The Washington times., 1937-08-26

wondered.
For others protection, should
one keep silent?
UNCANNY FACULTY
Niklas had the uncanny faculty
of reading her mind. He said
quickly: Il assure you there will
be no possibility of a repetition,
marquise."
"Just the same, I should like
to resign"
mo! No! Think of the invest
ment I have at stake. You and
you only, are the attraction at
the club. Without you we should
be forced to close" He leaned
forward, tapping the small table.
II will raise your salary to one
hundred dollars a week, marquise.
That is bargain?
q don't - know" obviously,
"I'm-nervouS."
Naturally. But" ingratiats
ingly-"you shall have no further
cause for alarm. I shall engage
for you an excellent French maid
who will sleep at your apartment.
and take good care of you. And
I shall pay her salary, plus
watching Toni's apathetic face
"all housekeeping expenses"
Toni was still apathetic.
IF the Pastoral Fete on New
Years Eve brings a large crowd
to the club, then your salary will
be raised again." wheedled Niklas.
Toni thought, confused: II can
hardly run out on him in the holi-
day season, when he's been build
ing up to it, and building me UP
as WE'LL" .,
Yet recent happenings told her
to resign. ..-
WILL STAY
But that would mean the CIV
ing up of her apartment on Park
Avenue, that Guy had not yet
seen! She wanted him to come
there!
every well. I'll stay till after
the New Year"
Niklas seemed relieved.
"And now" said Toni, rising,
eff you don't mind, I'd like to go
back to New York"
Niklas registered surprise. He
glanced at the clock. TOO late,
my dear marquise. The small
room next to Madamoiselle Fifi'-
one of the entertainers-"has been
got ready for you, since, no doubt.
you do not wish to return to your
former room"
But I'd rather leave. I can't
sleep a wink if stay here"
Pardon, and thousand
marquise, but the car
is not here. I ordered Lavroff-"
He paused.
"To go for the doctor for
Lola?" finished Toni.
Exactly. It is long way"
Toni was persuaded to retire
for the remainder of the night.
Before doing so, she examined
every corner Of her new room.
She locked the door and. last
thing after putting out the light,
went to the window and drew
back the curtain.
NOTICES SHADOW
The moon was fully up now.
Suddenly she noticed long
shadows on the grass below her
window. She peered farther.
Two men rounded the corner
of the big house. Between them
they were carrying something
long and heavy, completely
swathed in blanket. Could it be
Lola?-she wondered.
The light struck their faces as
they moved toward the drive.
Niklas, with Lavroff, the chauf.
feur! Where were they taking
the poor creature? Was she
dead?
Hasn't she been assured the
car was already gone?
Presently Toni heard the faint
hum of the engine, the car Gid
ing down the drive.
Then it vanished into the high
way.
CHAPTER XXI
LAS we are two derelicts in
the big? city what do you say
we dine together on Christmas
Day, marquise?"
Guy Halstead-Flagg was dane
ing with Toni at lie Chateau de
la Marquise, APPARENTLY obliviouS
to her weekend at the home Of
Niklas.
Nor had she told him any
thing Of Lola, partly because he
would use it as weapon to
urge her to give up her job,
and partly because of loyalty to
Niklas.
"Derelicts?" she repeated. But
she was thrilled. Their friend.
ship had not been progressing.
But now, on the most family"
day of the year, they were to be
together!
That's funny way to
describe u.s." she laughed.
why SOP" He looked down at
her quizzically as they danced.
Deserted wrecks!"
And you're neither one nor
the other-aS yet"
Ito Be COntinued)
Copyright. 1897. by King Features
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