The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1937-09-11

Someone near here, too. He W
is missing"
II understood, Of course, that
something Of the sort had hap.
pened," Yates acknowledged. but
I was hoping that the letter itself
would turn UP. Have you any
idea of the nature Of its contents,
sir?"
mot exactly" Matresser admit
ted. Il fancy that Tring is COM
ing down. The most disquieting
thing is that it should have hap
pened at all. Who can there be
in this neighborhood who is spy.
ing on us?"
HAS your lordship inquired
into the credentials of Made
moiselle Stamier?" Yates ventured.
MaGesSer nodded frowning.
AWKWARD POSITION
IT am In rather an awkward po'
sition about that young lady" he
admitted. Apparently she is here
as q sort Of companion to my sis
ter, her credentials are official and
leeyond dispute. She may be work
irtg for France. as I daresay she
is. and I will admit that we are
not quite ready to take France
into our whole confidence on GER
tain matters, but that will all be
explained so soon that I do not
want any trouble. You know how
anxious I am that not a soul in
our household"
will you pardon my interrupt
ing" Yates begged. but the stu
alton Is perfectly clear to me. I
think 1t would be unwiSe to inter
fere with the young lady in any
way. She will be continually un-
der our observation and I do not
look upon her as a possible source
Of danger"
"You mean" Matresser re-
marked, that she may be more
useful than dangerous to us now
that she is under surveillance,
Besides, in the present instance 1t
is quite impossible that she could
have committed a personal as
sault upon the messenger"
There was a knock at the door.
A footman appeared ushering in
a visitor.
"Mr. Van Westrheene to see
your lordship," he announced.
Mattresser stepped forward with
a word Of welcome. Henry Yates,
from behind the typewriter, ven
tured to gasp. The visitor was
man considerably over six feet and
a half.
He was splendidly proportional
and, although his fair hair and
short pointed beard were streaked
with white, his tanned complexion
gave him the appearance Of extra
ordinary health and Wgor. He
carried a stick in his left hand
however. and limped. His mon
ocle glistened.
COLD, HARD FINGERS
IT have the honor of addressing
the Earl of Matresser?" he said,
holding out his hand and bowling
in severe military fashion. 1T is
very good Of you to receive a
chance visitor"
Again at the touch of the mans
fingers-cold, hard and with a
grip suggesting neither cordially
nor Observation-Disclosures felt
that wave of dislike sweep over
him. There was something Of evil
both in the mans expression and
bearing. The smile which was
meant to express courtesy, was an
unpleasant contraction Of i'll
shaped lips. Even Matresser,
whose natural bearing was so en-
tirely courteous and distinguished,
felt some difficulty in receiving his
visitor suaVely.
Very happy to make your &C.
quaintance. Miinheer van West.
rheene," he replied formally My
secretary and were Just speaking
of your skill in handling your boat
last night. No easy waters, ours,
for a stranger"
II have encountered worse" the
Dutchman confided. I'm Sweden
where I often cruise. the currents
are not only difficult but danger
GUS"
MatresSer indicated an easy
chair and seated himself opposite
II must apologize for fixing SC
late an hour for your visit" he
said. II have just returned home
after a somewhat prolonged
absence and we have had a fairly
large shooting party here today
was sorry to hear from our local
doctor that some Of your men
got knocked about in the storm.
A SLIGHT TOSS
Nothing serious" the visitor
assured his host. IT myself took a
slight toss. This may Explain"