Evening star., 1930-10-30
INSTALLMENT XVIII.

ANS1AAAMEN1 ANAhs
<<TNHERE'5 never been any Low,
- between the doctor and Hani,
Scarlet remarked evasively
l. Bliss brought him to Amer
lea solely because Meryt in
sisted on 1t. think he believes Han
Is spying on him for the Egyptian gov
ernment."
''Is It entirely unlikely?" Vance put
the question offhandedly.
Really, Vance, i can't answer that
Scarlet suddenly leaned forward ane
his features became tense. But I'll tel
YOU this: Meryt Is incapable of any
fundamental disloyalty to her husband
Even though she may think she made q
mistake in marrying Dr. Bliss-who's
much older than she is and completely
absorbed in his work-she'd stand by
her bargain i,t IKE 1n0rcusnofeE Wsmoe noGSs6
slightly and selected a Reggie from his
case. And that brings me to a most
delicate question. : Do. you think
that Mrs. Bliss has any-what shall
say?-interests outside of her hus-
band? That is. aside from DR., Bliss
lifework, is it possible that her more
intimate emotions are involved else
where?"
Scarlet got to his feet and began
epluttering :.
"Oh, really. Vance. Dash it
nune. s%9n quese5Gn' one doesn't TN talk R0 about about
such things; it's not Gone-really 1t
isn't. cid man. You put me in
a most embarrassing position. =
(Scarlett's predicament reused my SYM
pathy)
Neither is murder done in the best
circles" returned Vance equally
Were dealin' with most unusual sit
uation And somebody translated Kyle
from this world into the hereafter in
very distressin' fashion. But since
your sensitivities are so deuced lacerated,
ri withdraw the question" He smiled
disarmingly. you're not entirely i'm
pervious to the lady's charms yourself
eh, what, Scarlett?"
The man whirled about and glared at
Vance ferociously. Before he could an
swer. Vance stood up and looked him
steadily in the eyes.
"A man has been murdered" he said
quietly, land q devilish plot has been
introduced into that murder. Another
human life Is at stake. And I'm mere
to find out who concocted this hideous
scheme and to save an innocent per-
son from the electric chair. Therefore,
conventional taboos stand in my way. '
His voice softened somewhat. Il appre-
ciate your reticence. Under ordin'ry cir
cumstances 1t would be most admirable.
But Just now it's rather silly"
Scarlet met Vance's gaze squarely,
and after a few seconds he sat down
again.
You're quite right old man" he ac-
uuiesced, in a low voice. I'll tell you
anything you want to know. -
Vance nodded indifferently and
smoked for a while.
IT think you've told me everything, ="
he said finally. But we may call on
YOU later. It's far past luncn-
time. Suppose you toddle along home" F"
Scarlet drew a deep sigh OF relief ana
got to his feet
"Thanks awfully." And without an
other word he went out.
Heath followed him and We could
hear him giving instructions to Snlt-
kin to let Scarlet leave the house.
'Well." said Markham to Vance, when
the sergeant had returned, how has
Scarlett's information helped you?
can't see that it has thrown any very
dazzling light on our problem"
"My world" Vance shook his head
with commiserating incredulity. scar
lett has put US infinitely forrader. He
was most revealin'. We now have DEF
finite foundation on which to stand when
we chivy the members OF the house
hold"
"T'm glad you feel so confident.
Markham rose and regarded Vance
sternly. "You can't really believe?