Evening star., 1936-11-01
kosoxins Section

clouds. That's why he will either
make the greatest triumph that was
ever known or come the greatest
cropper.'
He moved on with a farewell nod.
Louis was welcoming some new ar
rivals. turned away rather reluc-
tantly. summoned a taxi and drove
to my club. l was just cutting in for
my second rubber when the page boy
called me to the telephone.
1t was a message from Julie. Her
father wished to see me before he re-
tired. No more bridge for me! l was
in his sitting room just in time to join
him in final whisky and soda and
cigarette. He waved Julie away.
II have myself" he confded, de
veloped a slight interest in that
strange film party of which you spoke.
My friend Monsieur Bland. from the
reception. came across to see me this
evening. He was somewhat pertwbed
at the sudden and unannounced de-
parture of the leading man in the
company"
so was Mademoiselle Christine"
l observed. The whole thing seems
most extraordinary"
That he had rushed away to catch
a boat without first returning to the
hotel was in itself barely credible"
Louis went on. but that he should
have left behind him. of all things in
the world. his passport - that one
fails wholly to understand"
1T determines the situation, any
way" replied, genuinely startled.
Fortunately" Louis continued,
the young man seemed to have a
passion for being photographed. A
dozen pictures have been sent to your
rooms. 1t would be advisable if you
spoke with your friends on the EN-
bankment. Something is wrong with
those people. Captain Tyson They
dine together night after night but
they never laugh. do not trust people
who never even smile"
Irose at once to my feet. "Sharn-
brooke" l suggested.
ut would be as we'll. Louis agreed,
as we shook hands.
l discovered that Inspector Sharn-
brook. who was responsible for the
department dealing with disappear
ances at Scotland Yard, was on night
duty and within an hour, the photo
graphs and particulars of Phillip
Deans departure from the studio in
company with Osmond Lake we're in
his hands Afterwards l returned to
my apartment, read for time in my
sitting room and went unwillingly to
bed. Three times l woke in the night,
fancying heard once more that timid
rap at the door. Each time looked
out on to an empty corridor.
Morning arrived. There was no
news. From the concierge l learned
that the whole of the Osmond Lake
film company had started out for
Elstree at eight O'Clock. l had some
work to do but I neglected it. l went
round to my club and played squash
for an hour and a half with the pro-
fessional. then came back, had a
shower bath, changed for lunch and
descended to invite Julie for an
abtrifif. l found her almost dancing
with excitement. She pressed her auto
graph book into my hands.
Last night" she exclaimed, Il had
the courage! That strange film COM
pany! 1 only knew yesterday that it
was Christine Hanson and Osmond
Lake. I was talking to father when
they came out and asked for their
autographs. Mr.. Lake - how hand
some he is! He signed his name. After
wards he stood talking with father
and Miss Hanson pretended that the
light was bad and she made me follow
her back into the room. Her fingers
were trembling so that she could
scarcely hold the pen. Please do this
for me- she begged. Tell Captain
Tyson to wait in his apartment for a
message from me all tomorrow after
noon He must not leave until he hears