Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-31

ance Of o man who has been passed through
wrtnger. Ernest gave the illusion Of having
recently become entangled in some powerful
machinery. If. as was probable, they were
known to the police it would take singularly
keen-eyed constable to recognize them.
The thought Of the police reminded Osbert
Of his duty as a citizen. He went to the tele-
phone and called up the nearest station and
was informed that representatives Of the law
would be round immediately to scoop up the
remains. He went back TO the dining room to
wait. but It's atmosphere Jared upon him. He
felt the need Of fresh air, and, going TO the front
door, he opened it and stood upon the steps.
And as he stood there, form doomed through
the darkness.
"Mr Mulliner, I think? Good evening, Mr.
Mulliner," said the voice Of Bashford Brad
dock.
Osbert returned his gaze without fiinching
He was conscious Of a strange, almost uncanny
calm. The fact was that, everything in this
world being relative, he was regarding BaShfOrd
Braddock at this moment as rather an under
sized little squirt.
"Ah, Braddock?" said Osbert
At this moment. with grinding OF brakes,
van stopped before the door and policemen
began to emerge.
Mr.. Mulliner?" asked the sergeant.
Osbert greeted him affaby. Come in" he
said Come in. Go straight through. You
will find them in the dining room. I'm afraid
had to handle them q little roughly"
Bashford Braddock had been standing listen
ing to this exchange Of remarks with some
what perplexed air.
Whats all this?" he said.
Osbert came out of his thoughts with scarf
Want to see me about anything?"
II just want quiet five minutes alone With
you, Mr.. Mulner"
Certainly" said osbert Certainly GER
tainly, certainly. just wait till these policemen
have gone and will be at your disposal We
have had q little burglary
ming, when there came out on to the steps q
couple Of policemen They were supporting the
burglar Harold, and were followed by others
assisting the burglar Ernest.
The sergeant, coming last, shook his head ct
Osbert little gravely.
You ought to be careful sir" he said ct
don't say these fellows didn't deserve all you
gave them, but you want to watch yourself"
Perhaps did overdo it little" admitted
OSbert. But am rather apt to see red on
these occasions. Well, good night, sergeant.
good night And now" he said taking Bash
ford Braddocks arm In q genial grip what
was 1t you wanted?"
Bashford Braddock released his arm He
seemed embarrassed.
did you" He gulped a little. WAS
that really you?"
Really me? Oh, you mean those two fell
lows. Oh, yes. I found them in my dimtng
room, eating my food and drinking my wine
as cool as you please, and naturally set about
them. But the sergeant was quite right. ] do
get rough when lose my temper. The fact
is sometimes don't know my own strength.
But you haven't told me what 1t Is you want"
Bashford Braddock coughed. WELL it was
like this. Eer-saw the announcement in the
paper this morning and thought-I-er-just
thought would pop round and ask you what
you would like for q wedding present"
MY dear chap! Well, why not come inside
and talk 1t Over?"
mo, won't come in, thanks Perhaps you
will write and let me know Poste Restante,
Bongo on the Congo wiz find me- I am Ie-
turning there Immediately"
Certainly" said Osbert. He looked down
at bis companions feet. MY dear chap Why
on earth are You wearing those extraordinary
boots?"
"COrns" said Bashford Braddock
why the spikes?"
They relieve the pressure on the feet
II see. Well, good nigi t. Mr. Braddock"
Good night. Mr.. Mullia er"
GOOD night" said Osb rt
Good night" said Mr.. Rraddock"