Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-12
I'm Air of Suspense Hung Deer the Gay
7ozUn When Rumors We're Spread of
Mysterious Happenings ON Board the
BaHleship That Lay in the Harbor.
BY E. Phillips Oppenheim.

why shouldn't he, if it amuses him?" Tres
holm rejoined, smiling. I'VE are not going to
discuss secrets Of state we?"
THE girl took out her vanity case and dabbed
at her lips.
II suppose you have something to say to
me-" she ventured. IT do not know what it Is
but can guess. would prefer that monsieur
DID not hear; 50, should <issnk, would you"
Tresholm showed no signs u surprise at her
unexpected speech There had certainly been
no thought Of adventure in his mind when he
had decided to stay here for dinner. Yet old
nabts were strong. At this first breath Of it.
ne felt himself back IN the old life. He was
playing part, even before he knew it,
What do you expect to hear from me?" he
asked.
She finished with her vanity case and put IL
oenDerateE away. you win probably ask me
hrst where Arthur IS" she said with q faint
smile After that, you will talk business"
Then where is Arthur" Tresholm de-
manded
In the Casino" She paused, expectant for
his next question. Then she caught the air Of
sion changed. "Eh bien?"
1T seems to me-" Tresholm confessed, "that
this Is where break down. Shall we dance
aeain?"
ease.
Tonight am tired" she pleaded az prefer
not to dance any more. Perhaps monsieur had
better return to his table. am expecting-a-
a friend"
He rose. 'I trust that have not offended
In any way"
She looked at him keenly only by SEEM
ing to be what you are not"
She suddenly rose, and Tresholm became
aware OF one Of the professional dancers stand
ing at the table. She accepted his invitation
to dance, and Tresholn returned to his place
His neighbor glanced up from the newspaper
as he sat down, and addressed him In English
which showed only the slightest trace of q for
eign accent
Scarcely success eh?"
II am afraid" TreSholm admitted conceal
ing his surprise. that I was not exactly popu-
lar with the young lady"
The little man dropped his eyeglasses, folded
up his newspaper and leaned toward his COM
panion.
Am right in believing that your name is
Tresholm," he asked, land that when you reg
istered at your hotel In Monte Carlo you de-
scribed yourself q professional gambler"
Quite right" Tresholm admitted. IAN eff
fort at humor which has led to several mis-
understandings. The hotel clerk was persistent
that ! should fill in the space, and I could
think Of nothing else for the moment"
Not being anxious to disclose your real pro-
fession" the other suggested.
A1aVlng retired from It, whatever 1t may
have BEEN" was the swift rejoinder.
"Retired?"
Formally and actually
Then what are you doing here tonight?"
Il am here entirely by accident"
"Yes, know all that" was the somewhat
impatient interruption. with me 1t is I'M
necessary"
May I ask who you are?"
II will tell you" the other replied. although
I expect you know already. My name is Vigaud
Charles Vigaud-not unknown to the head
quarters of the police here. Now, Mr.. Tresholn,
we know one another. Presently may have a
suggestion to make to you. But wait. Things
are about 10 happen"
THERE was q disturbance at the door. q hur-
rying forward Of the vestiaire, q vision of
bowling walters q maitre d'hotel Fastening to-
ward the place where the long table had been
d1smantled. Ten or twelve new arrivals were
divesting themselves of hats and coats.
Visaud turned to Tresholm with q queer
smile
Our friends, the naval officers" he re-
marked. THE commander must be In o gra-
cious mood"
do they belong to the ship that was flying
the warrington 1ag?" Tresholm inquired.
meeting place for many nights" he conided.
This morning all leave was stopped, and they
were not expected"
'Why?"
The other shrugged. "A robbery on board,
one hears"
They came presently down the room-l0 very
presentable young men. They were popular,
evidentaly for shouts Of welcome greeted them
The girl with the misty eyes alone looked