Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-04
SECOND INsTALLMENT.

oENOND Ans IAlALMkNI.
r LEANOR GRAHAM was one of
- those who meet the challenge of
emergency steel to flint, and
~ are best appreciated in moments
of stress. Now she faced the
situation. and took charge of the i'm
mediate steps necessary
The servants were aroused and the
house searched, including the separate
wing reserved for Mr. Balloons COL
lections. But nothing gave evidence of
any intruder. 1t appeared also that
none of the servants, including the
housemaids, a cook, and the man,
Hasta, had been away from Greyhouse
that evening. Frightened and in
coherent, they all bore witness to this
When I asked if Mrs. Balloon locked
the door Of her room at night, Eleanor
replied that she did not. There was
an electric bell communicating with
her own room, in case Celia needed
anything; and the door was left I'M
fastened
ITS significant" I observed, that
she did not ring tonight"
Yes" returned Eleanor, and I was
aware of her conStraint, Its indeed
significant"
Mr.. Balloon then does not occupy
the same room as his wife?"
mo, he does not"
There is nothing we can do"
said, but telephone him. I remember
your mentioning, didn't you, that he
was in town."
Yes. for the theater. But" she
hesitated moment, her eyes avoiding
me, I'm not certain of his address
Perhaps Celia knew. He doesn't, as
rule, care to be disturbed by messages"
remembered that Francis Ballion
belonged to number of clubs, where
he might or might not be found. There
were also a score of possible hotels, and
it was not an hour of the night for
telephoning at random.
You might try Carl Balloon sug-
gested Eleanor, and gave me his
number.
1t was only after some minutes of
prolonged ringing that drowsy voice
answered. voice, however, sharpen
ing suddenly. I could imagine the
keen, handsome face of Balloon, as
I had seen it yesterday, intent above the
receiver. He greeted my report with
subdued exclamations.
At length, mo, don't know where
Francis is. I'll try the Rackets Club.
You suggest there was violence used
are you Sure?"
Practically"
Then it's question for the police.
Though don't know about that.
Francis would hate publicity-in case,
that is, you are mistaken. Perhaps we'd
of Norse2"
Rae Norse?" -'.a g..
Eyes, of the detective service
Right" approved; hes an
intimate friend of ours and would be
discreet" 81
Then I'll find him and Francis, if
possible went on the quick, decisive
voice. AT all events, I'll be at Grey
house within an hour"
: He was better than his word, but the
time seemed long before a car with
three men drove up to Greenhouse. One
was Carl Balloon. the other Morse, and
the third a heavy-set man, who, i
learned, was a subordinate OF Norse's.
Francis Balloon had not been found
then There seemed to me shadow
on Carl's face as he emerged into the
light of the door. :.
Having been recently preoccupied
with the portrait of his brother,
noticed for the first time resemblance,
the boldness of feature and grace OF
carriage; but Carl was younger and
slightly taller. He gave the impression
besides of the well knit compactness
of muscle that goes with an athlete.
He had the most expressive eyes and
mouth have ever known.
his companion was in direct contrast.
Rae Morse always reminded me OF two
utterly opposed historical figures
Paul Jones and Mozart. He was slight
and appeared delicate, but had a sort
of gamecock independence in his way
of carrying himself. Except in mo-
ments of action, his manner was
pensive, even languid. He was a person
of most amazing variety, but snouio
ont fro a
of girlish sensitiveness that has been
the undoing of a great many. Having
once boxed with Rae. Morse, never
afterward let it deceive me.
Good morning, Ames," he said,
1T fancy you're glad we're here" The
warmth of my assent evidently amused
him.
When had treasured him, his face
frightened. 1--WE might as we'll go in"
said Morse Its too dark for looking
around outside. But you, Tom
this to the subordnate-"you watch
the driveway and walks In front and
about. Don't permit any one to confuse
whatever footprints there are. And,
when it's light enough, make tracings
Of anything you find, with note of
position.
He entered the great hall in front of
that he also was impressed by Its
size and beauty. "A Sargent" he said,
pointing at once to the portrait; your
brother, I believer"
Carl nodded.
On fire with curiosity to hear the
result of his search, I asked If Mr..
Ballion had been found.
Eyes and no." he answered, with
trace of concern. He is stopping at
the Rackets Club, but hadn't come in
when I phoned." The effort at
Yonchalance in his voice seemed rather
10 emphasize than veil the fact that 1t
was 4 in the morning. a
J. Morse avoided the topic. Before we
70 further" he said to me, give us
your account. And by the way, what
is the name of that fellow who met us
at the door?"
"Hasta," returned Carl.
/ "a Spanish name. All right,
Ames give us your story"
& / told him what I considered salient
In the chronicle of that long night,
but all the while, saw that his eyes
I. ,ad OH the portrait: and would have
:, oh that he scarcely heard, were
At not that he asked me an occasional
10y