Evening star., 1935-11-03
Magazine Section

his life he broke his word.
The occasion was the monthly dinner of the
dstsntly related legatees of Desmond Rookie,
deceased, and except for a slight undernote
of anxiety. it was very pleasant little gather
ing. There were present Mrs. John Rookie,
who was an attractive elderly lady with
recently acquired smile of contentment which
mad transformed her whole appearance. On
one side of her was MIR. Percy Rookie, the
retired insurance agent. who sported seldom
used monocle. On the other side was MIR.
Phillip Rookie, the auctioneer, a CHEEKY. some
what dominating person; and next to him,
Ann Rookie, an exceedingly pretty young
woman with brown hair and hazel eyes which
continually strayed towards the door.
Collins all right" her neighbor, who
seemed to be in charge of the party, declared.
81 didn't part with him till nearly five He was
at my sale down in Hatton Street We both
talked about tonight"
Whatever was he doing at an auction
sale?" the girl asked
"He drops in sometimes. rather hoped"
Phillip Rookie went on with smile, that he
might have been looking at a few suites of
furniture I'd got to dispose Of"
The girl blushed. and her elderly relative
continued knowingly Anyway. they weren't
good enough The only thing he bought was
battered old metal box. What we had better
do think, is have just one more cocktail and
then start dinner. expect his paper gave
him story to write up at the last moment"
The cocktails were scarcely served before
with an exclamation, Ann Rookie sprang to
her feet Colin had entered. His arm was in
sling; there was adhesive tape on his cheek;
and he was walking with the help of cane
Colin" the girl cried.
lawfully sorry. the young man apologized
81 had a sort of accident on my way back to
change. and they took me to hospital to
fix me up. When they had done with me. it
was so late that thought had better come
direct here and ask whether you minded sit
ting down with such battered object"
There was little chorus of protestations.
They almost forced him into chair. A glass
was pressed into his hand. He set it down
few seconds later empty
Tell us about the accident" Ann begged.
"Ill bet it was the man after the box"
Phillip Rookie declared.
You're right, Uncle Phillip After left
you, went down that little Tugwell Court to
save a dozen yards, and three men we're lay
ing for me- knocked the first one out, but
one of the others got me from behind. The
next thing remember is waking up in
Charing Cross Hospitalr'
What about the box?"
His nephew grimed. That's rather the
amazing part of it, i" he declared. "You seemed
to take that fellow quite seriously. Uncle
Phillip. and had an idea l saw him hanging
around when l came out after having that
drink with you. SO just dropped back to the
Manhattan Cafe and handed it over to Louis
- told him to put it in the safe for the night"
80 they didn't get it after allr'
They did not" his nephew replied. Nov,
I'm sure I've kept you all waiting long
enough"
The host of the little gathering gave the
sign which the maitre d'h6tel was awaiting
and dinner was served. The episode of the
box was discussed from every point of view
Towards the end of the meal, Colin suddenly
laid down his fork and stared with wide open
wonder at the young man who was being
shown to his place at the adjoining table. He
was being received with every mark ofrespect
The manager. the chief maitre d'hotel and