The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-24
CHAPTER XI


 at him as though she could not be- lleve what she had heard, then she turned away with Q shrug and an angry gleam in her eyes, She was not used to being pushed aside by any man, especially man who was younger than she was and appar- ently had no money. It was unheard of. Always before they had been the most flattered because she deigned to notice them,
 T see," she said in an icy tone, "You prefer the little Irish verse writer to me, perhaps. Well, dar- ling, of course you understand l was only playing in character queens go in rather heavily for such things, believe. Run along now to your charmer, and tell Professor Bracey to come back and rescue me. These other men all bore me- She languidly held out a bejeweled hand,
 "Okay, your Majesty" Bob re- piled with @ little laugh, glad enough to make his escape, For though he had played up to her mood, he knew well enough she had meant what she said and he really had been courting disaster when he refused to be da22led by the wiful beauty. Poison, that's what she iS," he muttered to him. self. "The farther I can get away from her the better I'll like in."
 The pirate coming by Just then hooked his arm through Bob's and led him to Q secluded corner where they could overlook the dancers. Guess there isn't going to be enough excitement to pay for getting into this fool rig, Me- Tavish," Steve complained, "No- body seems to have designs on either the dame or her rock. I've talked to quite q smear of 'em and even danced with one or two withholding gals to see if l could find out something, But it's no go"
 I'm not so sure about that" Bob's eyes were following Bracey and Kathleen as they passed within range of a light dart from the mechanical Cupid. Pat was certainly keeping his electric eye on Bracey. "See that tall Egyp- tian over there2 The one with the little image in his hand. Does that statue remind you of anythingp"
 0teve's eyes opened wide with interest. "You men--say, go cut in on the Pharaoh, will youp"
 The next minute he had grabbed a passing dryad and swung into the dance, steering his course nearer and nearer Bracey and Kathleen, Bob skirted the crowd until he was beside them, too, and tapped the professors shoulder just as Steve came opposite.
 As Bracey stopped, sudden movement from the detectiYe's arm knocked the little image from the Pharaoh'S hand. Steve caught 1t adroitly before 1t hit the floor.
 "Sorry l was so awkward" he apologized as he fumbled with 1t, "iIere you are" holding the little plaster god out to Bracey. Not hurt e bit. Just what is 1t, any way?"
 Merely copy of an old statue" answered Bracey stiffly.
 Sure" answered the pirate with Q grin. An Al copy, all right, Glad I didn't ruin 1t for you"
 Professor Bracey took the image and walked rapidly away. so he did not see the expression on the pirates face as he looked after him. With meaning glance at Bob, Steve caught the rhythm Of the music once more, taking pains to keep close to Bob and his part fier. At the intermission, he was standing at Bob's elbow.
 "I've an idea" he said in a low tone. That guy"
 The silvery blast Of a bugle interrupted and made everyone pause. A parade as announced when each guest would pass singly across a platform to display his costume. Bob caught steve's arm excitedly.
 A shapely nymph was passing across 6 tiny raised stage placed