The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1935-08-03

flowed, leaving little tracks on
her cold cheeks.
MillbankS looked up.
"Who's that?" he said angrily,
fixing Mantel with his haggard
eyes.
I'm Cyrus K. Mantel," the
quiet little detective answered for
himself. I'm sorry to see you in
such tragedy, Mr.. Milbanks. I do
not wish to intrude, but you seem
to need me here"
Mr.. Mantel," he said huskily
If I could be pleased at anything
Just now, it would be at your
presence here. I'm very glad to
see you. sir. Will you take
charge Of the situation? IL"
his voice broke, and he turned
away, his head bowed in his
hands, and his big shoulders
heaving.
To see the quiet, low.voiced
little man so into action, was
q revelation-no fuss, no fan
fare, no bombast. Just a steady
voice issuing steady directions
that brought order out Of chaos
The butler was galvanized into
action, and Immediately started
towards Donnetta's room.
"Wait a minute!" Cyrus K
stopped him, Whose room II
that Won are going into?"
"Mrs. Millbanks'. sir" The
butler strove to maintain nlS
usual rigid calm, but his nps
trembled and his eyes were
A't .Don't enter that room. then
Cyrus K. told him. Get .
coverlet from some room In the
house that has not been IN use
tonight"
CHAPTER xxx
CYRUS K. looked at the type OF
covering the butler chose Tor tne
body of his young mistress, tnen
he looked up into the face OF the
old man.
."That's very thoughtful Of you"
he told him gently. How lone
have you been in Mr.. MillbankS
service?"
"Ever since he was born, sir
the old man answered. Il was
with his father when I was a very
young man, first come to this
country (" His eyes filled with
tears. This is a terrible Christ
mas morning, sir" he said, and
drew the back Of his hand across
his eyes. "Wil you be needing me
any more?" ,
"Only for a minute or two,
Mantel told him. II want you Il
stand here beside me, and tell me
who was occupying each Of these
bedrooms that opens, as does tha1
Of my niece, onto this terrace"
"And are all these guests &C
counted for?" He looked arounc
mildly at the shivering group.
Lawrence Vane isn't here. He's
never shown up!" A thick voice
answered his question.
who was that who spoken
Cyrus K. peered through the din
half-light a. the speaker.
I'm Roger Thornley," the
rough thick voice said. I was 8
friend Of Donetta'S-1 introduced
Schuyler to her"
"So?" said Cyrus K. II see
Well, come everybody am Sorr!
but I must ask you all to come
with me to some room in the
house, where I will have to aSl
all of you a few questions" HI
turned to Betty. which room
would you suggest, my dear?" h
said. "You are familiar with thu
house."
"The library would be best,
Betty said, and then gave LITTLE
exclamation Of distress, as SHIT
felt a finger and thumb draw
together upon her arm in q dis
tinct pinch.
She turned angrily to look intt
the eyes Of Suky.
In the Library
Cyrus K. put his arm round
the bowed shoulders Of MillbankS
Come, son." he said gently
'"There is nothing we can do herr
just now, and much we can d.
elSeWhere-come."
Docilely, Schuyler allowed him
self to be led away, and the two
descended the stairs side by side
At the library door they werC
met by the butler, his fac(