Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-20

! eyed His nose was like the beak of
vulture and, holding soft hat in one
hand, he was looking about him sus-
piciously. This was a gross, uneasy
shadow.
For fully five minutes the masked
man sat studying it, then, as soft light
reflooded the room, the apparition van
ished. A key was touched and the
point Of green light sprang up.
IT will see him."
Having spoken he depressed the Sec
Old key and the green light went out
Twenty seconds later a door slid noise
lessly open in the south wall, revealing
small elevator. In the elevator stood
the substance of the shadow.
Seen in the flesh and in his natural
coloring, the man was less sinister than
his image. His reddish hair, close
Save for the evaSive little eyes and that
bird of prey nose, he might have passed
for decent citizen. He was by ma
ture a fellow sure of himself. but he
came out into that black and gold dome
room with marked hesitancy.
The door closed silently. He stood
staring at the man behinud the table
and his free hand opened sand closed
spasmodically. Then:
"zone Officer 3-B," the suave voice
began, why did you fail to report to
your divisional headquarters. that Mr.
Peter Champion received q visit from
you at midnight Wednesday last?"
The man addressed failed utterly to
hide his CONSERVATION. He moistened
his lips and was about to attempt some
reply, when:
IT accept no excuses" the smooth
voice added, but await an explana-
ton"
For perhaps Is fateful seconds the
man hesitated.
II went on zone work." he finally re-
piled.
His voice was somewhat hoarse.
by whose orders?"
'Nobody's. thought he was worth
covering, that's all"
From his place at the extreme end of
the room he N@s staring, staring at that
dead yellow face.
II admire your ZEAL" the suave tones
commented, but not your neglect of
routine. Explain it."
Moistening his lips again:
Il got to know Champion by ringing
him up and telling him that his house
was being watched by cat-burglars, the
man replied. Then called late We'd
nesday night and sent my card In. So
far there was nothing to report"
Wrong" the masked man interrupted
gently. You were promoted to charge
OF Zone 3-B in January, 1927. You
know the regulations as well as /"
He touched key. Before him, upon
the hitherto blank wall, a map OF New
York appeared. brilliantly illuminated.
1t was a large and a wonderfully de-
tailed map. 1t had many strange
features, the most notable its division
into a series Of zones, distinctively col
ored. Their center was a spot in the
heart of the city.
Refresh your memory" he directed.
The visitor turned and stared, as If
hypnotized. at the zone map. 1t sud-
denly disappeared. The wall became
blank again.
You see," said the musical voice.
THE Champion home is in Zone A l."
No one. listen intently though he
might. could have determined whether
the smooth, formidable creature en-
throned behind the table believed the
mans story or otherwise. However, APP
parently he did. for:
BE very careful" he went on. "Your
explanation Is unsatisfactory. Peter
Champion Is not in your zone. You have
deliberately broken two vital regulations.
First, you have failed to report to your
divisional headquarters: second. you
have undertaken inquiries, without or
ders. outside your zone. Forward your
proper report not later than noon to-
morrow. You may co.
In obedience to some control under
the speakers hand the door of the ele-
vator shaft slid open-and Zone Oh1cer
3-B turned and went out. The door
closed again; the green light appeared.
Exit Seven" that gentle voice COM
manded. Connect H-Q."
AS the green light vanished red one
took its place.
Cover the man leaving by Exit
Seven," came the order. Pile quarter
hourly reports"
CHANGING at note on his table, the
speaker manipulated the keyboard, caus-
Ing the green light to reappear.
Zone Of1cer IA is here" the Levan-
tine tones announced.
Il will see the officer"
A few moments later the elevator door
opened again-and woman entered
compoSedly. The door CLOSED behind her
From her smart little hat crushed
down rakiShly upon short, coppery hair
to the tips of her pointed shoes she dis
played the chic which Paris gives. She
was rather above medium height, slen-
der, but curry. Her features were ir-
regular yet, when she spoke, or more
particularly when she smiled, few men
would have denied her beauty. Her
charming accent proclaimed her to be a
daughter Of France.
Her Self-poSSession in that uncanny
room and in the presence of the masked
horror was admirable. The man at the
table did not stir when she inclined her
head in greeting, but:
!"zone Officer ga" he said-and his
voice was smoother than ever-"your
work has beell excellent. Tonight,
COmdr Roscoe will be at the T,otoS Cluh
and not at the Ritz He has realized his
danger. He and his friend will dine
alone. Detail a sector captain to trace
the restaurant selected. Report to the
chief chemist"
The girl-for she was little more
started involuntarily. Her expression
hardened. lending a sudden angularity,