Evening star., 1935-09-29
Magazine Section

concern was perfect.
do you deny" l asked harshly, that
you we're in the library at Falcon Castle last
night"
Certainly
And you've never seen this before?" |
pulled the little bunch of keys from my
pocket. "One of them happens to fit my grand
father desk"
Very interesting, murmured Mr.. Barnett.
but OF course know nothing about it,
| got to my feet with gasp ofrage. You're
a liar, Mr.. Barnett - and scoundrelw
'Scoundrel? A strong word. my dear
Irvine"
The mans smiling indifference was mad
dening, Il know what your filthy game isl
burst out impetuously, beating on the table
with my fist. Its money you're after -
money! You know where Felix Swinburns
income came from. It's connected with Falcon
Castle in some way, and you mean to tap the
same vile source - that why your so keen
to rent the place!''
You've more.brains than l gave you credit
for, said MIR. Barnett admiringly.
"And what's more" | continued, you
used to be hand glove with old Swinburn
himself. You quarrelled, and he kicked you
out. Dunstan was right when he said you've
never set foot in Falcon Castle in the last
twelve months - and you'll never set foot in
it again if can stop you"
MIR. Barnett had risen carelessly, and he
stood with the cigarette between his lips. In
his eyes could see an ironical smile. and
took couple of strides nearer to him with
my fists clenched.
I'D put my hands in my pockets if were
YOU he remarked genially. MY chauffeurs
a powerful fellow. and he's within call. He
knows how to deal with hot-headed FOOLS"
1t was all | could do to restrain myself.
IF you come near Falcon Castle again."
almost shouted. II promise you damned hot
reception"
MIR. Barnett fiicked the ash of his cigarette
into the fireplace. Il assure you, MIR. Irvine,
shan't trouble you again. know better
method than that. The charming Miss Para
dene will do everything require. 1t may be
against her will - but there" He strolled
towards the door and opened it. please tell
LCt INC W SSc lIcI tIllS dltSIIlOOIl IL Sic
comes at three O'Clock, it will suit me ad-
mirably. rather fancy she won't refuse"
On his lips there was a faint sneer Good
day. MIR. Alan Irvine l thank you for so
delightful visitl'
AS trudged slowly back through the snow
to Falcon Castle, wondered how much of MIR.
Barnett's talk had been truth and how much
falsehood. had half mind to continue along
the hillside and 60 down to see my new friend
Roxburgh at the Inn, but decided to have
few quiet words with Lucille Paradene first.
She did not appear at lunch, and Dunstan
told me she had asked for a tray to be taken
up to her room. 1t looked as if she were
deliberately avoiding me; and after had
finished my solitary meal, sent message
asking her to come down to the dining room.
Roger Barnetts insolent challenge had put a
new complexion on the whole affair, and | re-
preached myself bitterly for my hostile
attitude towards her the day before. Indeed.
l was ready to believe that Barnett's remarks
about her integrity were nothing more than
pack of lies.
When she came downstairs, her cheeks were
pale and her big dark eyes we're shadowed.
please sit down. Miss Paradene pushed
an armchair towards the fire. II want to talk
to you about MIR. Barnett
I'D rather stand if you don't mind" she
replied coldly. What have you to say?"