Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1933-01-08
by NINA WILCOX PUTNAM

Russian assented. That Piron hustled
me onto the train so fast 1 did not
have chance to go to the Office! For
the love Of Allah, give these serfs some
tips and let them gol"
Alacia dismissed the grinning chas-
SeurS. What news had he from her
mother? None in particular, it seemed,
except that Mrs. Sayers was greatly
occupied with M lie Col. Bradley,
whom she was caring for after a slight
accident. Mrs. Sayers had not even
called up the office. Perhaps because
she was aware that he, Valdy, was due
to start for Monte Carlo, as previously
arranged though now, as Alacia had
come, 1t hardly seemed necessary for
him to have left Paris.
And" he complained, "I hear that
you have entered the other Europa.
Why don't you keep me informed? How
can I do my work? A boy gave me a
program of the race, on the way up
in the elevator. They are talking of
nothing else and one understands that
the betting is tremendous!" Alacia
nodded.
"Santini is the favorite," she added.
Aren't You pleased?" he grinned.
THE Sunray man is a long shot-a
hundred to one!"
Very profitable in case they should
win," she said, frowning, "but remem-
Der, we have a dark horse in Armand.
Let me see that program, please"
The cars were listed under the drivers
names, with that of the car opposite
and the starting number affixed to the
left. Santini's number was and, run
ming her finger down the list, she dis
covered that Armand had drawn Z.
ITS lucky number" said krmand's
voice suddenly, close at her elbow. He
threw his hat and stick on the table
and, in the presence of the grand duke,
kissed her hand respectfully. Forgive
my coming in without knocking, but
the door was openl" he added. ITO
tell the truth, l have some important
news I've just seen Santini and he'll
be here at any moment" Alacia gath
cred up a sheaf of notes from the
table and handed them to the Russian.
you two must know each other"
she said, pleasantly, by way of intro
duction; Mr.. de Pas, the Grand Duke
Perwjoski.'
Miss Savers devoted Office boy" the
latter said, bowling from the waist.
one, moreover, who is capable of
taking a hint. I'll have a look at
these papers and see you later" He
d
got as far as the door and even went
outside before popping his head in
again. Have you any money!" he
asked, platntively. I'D like to take
look-in at the Casino!"
oh, for the love Of Mike, Valdy,"
Alacia laughed, get it from the desk"
And the head vanished.
Now, dearest" she said, turning to
Armand, what has happened?"
Something rather odd" he told her.
Il ran into Santini on the street a few
minutes ago and he pretended to be
surprised and delighted to see me.
There was absolutely nothing in his
manner to show he knew I'd chased
him across France. But he's got hold
OF a program and he didn't seem over
enjoyed about my having entered the
course! He was probably astounded at
finding was not in jail! That may be
him, right now!" Armand added as the
telephone rang. And, indeed, a few
moments later Santini himself was in
the doorway, immaculate, darkly smil-
ing. He nodded to Armand and would
have kissed Alacia'S hand but for her
movement in preventing this by notion
ing him to be seated.
Well, my dear young lady, you have
given us a great surprise" Santini be-
gan. Il had no idea you intended to
come down, when I last saw you"
mop" said Alacia, dryly. 1T was
rather a sudden decision. But this is
an important race from business point
OF view, as you must realize, and I like
to look after the Europa's interest N.Y.
self. Are you well taken care off"
Il am stopping with some friends,
thanks" he said, his eyes narrowing.
and where is the carp" Alacia asked
casually, lust in case want to get in
touch with you" There was the
slightest fraction Of wait before he
answered her.
"At the garage Carassonne," he said,
"the big garage near the starting point.
Practically all the racing cars are
there"
"All right" said Alacia. "Will you
have her out on the Condamine at 10
tomorrow morning? We want to get
some press photos"
Certainly" he said. glibly, only too
pleased! But the numbers are not
painted on the cars yet"
That does not matter" said she, al
though it did. We'll get some informal
pictures first"
VERY well, then, 10 o'clock" he as
scented meekly enough. Then he looked
from one TO the OLner OF them with q
curious hesitation of manner.
Anything else on your nliad?" asked
Armand, his arms folded, watching the
saturnine face closely. Santini looked
up quickly.
"Yes!" he said, surprisingly. dislike
showing in his dark eyes a sudden
CLEAN. "You are!" Then he turned to
Alacia. "Listen!" he said, about this
entry Of his. Do you think it's fair to
me?"
why not?" 1t was Armand who re-
piled
Because it was understood that only
one Europa was to be raced!" Santini
was openly antagonistic now. ct am the
favorite, and the fact was giving great
distinction to the car. And now comes
a second entry. 1t looks like a weak
ness. a lack of faith, and I think it
ought to be stopped.
why is it a sign Of weakness?"
Alacia demanded. M de Pas is
splendid driver, and" she added slowly,
IF you fail to win, he may"
IF mademoiSelle has any objections
to my standing up for my rights" he
said, hotly, "she must explain them
more fully"
"Oh, don't let's even discuss it any
furtherI" cried Alacia. I'm sorry II