Evening star., 1936-12-20
Melville wins - and loses "a round in
dangerous game. Part Three of new serial
by AUGUSTUS MUIR

hotel as anywhere These people are pretty
desperate crowd. don't suppose you've ever
heard of a girl called Valerie Renard?"
Fechner shook his head, then sat up. you
don't mean Valerie Remont? She's young
woman who narrowly escaped Jail for espi-
onage last Spring. 1t caused some stir in
Paris at the time. She was employed by a
man called -" he fumbled for the name
"a man called Gratz, think. Yes. c.
sare Cratz."
"Cesarer' cried Richard. its the same
crowd. Do you know anything about them?"
Dr.. Fechner pursed his lips. This Cesare
Gratz Is dangerous customer. He seems to
have an uncanny knack of avoiding the
police - keeps in the background, using
agents to do his work. This is worse than
thought. Mr.. Melville" he said decisively.
IF you take my advice you'll keep away
from the Marquise Hotel tonight"
Stay here, you mean?"
Surely. dear fellow. you're welcome
Its tremendously good of you, Doctor.
The other laughed. Don't give it another
thought. You're up against it. and I'm glad
to help you. We're both strangers in strange
land. you know. Oh. yes; I'm an American
citizen like yourself. It's my business interests
that keep me 50 much in Europe" He handed
Richard the whisky and soda he had been
mixing. when you get back to the States,
you can tell Colonel Stretton Of the War
Department that helped you to protect an
official secret. 1t might soften his wrath in a
years time"
IF join one of your conce1ns?"
Exactly" Fechner was smiling You'll
think I'm very far-seeing man. Well, per-
haps you're right. Anyhow. I'm glad to be
in a position to lend hand. BY the way,
what exactly are those crooks after?"
Richard hesitated; the other man saw it.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Melville II shouldn't
have asked that question After all, you fel-
lows in the Federal Laboratories are expected
to keep your mouths pretty tightly closed.
and it's no business of mine. reckon your
best plan is to get back to the Statss as soon
as possible. It's pity your holidays been
cut short in this way"
II didn't mean to 60 back just yet. said
Richard. Il want to see John Spencer Brydon
in Cornwall, and thought might 60 over
to France first It would lead those crooks
off, andI could catch boat back to Plymouth
I'm told that isn't far from Mr. Brydons
place at St. Marioe."
mot bad idea" )" Dr. Fechner nodded. Il
wish could suggest way to shake the
Cesare Gratz crowd of. I'm going to Paris
by air tomorrow afternoon. Come with me"
"A good suggestion" Richard turned it
over in his mind. Eyes, I'll do that"
"WeM leave it at that tonight" said DR..
Fechner, rising. Excuse me a minute. I'll
ask my man to get room ready for you"
He returned, smiling. lanes isn't too pleased
at losing his nights rest - I've ordered him
to keep awake downstairs"
I'm afraid I'm giving you lot Of trouble!'
MY dear Melville. it isn't every day /
have the chance of protecting an official of
the Federal Laboratories. If your friends try
any further tricks tonight, they'll find US
prepared"
DR.. Fechner saw Richard to his bedroom.
He began to thank his host, but was genially
cut short:
Breakfast at eight, Melville = if that suits
you. Good night"
0Confinvsd on page 10)