The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-06-30
BY Milton
Proper
Copyright 1882. by Milton Proper
w9u Service

ton stated quickly. 1--WE do that some
times, to honor someone outside of
school and prominent in the COM
munity."
st see." Rankin bit his lip medita-
lively. 81 had assumed that Mr..
Fletcher was already a member of Mu
Beta Sigma, attending tonight as an
alumnus."
For the first time, the lawyer spoke,
his features austere and his tone de-
liberate
perhaps 1 should have explained
earlier my reason for being here" he
said, "but thought you understood.
Now, after this unfortunate tragedy,
/ would prefer to have my connection
with the fraternity kept in the back
ground. Undue publicity might en-
barrass me in my profession; at any
rate, the association would be most
unpleasant. Though not fraternity
man, 1 heard a great deal about this
chapter from two nephews of mine
who used to belong to it. They have
since graduated from the business
school. Last year, they preached the
subject Of my becoming an honorary
member. AS possible means of re-
newing my youth, the idea attracted
me; though beyond visiting the house
once or twice, I was too busy to
consider it adequately, at the time.
This autumn, my nephew and young
George Patten, whose people are close
friends, renewed the matter. l was
literally rushed by smokers and social
events; at the dance last Saturday,
my wife and acted as chaperons. She
added her persuasion to theirs, so that
1 finally agreed to join, if only be-
cause regarded the group highly"
you witnessed what took place in
this room tonight?" Rankin inquired.
"Yes-that is, what I could, under
the circumstances. Remember, I was
blindfolded and kneeling in line with
the other PLEDGES, listening to the
ceremony"
How far away, Mr.. Fletcher" the
detective asked, "were you from young
Jordan when he collapsed"
II knelt on his left, facing the al
tar" the lawyer replied, shat is, next
to his sponsor or whoever took
Patterson's place; he was the only
one between us. George Patten was
my sponsor and stood on my left"
Can you suggest any details of the
tragedy" Rankin wanted to know
"that Mr.. Stanton has neglected to
mention?"
,"No, 1 can't, Rankin" The lawyer
shook his head. Ellis story seems to
have covered everything bearing on
it accurately and quite substantially"
do you know anything about young
Jordan that so far has not been
brought Out?"
Barely perceptibly, Mr.. Fletcher hes
itated; but again he answered in the
negative. Rankin's forehead furrowed
in thought as he once more addressed
the president.
''Please have your sergeant at arms
called in, Mr.. Stanton" he requested
Before question any Of the other
boys, 1 want to find out about the exact
attendance"
When the officer arrived, he proved
to be young man Of medium height
and stocky build, with broad shoulders
and long muscular arms. Even before
he was introduced, Rankin, an ardent
football fan, recognized Lew Kurly,
ace halfback of the university eleven.
He waited until Kurly closed the
door of the chapter room behind him.
Il am making inquiries, Mr.. Kurly,"
he then explained, "about the men,
bers present at the initiation and who
they were. Your president informs
me that, as sergeant at arms, you
guard the door at meetings and after it
has begun, let in only those who can
give the proper signals and pass
words. I have already consulted the
roll-book, and ascertained that when
the roll was taken, thirty men an
swered. Now, can you tell me who ar
rived after this check-up and when
they came in?"
II let in two fellows during the cere-
mony, Mr. Rankin. The first one came
in only ten minutes or so after it
started; that was half past eight"
According to his account, that
would be Mr.. Patterson" the detective
observed. "What about the second
chap?"
But Kurly shook his head. II don't
know who he was" he answered. "In
fact, couldn't tell Patterson, either.
They were both completely masked by
their robes and hoods. Anyhow, they
knocked on the door correctly and ex-
changed the password with me, so l
opened the door for them both"
Didn't you recognize their voices
at all?" Rankin's manner revealed his
disappointment.
mo, 1 never had a chance to-" the
sergeant at arms returned. 1.-THE pass
word is just a single word; not enough
to let me identify anybody by his
speech"
"At least you have some idea of