The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-12-29
GO. The Bobbs-Merriu Company

sand brought me two riddles" Smif
said. "First: If Madame is preparing
to rid herself of her Pierre, why re-
main in touch with him?"
ITO keep him from suspecting It
until the time is ripe for him to learn
it automatically"
"Possibly-Second: Is Pulaski her
flame or is Mayer? Or is she playing
one off against the other: / must
sleep on. it."
Two days later, days which had
passed slowly since there had been no
further development in PANS affairs,
Sniff decided that Stone would be justi-
fed in showing some interest in the
copy of his miniature.
Monsieur Mabeuse was within when
they reached the shabby house and
they were told to mount to the third
floor where, in bare room, his work
was progressing Stone fired the first
shot Immediately.
II have brought my cousin with me
to inspect the miniature. Monsieur
Mabeuse-Madame Saitou," he said, by
way Of Introduction.
The two bowed formally and Ma.
beuse made no attempt to deny that he
recognized the name.
"But-but this is most irregular I"
| he stammered. II cannot submit
Monsieur has deceived mel must
| have advice
He moved toward the door, intent
doubtless, on getting instructions from
| Pulaski. Stone, without words, set
his back against 1t, and the artist saw
the futility of trying to force his way
out.
"Why?" At the sound Of her voice
he wheeled to find Sniff smiling bland
ly upon him. "What advice do you
need? Surely Miss Phelps and you
| are arrayed on the same side Of this
case"
"But-but naturellement," he slut
tered nervously. "Only her attitude
toward me was so harsh"
"Let us sit down." Sniff suggested.
ut really is important that we reach
an understanding. That is, if this plot
against you is to be frustrated"
"Plot? Against me? A plot?" The
man did not know what to make of
her words.
$40 be sure" she replied, and there
was always something convincing and
reassuring about Sniff. "You certainly
are to be the chief victim. Now we
are friends, are we not?"
While Mabeuse puzzled over this
they sat down.
"The understanding, I take It.
Monsieur, is that you are to swear
that passion for Miss Phelps has
torn you from the bosom of your
| family?
"How can help 1t, Madame? 1t is
thing so great that one cannot lie
about it. If am put on the witness
stand, dare not foreswear my pas
sion."
mo-" said Sniff, "assuredly not. I
only wanted to make sure of the fixity
Of your purpose and your love for
Miss Phelps. Your wife cannot marry
either Mr.. Mayer or Mr.. Pulaski until
she has obtained her divorce from
you"
"What is that you say?" Mabeuse,
suddenly scarlet in the face, turned
on Sniff with snarl. "The poor child
has no thought of divorce. Her heart
is broken. My wife adores me-"
Sniff shrugged her shoulders good
humoredly. II should put that in the
past tense, Monsieur. Positively, I
had no doubt that she reciprocated Mr..
Mayors tender feelings when he sat
holding her hand in my Office the other
day."
Holding her hand-why was he
holding her hand? Why did she let
him hold her hand"
"You certainly can't blame your wife
for taking any consolation offered
her." Sniff pointed out with entire
gravity.
"But she knows" Mabeuse stopped
in mid-career.
Sniff ignored this. She wanted
something more substantial than an in
eliminating admission that might be
open to various interpretations.
'There is no denying that you have
been led to place yourself in dubious
position" she said briskly. "What you
personally expected to gain by 1t is a
mystery to me. Plainly you are the
poor cat who is to pull the chestnuts
out of the fire and SINCE your paws
while the monkey makes off with the
prize"
ITO BE OONTINUED.)