Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1936-10-09

ever, when he saw the mans face, sur
prise took the place of anger.
"Sir Herbert Frawley."
&C. Member of several anti-al-
coholic societies." answered the other
in French, stretching out his hand.
81 am glad to meet you, Monster Hi
beau. The world is small place. {.
And I am equally glad that l kept
you from drinking that poison"
The painter sighed and smiled Bit
terly. "Thanks," he said. "Still, l
don't mind telling you that losing the
glass of gin :. we'll, it's cold. 1 was
waiting to board the train for Paris"
"You can't be serious! Surely you're
not thinking Of leaving Holland at
the moment l find you so far from
L'Academie de la Grande Chaumiere!
Are you tired of travelling or have you
urgent business in Paris?"
"Business?" queried the young man
with shrug, "Not at all. My means
are limited, very much so. I'm not
Leaving, I'm fleeing"
$50? May l offer you some OF this
Indifferent tea and some toast?"
"Thank you, Sir Herbert"
at has just occurred to me that
you can be of service to me. 1t was
fortunate for me that 1 ran across
you. You have talent, Monster Hi
beau"
Thanks" said the young painter,
attacking the toast with an avidity
that did not escape the Englishman's
notice. Gin what way can I be of SER
vice to your"
Frawley did not answer for NOM
ent. In one glance he saw the young
mans haggard features, his worn
clothes, his lean musette. They had
first met at Montparnasse, the ia
nous art colony which attracts various
collectors passing through Paris, Sir
Herbert, rich enough to be interested
in all things, cultivated rare taste
in art and science. He had bought
a few of Hibeau's sketches. Now he
felt the distress Of the young man he
had so strangely met once more.
"My yacht the Gypsy, is tied up at
the Dam," the Englishman announced,
"and we're leaving for Norway short
ly. Geology is one Of my hobbies,
and there are interesting formations
to be seen in that country"
Really? Are you taking that
long voyage simply for that one reas-
on?"
"Why, yes; didn't you come to Hol-
land to see the Rembrandts? Ev-
eryone to his taste. Scientific cur
iosity is common in my race. would
like to have paintings made Of the
geological strata in the sections we
pass through. Of course, it's not an
artistic task, but hope you will de-
eide to come"
"Of course, I Wilt" cried Jean, his
eyes cleaning. 81 find it hard to
believe I can be so fortunate. But,
have no clothes, save those I'm wear
ing"
"I'll take care of that. And let me
thank you; I am the one who is for
tunate in finding you free. Also, l
don't want to give you time to change
your mind. Finish your tea, we have
an hour before sailing"
A final flourish Of saxophones
brought ripple of applause at the
end of the number. But almost in
stantly the Savoy orchestra swung in
the rhythm of fox trot. Jean Hi
beau, his eyes shut, listened to the
strains, imagining the ballroom full
of warmth and perfume, elegant cou-
pies swaying to the rhythm of the
dance.
"Does the noise annoy you?" in
quired Sir Herbert.
"No, but these people who do not
even take time to breathe rather
brighten me. Is it like. this every
night?"
eyes, until midnight. The West
minister chimes will be ringing soon.
More tea?"
Thanks"
"And a cigaret?"
Jean touched his cigaret to the
flame, inhaled deeply, and blew gray
ish-blue cloud towards the ceiling.
There was rattle, heated words, then
laughter. A near quarrel had been
sidetracked.
champagne goes to the head of
some people," remarked Sir Herbert
quietly.
Jean, in spite of his host, was ready
to succumb to his fatigue. AS in a