Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-26

rake-of from the night clubs, just going around
and giving them tone. Got lots Of publicity
when :"
large table was reserved at q conspicuous
place next the dance floor; q party Of five filed
in so majestdcally that Maud expected the
other guests to arise and do Obeisance. She
was aware Of auroral light q sparkling ninnbus
OF cold flame emanating from q tall beauty
with tired dark eyes.
IF that amt Hector!" Hugo was saving
above the blare Of saxophones Hector. it was
50 faultleSsly dressed for the occasion. He
never let his eyes wander from the jeweled
woman. Pushing aside q waiter, he set the
chair Tor her; his seat was beside hers, his gaze
alert. Mrs. Grantburg Rowland had made her
usual sensation; people were turning to look
We'll" said Hugo, II the family's all
here And suppose you want to be intro
duced to your husband?"
Surely; that would be nice" She tried to
speak carelessly. Listen Hugo You know
Hector's business. I'm here to watch"
why didn't you tell me In the first placer"
Hugo. haven't got a sore ankle any more
than you have. But can't dance around, be-
ing seen. :"
Maud stared at the Rowlands' table 1t was
deserted now, save for one man, who sat mood
lily chewing cigar. Where had Hector gone
with his freight of human treasure? All. there
they were, well matched pair, little apart
from the place where dancers were thickest
The famous bracelet flashed from a wrist that
lay across Hector's elbow. The air seemed snap
ping with little electric points
Then at a far corner-she rose from the
table to see better-Igor van Nee slipped skill
fully forward to cut in. Hector was rude.
Clutching tightly to the light-tripping beauty.
ne swung her away When they reganed their
table Maud sighed. Hector had passed a dan
ger mark. Mr. Rowland and his partner had
come back, too
A foot behind Mrs. Rowland's shoulder stood
a large Chinese vase, possibly four feet high.
Now and then she would turn and tap her
cigarette on the edge of the receptacle The
diamond bracelet sparkled, challenge to lurk-
ing crooks
The lights were dimmed for a special dance
number. When it was over there was a COM
motion at the Rowlands' table. Mrs Rowland
was pointing to her wrist
Gone!" Above the orchestral din she gave
a little scream They've stolen my bracelet
they've"
Maud would have sprung to her feet bun
Hugo's hand had frightened over her wrist. sit
down." Like a command at a theater stam-
pede. you'll only mess things"
The Rowland party was omnously restrained.
Hector stood very grim while Rowland mo-
toned to Eddie Kay. the proprietor Walters
locked under the table, brushed chair seats.
No scene of any kind
People are going home" Hugo said that
and 1t was so. Rumor. travelling like con-
Sc1ous guilt has an electric swiftness In these
early morning places. The news had spread.
Would the police be called2 But there was no
call. Only Rowland mumbling to the proprie-
tor. Then Hector shot away into the thronR.
Maud strained to break away from Hugos
strong hand. Where was Hector going-what
danger would he encounter? Then she saw
Van Nee. no longer dignified, making his way
down circular stairway In the rear
Next she found herself out on the sidewalk
Hugo helping her into her red coat How calm
she felt. Or was it numbness? Walking along.
he was saying, 'Hector's too smart to let them