept my escort, but she preferred
to return here. I put her into taxi
cab, and wished her good night.
very charming young lady! I am pro
posing to send my card up 70 ne
presently and invite her to lunch"
miss Essiter has not returned here,
I told him. "She did not return a
all last night. Her room Is still empty.
Mr.. Leopold stared at me.
mot returned?"
"You can inquire for yourself, II YOU
like"
"You are sure" he added, after
moments pause, "that this IS not he
way Of indicating that she does no
wish to see you? She Is probably an
moved. She might very reasonably b
I annoyed, Major, at your detection las
night"
I shook my head.
at am afraid there Is no doubt what
ever" I told him, "that Miss Essite
did not return last night. You cal
20 to the office and inquire for your
self. In fact, should very much Tx
you to do so. We shall see thel
whether there is anything in you
idea"
IT will do so with pleasure" h
agreed. There Is certainly Somethin
ATT