Evening star., 1935-12-01
What shall we have to do. Colin, about


to return it. In our case remember, it won't
be so bad. haven't spent a penny of the
thirty thousand pounds got for that one big
deal of mine. But what about the others1
can't believe that Mrs. John Rookie makes
anything out of that boarding house, and l
don't imagine Percys insurance business is
worth much. should think Uncle Phillip
would be all right" he concluded. Phillip is
having fortnightly art auctions now - cutting
great splash advertising"
HE may be doing that on his capital"
Ann observed. I'm afraid that you and are
the only ones who really won't be hurt. What
are you going to do with that five hundred
pounds1'
He placed it in his pocketbook. Give it up
to Eastman. He can take care of it until we
get to the bottom of this business. You
haven't minded being Rookie legatee, have
you, Ann?"
I've loved it," she answered. "If neces-
sary, we must help the others, too. They
have had wonderful time even if they
haven't been as lucky as we have"
The reception clerk at the offices of Messrs.
Eastman & Pelligrew showed distinct signs
OF an unusual curiosity in his parchment-ike,
expressionless face as he glanced at the cards
which were handed to him few mornings
later. His manner, however, was suave and
nOn-committal
"Sir George will see you at once" he an
nounced. "Will you be so good as to follow
me?"
Colin and Ann were led straight upstairs
to the very dignifed apartment which was
the headquarters of Sir George himself The
latter rose to his feet as the clerk announced
them.
Miss Ann Rookie and Mr.. Colin Rookie,
sir, by appointment"
Sir George shook hands with his clients and
motioned them to chairs They looked at him
crmiously. This was very different Sir
George from the man, so benign and conse-
quential, whom they remembered upon a
former visit
'Yes, yes, " he muttered, as though talking
to himself. II remember you both, of course.
Rookie. don't mind confessng," ;" he went on,
that the very name gives me -er "a SEN
sation of bewilderment."
1--WE have had a pretty bad shock our
selves" Colin observed
mot so bad as I have had," Sir George
groaned. Even now l can't see my way
clearly. You look like nice, pleasant young
people. How on earth did you happen to be
cursed with the name of Rocker
"Cused! Ann exclaimed.
ut has done us all right up till now SIR"
Colin ventured.
The lawyer rose to his feet, and both his
young visitors were conscious of sense of
shock. His dignifed carriage had gone He
had acquired stoop. There were faint in
dications of pouch underneath his eyes.
Listen to me-" he begged II have just
drafted letter to you two and to the Others.
Would you like to see copyl"
Colin pulled wry face. 1--WE can guess
what you have to tell u.s. sir. MIR. Desmond
Rookie who left us our money isn't dead after
all. My cousin and l have just come back
from Sark," he continued, laying a letter
and cheque upon the desk "In rubbish heap
outside the bungalow of the murdered man
we found this communication. Considering
ourselves legatees, we opened it. You will see
it is written by Mr.. Rookie himself, and he
encloses cheque for the man whom he had
left behind to impersonate him - the man
who was thrown over the cliff and buried as
Desmond Rookie"