Evening star., 1930-06-15
Prize Deterti1e S1oryQf Yen-By Edgar Wallace

Margaret Belman hesitated. She was human
enough to be impressed by the luxury of her
surroundings, and this dainty lady had the ap-
peal of refinement and charm which is 50 difi-
cult to resist.
I'VE will dine tete-tete, and after-some peo-
pie may come for dancing Perhaps you have
O friend who would like to Gomez"
Margaret smiled and shook her head. Curl
ously enough, the word friend" suggested only
the rather awkward figure of Mr.. Reeder, and
somehow she could not imagine Mr.. Reeder in
this setting
When she came out into the street and the
butler had closed the door behind her. she had
the first shock of the day. The object of her
thoughts standing on the opposite side of
the road, furled umbrella hooked to his arm.
why, Mr. Reeder!" she greeted him.
you had seven minutes to spare" he said,
looking at his big-faced watch. "I gave you
half an hour-you were exactly % minutes and
few odd seconds"
Did you know I was there?" she asked
unnecessarily.
"Yes-I followed you I do not like Mrs.
Annie Feltham-she calls herself Madame some
thing or other. 1t is not nice club"
Club" she gasped
Mr.. Reeder nodded
They call it the Muffin Club. Curious name
curious members. 1t is not nice.'
She asked no further questions but allowed
herself to be escorted home wondering just why
madame had picked upon her as likely recruit
to her gayeties
"A ND now occurred the succession of incidents
which at first had so puzzled MIR. Iiski.
He was busy man, and almost regretted that
he had not postponed putting his plan of opera
ton into movement. That he had failed in
one respect he discovered when by accident as
L.
Times Square.
Woodworking, Liski," said Mr. Reeder. al
most apologetically. "I was so sorry for that
unfortunate contretemps, but believe me bear
no malice And while realize that in all Drob
ability you do not share my sentiments have
no otner wish than to live on the friendliest
terms with you"
Liski looked at him sharply. The old man
was getting scared he thought There ugos
almost tremble in his anxious voice when
ne put forward the olive branch.
4hats all right, Mr.. Reeder" said Mo with
ns most charming smile. II don't bear any
maIlce either. After all, it was a silIv thing
TO say, and you have your duty to do y
he went on in this strain, stringing pIatitud.
10 pla1tude, and Mr.. Reeder listened with evil
oence Of growing relief
Inc world is full of sin and trouble" he
salo' shaking his head sadly Both in high
and low places vice is triumphant and vir+,,a
thrust like the daisies, under foot You don't
keep chickens do you, Mr. Liski?"
MO Llski shook his head.
Wnat a pity!' sighed Mr.. Reeder 'Tbere
y SO mucn one can learn from the domestic
ioWI! Ihey are an object lesson to the nm
IaWIul. often wonder why the prison uar
oenS do not allow the convicts at sine Sino
70 engage In this harmless and instructive
ho0by. 1 was saying to Mr. Pvne ear1v th;o
morning, when they raided the Muf5n Clnh
what quaint title it has"
Haloed the Muffin Club?" said Mo quickly
Wnat DO you mean? I've heard nothing
You wouldn't That kind Of instit,tio,,
would hardly appeal to you Only we thought
II was best to raid the place, though in doing
50 rear have incurred the dispeasure of a
young Iady friend of mine who was invited to
onil,e Gunner there tomorrow night AS say,
Now Mo Liski knew that his plan had mis-
earned Yet he was puzzled by the mans
attitude. ~
Perhaps you would like to come down and
see my Buff Orpingtons Mr.. Liski?" Reeder
removed MS glasses and glared owlishIy at his
companion. Say at o'clock tonight: there
Is so much to talk about. At the same time
II would add to the comfort of all concerned
you dld not NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. do
you understand what 1 mean? I should not
know" W
A slow smile daWned on Liskis face It
was his faith that all men had their Drice
whether it paid in cash or terror and
this invitation to secret conference was in
sense tribute to the power he welded
AT O'Clock he went to Reeder's house half
hoping that Mr.. Reeder would go a little far
ther along the road which leads to compro-
mise. But, strangely enough the elderly de-
tective talked OF nothing but chickens He
sat on one side of the table, his hands clasped
on the CLOTH his voice vibrant with pride as
he spoke of the breed that he was developing
and bored to extinction, Mo waited
There Is something wanted to say to YOU
but 1 fear that must postpone that until
another meeting" said Mr.. Reeder as he
helped his visitor on with his coat ct will