The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-10

we go on with it and fight. If Alicia's husband in spite of his
 high-sounding titles is just another foreign crook want to know that too.
 You'll go over there ahead of Moffett, the engineer, There's been nothing said or done as yet to arouse suspicion. That's why the trip must be made at this time. Don't you see I can't send an ordi- nary employe over there and tell him what's in my mind about my own son-in-law? Besides, you can go about with Jules as no employe could"
 Its a spying job you're asking me to undertake, is it?'' Now wait a minute! Not so hot headed. It's nothing on earth but a straight business deal. I want you to go to France for three weeks, drop over at this mine and have look at it, go to see Jules and Alicia and make certain in- quiries about Jules. It's thing that's done every day in business. | A Illdu lldS " hAOW LIB doSOCldIC6 are honest. If they're dishonest he has to out-smart them. Well, that's a very brief outline. We'll go over the whole thing in detail later. You're working for me on this job Mark. Directly under my | orders and no one else!" Mark met his glance. "No use to pretend I know what it's all about" he said, ''but I'll try to do what you want. How long will l be abroad ?"
 That depends. Ought to make the trip, I should say. in a month or five weeks. Wen see how it works out"
 The young man was smiling. "Well, a month in France is cer- tainly no hardship. Be able to stop over a day or so in Paris, will I? Say-I'll get kick out of showing Norma Paris!'
 The father pursed his lips. Ger tainly you can spend a day or two in Paris. Matter of fact, on the surface this journey is to appear a pleasure trip. You're to do all the things you would if you were on vacation. Jules and Alicia will as- sume that's why you're there. On this other matter of taking-er, Norma-well, I'm afraid that's out of the question"
 But. dad-?"
 'It will be better for you" his father went on evenly, and also for your wife if you make this trip alone. In the first place, though you are to seem to be on a pleasure trip, you will really be working. It's a conviction of mine that a man can't keep his mind on business when he's travelling with his wife. Arbitrary ruling of the company. If I let you take Norma along 1t would be favoritism and l told you there was to be none. On the other hand she can be more | comfortable here. We'll see that everything is done for her. It would please your mother if she'd come to the house and stay with us while you're gone. When this 1 years ended and you've proven you know how to work-if you do-you and she can take three or four months trip abroad and do 1t properly"
 Mark said slowly. T hate to 1 leave her but, as you say 1t may | Uc Dc6t. INV WOSAo 10 o AoAA6 time, though"
 "Why, five weeks Is nothing! Well-do you think you understand your first assignment ?" er
 Enough to say I'll tackle it. I'll be tied up at the store until Sat- urday, of course. When will you go over the whole thing with me?"
 "On Monday. Monday morning. By the Way, your mother and 1 would like to have you and Norma come to dinner Saturday evening""
 Marks eyes frightened. "Fine!" he said. By George-do you know what time it's getting to be? Look at the clock!"
 The dial of the handsome bronze timepiece on the book case indi- cated it was after 6:30.
 Normal be phoning the po- Heel" Mark exclaimed. I'd better call her right away" He picked up the telephone from his fathers desk and gave the number. Pres ently he was saying into the mouthpiece, 'I'm on my way home. Norma. Everything's O. K. Got a lot to tell you. No, 1t will have to wait until l get there. It's good news, though. Wonderful! See you III nall du nOuI. oyCs
 The elder Travers was standing hat and overcoat on. "Harvey's downstairs with the car" he an- nounced. Run you out?' Thanks. It'll be big favor." On the threshold-just before they left the room-Mark turned and clapped a hand on his fathers arm. Dad" he said, fumbling for the words. "I wish could tell you how appreciate all this-!" That's all right!"
 The interview was ended. The pair sauntered down the corridor to the elevator car. Throughout the drive to the east side apart ment their talk was of irrelevant subjects.
 The big limousine paused long enough for Mark to step to the sidewalk, then darted away. Thirty minutes later F. M. Travers was relinquishing his hat and coat to
 "where's Mrs Travers?" he asked.
 ss'I think she's in her room, sir. She said dinner would be at 7:S0." "Yes of course"
 Trayers mounted the stairs heav- | fly. He was not unusually stout, rather well built for one of his years. but he had worked hard all