Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-01

ing, the surly lodge keeper of
Berkshire Towers, opened the
- gates to permit John Diamonds
high-powered French limousine
70 roll out upon the State highway.
AT a glance, one suspected CARING to
be at odds with his world, nisogyniSt
as well as misanthrope. Which judg-
ment closer contact confirmed. With
only a large and somewhat battered
fighting terrier for company, he lived
In the lodge alone, seldom emerging ex-
cept in the line of his duty when, as
now, both he and the dog stood at at
tention, one on either side of the blue
gravel driveway.
If the owner of the limousine saw
these two faithful servitors as he
passed. he made no sign. Seated
stiffly erect, his gloved hands folded
across the handle of malacca walking
stick. the millionaire kept his eyes fixed
on the road ahead. To judge from the
froWn which clouded his usually placid
brow. matters of a disturbing nature
occupied him. That these matters had,
in part to do with the recent tragedy
at Brides House would have been a
safe guess. His business editor had
just left after reporting on the unsatis-
factory nature of his interview with
Miss West; and that in conjunction
with an overhearty luncheon Of fried
chicken and strawberry tarts, had
acted as wet blanket over the great
mans spirits
A mile and a quarter beyond Berk-
shire Towers marks the beginning of
the Wood road, universally avoided by
the people Of Hales Crossing because of
its chill and sinister reputation. AS
the limousine turned in here from the
highway, a shadow might have been
observed to cross the face of John Dia-
mond. Not so very surprising, since
overhead were trees of such height and
spread that their interlacing branches
cut of all view of the sky, creating
even on a sunny afternoon the effect of
early twilight. Today the gloom was
stygian.
The chauffeur, an impressionable little
cockney, and the footman, on whom
the story of the German stable boys
untimely exit from life had had a most
nerve-racking effect looked at each 9TH
er furtively. A punctured tire at the
moment would be bit of bad luck which
neither cared s, to contemplate; The sight mt
OF trim blue-gray roam picking Its
way along the road just ahead came
as welcome diversion. On the roam
sat a young woman whose unconven-
tional riding costume in no way detract-
ed from her charm of smoothly round
ed figure, and whose hair was red
enough to suggest a generous supply of
sciously as they passed.
An imperative order through the
speaking tube brought the limousine
to a stop. John Diamond had also
taken note of the roam and its rider.
While they waited foir the two TO
catch up he absently adjusted his collar
and tie
pardon me, but isn't this Miss
West?"
The girl turned and looked down
over one shoulder, her eyes almonds of
Jade, obliquely questioning.
Il was on my way to call upon you,"
the millionaire continued.
"Indeed?" Miss Vests attitude was
not encouraging.
Yes" His tone became less per-
emptory. Mr.. Cropsey informs me
you are determined to remain at Brides
House" There being no answer to this
he continued. 1T is seldom an employe
Of mine fails to carry out my orders"
"Orders?" The green eyes Sparkled
dangerously Did I understand you to
say-orders!"
The owner of the limousine lowered
the window the rest of the way and
leaned one elbow on the sill. The
interview gave every promise of be-
E coming heated. II told Mr.. Cropsey TO
see that you were moved out of here
Immediately. There is a comfortable
20 me. You may have it rent free for
the remainder of the Summer"
Thanks I am not the object of
charity. My rent is paid here, and
here I propose to remain"
There was pause tingling with
oppressed emotions. At last Diamond
spoke. Suppose force you to leave"
Miss West threw back her head and
laughed but there was no mirth in
the sound. TRY it." she urged, pick
ing up the reins from her horses neck.
Instantly the millionaire's manner
changed. He put out one hand to check
the threatened departure. His voice,
even his eyes, were pleading. Miss
West, I have been at fault. When you
came to me, six weeks ago, with this
strange plan of yours, I mistook you for
one Of those young women who resort
to all sorts of outlandish pranks to keep
themselves in the public eye-a piece
Of blind stupidity for which I now ask
forgiveness"
Miss West looked surprised at this
complete change Of front, but before
she had thought Of anything appropri-
ate TO say John Diamond had con-
tinued:
However, with my help or without
It, you did come to Brides House. One
death already has been the result
Others may follow. My dear young lady,
i peg OF you, De ADVISED Dy LnOSe Older
and wiser than yourself. Pack your
things today-at once-and leave this
gruesome spot. My servants are at your
disposal my car, my home-myself. Let
me wipe the memory of that other visit
from your mind by taking you back
with me now to Berkshire Towers"
So frank an effort to make amends
could only have one effect on a person
OF Miss Vests temperament. She
thaUed on the instant
That's more than generous of you,
Mr.. Diamond. and I appreciate it.
Butt can't leave my Job unfinished
1.-THE memory Of having been scared
away-would haunt me all the rest of
my life" With a rueful smile, "Wheth-