Evening star., 1936-08-15

sure he had posted the missive and
young Mr.. Beckham resented it. HI
had read the name on the envelope
and was rather disappointed to find
that 1t was not going to girl. He
could not imagine q mans being wor-
ried over letter to another man.
Middleton. although he did not look
it, was II and knew something Of ro-
nance first-hand. There was young
miss in his room at school to whom he
already had sent three highly-colored
postcards exemplifying the beauties OF
NAPLES Beach one Of them vo-
luptuous and rougish bather. which
the writer hoped would impress his
lady with the fact that he was some
thing of man of the world. He die
not show it to his mother.
The third morning dawned cloud
less and warm, with only gentle
breeze and a muddy surf to recall the
unpleasant weather. Guests threw
aside their wrappings and greeted each
other with cordiality. Deeds sang
Justify through his toilet and donneo
new pair of brown and white slacks
and a yellow shirt.
Something told him that it wa.
going to be pleasant day.
There seemed to be a general con.
sensus Of opinion that 1t was no da.
to go in the water, but apparently, II
was an opportune occasion for sewing
Joan had disappeared as usual.
Deeds had about reached the con.
clusion that he might as well 60 te
NAPLES Beach and inquire for mail
when Claire joined him on the porch
Hello. Sherlock" she greeted. "Yol
must have gotten up with the birds
Was that you heard caroling in the
bathroom?"
wouldn't wonder. The tub af.
fects me that way. at times"
Then I doubt II we'd ever be very
happy together Unless you'd agree
to take your shower at night"
1T has to be in the morning." HI
assured her firmly. And grinned ir
spite OF himself.
I'VE can go into that later. I've
been out OF circulation these two days
Anything doing in the Great SAND
Dune Mystery?"
Guess not. Our friends have crept
out few times for food and gone bacI
into retirement right away. That is
as far as know"
Haven't talked to either one Of
them?"
Nor anyone else"
Come to any conclusion?"
| Net one
Then we'll have to get busy, with
the change in the weather.
Deeds nodded agreement ahsently
Bother this having secrets with twt
different women; it complicated
things. If only he could lay his card
down about young CASTOR. Clair,
must know something about his ac
quaintance with the Elledges. On tn,
other hand. she might not. 1t wouldn'
do to ask her directly and he coult
think Of no very good way to lead uy
to the disclosure he wanted Clair,
had given him the impression that sh
was a stranger TO the two physicians
but. perhaps, it wouldn't hurt to max
sure
He assumed an air OF elaborat,
carelessness.
From something the fat boy salt
to me 1 gathered that this was tn
first time they've been here"
! 1T is. Gene told them about it,"
"Yeah?" Deeds was afraid to 90 on
But Claire proved obliging.
Il don't know where Gene met them
to tell you the truth. He buns aroun,
a lot. All he would tell me was tha
he was introduced to them by frien,
that Is. he met John. When h
heard they were looking for a place t,
stay on the shore, he thought he nigh
as well give the Kendalls a break"
| Sure"
Il don't really believe that Gen
knows the Elledges any better thai
the rest of us. l tried to pump hin
after what happened the other day
He wouldn't even act intelligent abou
it. Maybe he was being cagey. but
don't think so"
Probably not" Deeds agreed H
was wishing to prolong these conf
denceS. when he noticed that Clair
was staring past him with an expires
sion Of surprise on her face H
turned to see what she was looking al
1t was Joan in her green bathin
suit. She stood near the door, pullin
her cap down over her brown hair.
Hey, child" Claire called oui
You're not going in. are you?"
Just little while" was the smilin,
answer.
You won't find the water very mic
and you'd better watch where yol
put your feet. That was a meal
storm"
"Oh, know the ropes" Joan as
sured her, starting slowly down tn
steps.
What did you mean about he
feet?" Deeds demanded in low voice
Holes washed in the sand?"
Might be. Undertow's apt to b
strong. l guess she =. :"
But Deeds had leaped to his fee
and disappeared through the from
door.
He mounted the stair. three steps a
a time, and charged into his room
slamming the door behind him. H
jerked off his clothes and let then
lay where they fell. 1t was only tn
matter of a moment to find and dol
his trunks. Then he was patterin
away, without waiting to f1nd tn
sneakers with which he usually pro
tected his bare feet.
When he reached the porch. q quic
glance at the beach gave no sign o
Joan. But Claire was standing by tn
rail, a frown on her face.
did she go IMP" Deeds demanded.
Eyes. Don't you see her dow
there she's making too good time.
Following Claire's finger. Deed
cought q glimpse Of Joan's white ca
bobbins in the water. She seemed t
be swimming easily and comfortably.
I'm glad you're going to look afte
her." Claire said, quickly. Run dow
below her before you go in the watel