The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1935-06-15

loss" he said gently. The piteous
look Of a whipped dog, who has
unexpectedly found a defender,
came over Vane's face. He rose,
and stood with all Of his old
graciouSness.
Thank you, sir" he said. 1T
is very kind of you to come to
see" bitterness tinged his voice
again as he glanced at 1ngles-
"a jail-bird," he finished.
"You are in error" Mantel cor.
rected him gaily. II came to see
an artist whose work I have long
admired"
That's more than kind Of you.
sir" he said. For the first time
his old.time gentle humor re-
turned to him.
I'm afraid ! cannot offer you
any refreShme ats" he said. "Or
even a comfortable chair" He
waved toward the cot and the
single wooden chair the cell at.
forded. will you be seated upon
the luxurious lounge, or will you
take the easy chair?" he asked
whimsically.
Let the Inspector have the big
upholstered chair" Cyrus K. met
him in his own vein. Hes a
heavy man, getting on in years. "
He twinkled up at 1ngles. I'VE
young fellows will SIT upon the
davenport"
Chuckling, he moved over to
the neager cot and seated him.
self, and Vane, with the first smile
he had shown, sat beside him.
1ngles quietly took the stiff,
Straight.backed chair and said to
Mantel significantly, Time is get
ting short. Don't you think we'd
better get down to busineSs?"
Surely, surely" agreed Cyrus
K. soothingly. He turned to Vane.
But first, young man, want
to ask you a very important ques-
ton" He nodded his head slowly.
"A very important question:" he
repeated.
What is that question:" he
asked cautiously.
do you know who I amp"
why - why -" relief and
amusement fought in Vane's
voice. "Why-no, Sir!"
Cyrus K. leaned back and shook
his head in distress.
Dear, DEAR" he murmured.
"Of such thin fabric is the robe Of
fame made. Dear, dear!" He
swung toward 1ngles.
Introduce me, Inspector" he
ordered.
Ingles could not fathom the
workings Of the brain of this gray
red,headed little genius, but he
was sure that whatever line Of
talk Mantel took, there was def,
mite motive back of it all.
Such Is Fame
Clumsily he tried to play the
game.
Lawrence vane," he said smil.
ingly, may I have the honor to
present to you the world.famous
detective. Mr.. Cyrus K. Mantel-
Mr.. Mantel. the world.famouS
artist, Mr.. Lawrence Vane!"
Amusement dawned on Vane'S
face.
Cyrus K. Mantel?" He almost
shouted the words. why, Mr..
Mantel-T am honored and proud
and happy to meet you. Aren't
you Betty Potter'S uncle?"
LAS I said BEFORE" sighed Man.
tel, "of such is fame. Yes, young
man, I acknowledge the impeach-
ment. I am the uncle Of that red
headed vixen"
He studied the man beside him.
Vane flushed.
why, yes" he said. mot well
Il mean I've known her for a
long time-but not well-you see
L"
"You know many women-well
do you not?" Cyrus KS voice
had taken on an edge.
Just what do you mean by
that?" VAne's answer had fully
as much edge to it as had the
voice Of his queStioner.
II mean exactly what I say,
young man." snapped Mantel.
I'm afraid I shall have to ques-
ton your right to question me" "
said Vane arrogantly.
Cyrus K. slapped his knees
Soundly.
Excellent" he beamed. Excel.
lentl, I'm glad to see, my boy,
that you still have plenty Of pride
and fighting spirit. Excellent"
"Mr. Vane," he said, for the
first time calling him by name.
I'm sorry, but in order to expe-
dite matters and enable me to