The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-18
CHAPTER VI

Bob looked after him with a sar- castle grin. Says youl Schmatz, that guy didn't even know what I was talking about, and I'll bet my last dollar on it. He wasn't sure whether an electrum scarab was pyramid or a buried temple. But If he's not professor, what is he?" . Bob had occasion to ask himself this question about the professor
 more than once during the after noon. The tall Egyptologist had im- inediately sought out Kathleen and the rest of the time he proceeded to monopolize her SO that no one else had chance to say anything to her.
 Several times Bob saw her glance his way as though she hoped he would rescue her, but there was no way for him to escape the Duch- ess, who kept him consistently at her side, hanging on his arm and laughing up at him in the most pro- vocative manner. She lavished caresses on the unresponsive Schmatz and chattered about art and Bob's writing and how much she was going to enjoy having him for a neighbor, until his head swam trying to keep up with her.
 T can see how you can write red-blooded, he-man tales" she said, dropping down on the couch Pat had moved so regularly. 'You're so virile and SO romantic looking yourself. Do sit down and tell me about yourself"
 Bob looked down at her hair with a little laugh, smothering a desire to tweak the straying locks. "It's because I lick to eat, lady," he told her, edging away little. 'There isn't anything but the de- sire to live that would make me slay as many men as I do-if you get what I mean" He tried to turn 1t of jestingly, but found 1t hard to disregard the look In the woman's long g-lashed eyes. A dan gercus woman, he decided. One he'd hate to have on his trail.
 But If the Duchess was conscious of his uneasiness, the Duchess did not show 1t. She only took his hand in both her slender ones and sighed, "Y0u can't think how lonely really am. That's why I'm always reaching out for friendship, for someone can trust and in whom I can con- flde. That's why I liked you the minute saw you. You seemed so honest and diff ,rent somehow"
 Chatter" thought Bob as he looked at her. This is getting too much. I'd better beat 1t while I can"
 I'm all of that, lady" he laughed. And now I must be taking my pup out for his after noon run. If don't he'll be tear ing around so, the janitor'll prob ably request us to move. Thanks for asking us to your party"
 He put the dog down and started for the door. Then he paused. He'd hunt up Kathleen first and tell her he would see her later, and make his escape. He wouldn't be snagged into such a mess again. If necessary he'd hang out a smallpox sign to warn off the Duchess. The less he saw of her the better. Pat had had her number all right when he said such a frowsy head likely topped Q lot of mischief.
 But it was one thing to wish to talk to Kathleen and another to do 1t. The professor had her shut of in 6 small corner that was in- tended for only two. She, too, had | been having rather a difficult time of 1t. At first she was flattered by the preference of the older man, especially as she was still | feeling squelched by the calm way the Duchess had captured Bob and borne him of, and irritated at Bob for letting her do 1t. But there was something about the smooth spoken professor with his flashing black eyes and insinuating smile that sent a little ripple of fear across her mind. Who was this mysterious person who talked so glibly of famous people and places, who seemed to have crowd- pd so much into his lifetime?
 Are you pleased to make my ac- luintance or not, my dear2" the professor was asking her. leaning closer.
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