Evening star., 1936-08-18
INSTALLMENT XI.

thrusting his letter into his back
rocket. The speaker was DR.. John
Elledge. With him was his brother
Sloan.
"Oh. hello!" the younger man re-
turned in some surprise. "Out for an
airing?"
I'VE thought little sunlight would
be welcome" John explained. We've
had enough dark days recently, SO
we decided to drop up here and ask
for the house mail. see you have
been fortunate" His blinking eyes
watched Deeds hand leave his pocket.
did YOU ask for the rest OF us
or do you get yours general delivery'
II didn't ask for the house letters.
I supposed Kendall had gotten them.
He didn't. Wait minute, II you're
not in a hurry. Well walk back with
you glad to have your company"
Deeds nodded. He was conscious
that Sloan Elledge was staring at him
tntently.
Nothing for us" John remarked
when he rejoined the others. Shall
We be on our way?"
mo hurry. is there?" Sloan inquired
unexpectedly. I'D like a glass OF
beer. Join US, McCune?"
An amused light f1ickered in Deeds
eyes.
sure" he answered gravely. Glad
to-"
When the three were seated at
small table in a nearby refreshment
stand, bottles and glasses before tnem'
Sloan Elledge took over the conver-
sation. He addressed himself to Deeds.
II hear that you live in New York.
Like it?"
We'll enough, guess" Deeds
watched the collar of his drink settle,
raised the glass to the level OF his eyes.
Here's how, gentlemen"
Sloan nodded, lifted his own drink
to his lips. John made no move to
touch his for the moment, but smiled
a blinking agreement to the toast.
New Yorks well enough" Sloan
remarked crisply. Depends what
you're doing. What's your line. NC
Cune?"
Before he could reply John broke in:
!
makes models of buildings. All
that sort of thing. Somewhat OF an
.. artist, you know"
It was the second time the fat doc
tor had said something like that.
Deeds reflected. Where had he gotten
his information? From Joan? Deeds
had told her more than any one else
about his work 1t wouldn't have been
surprising if she had passed his lew
remarks to the others =. it was ike
that at a Summer resort. People
asked and expected to be told.
In business for yourself?" Sloan
persisted.
Mostly"
Treating yourself to little vaca-
ton, I suppose"
"Mr. McCune has been having
trouble with his eyes," John offered.
And busted himself with his beer.
Deeds decided that the older mans
blunt inquiries were embarrassing his
brother.
You picked a good place to rest
YOUR eyes," Sloan observed, leisurely
refilling his glass unless" he added,
"you do like lot Of other vacatlonlss
take their two weeks to annoy
their friends with the letters they
intended to write the past II months"
Deeds found himself suddenly de-
irving a sense of enjoyment from the
situation.
Not me" he said carelessly. Il
hate writing letters and I'm keen on
the water. l suppose there are people
whose tastes are just the opposite -.
like writing and hate swimming" He
eyed Sloan innocently over the top OF
his glass as he said it, but the doctors
face was impassive. Good peer, ne
went on. will you gentlemen nave
some more WIN Hle!
Thank YOU" John returned hastily
pushing his half empty glass L sell
dom indulge. Only for companionSnlp.
think we should be starting back,
I'll have another bottle" Sloan de-
cided curtly with a nod to Deeds.
While they were drinking the oioer
nhvsician steered the talk back 10
New York. He had spent some time
there hospital work. quite lew
wears ago it was. He touched lightly
upon his experience, but had many
questions b ask. They reiateo 70
various sections of the city, bullolngs'
streets. restaurants and theaters. He
was much interested, apparently, IN
the changes that had taken place.
Deeds answered casually, but with
a growing conviction that he was
being subjected to a catechism OF
sorts; that his questioner was sat
isfying himself that he was talk
ing to a genuine Gothamite. II
all was a little too apparent. Sloan
also found the making of models an
interesting topic, sought detailed in
formation wanted to know how
long Deeds had been working on the
project if it offered suitable re-
turns for the work involved. This
continued until John Eliedge became
restless and suggested again that 1t
was time to go.
Deeds thought he caught definite
signal in the fat doctors blinking eyes
as he reminded his brother OF the
walk that was ahead of them.
"It's turning much warmer" he
cautioned solicitously, "and I don't
want you to overdo."
AS the three moved toward the en-
trance John, who was directly behind
Deeds, laid his hand on the young
mans arm.
I'm going to ask you to excuse me
1ust moment" he offered apologet-
ically. %You and Sloan start on.
I'll look for you on the beach. The
tide is out. It's the best walking"
Deeds nodded and strolled away
with Sloan.
1--WE no doubt that my brother has
been telling you lot of bunk about
my case" the latter stated abruptly.
"Bunk?"
Sloan darted q swift look at his
companion.
Eyes. I call It that. About my