Evening star., 1938-09-11

why, yes! Didn't you know? He's Edward
J. Coburn." The information conveyed moth
ing to me, but Trevvy inclined his head in
that gravely courteous manner which may or
may not have meant that he was impressed.
As a matter of fact learned later that he had
never heard of Edward ]. Coburn.
$50 they have much in common?"
Quite lot. But all things considered -
particularly Senior - the way they keep from
blows surprises me-"
She was infectiously gay. forgot that she
was so pretty and began to like Paddy Coburn
for her sterling qualities.
But Master Oslo is sometimes a bit of
nuisance?" Trevvy suggested.
mot sometimes - all times. He has an
idea that nobody should ever 60 home, and as
really don't know Cristobal at all we'll. l was
in rather jam. You just chiselled in at the
right moment Valentine is crazy for Senior
to get some sort of special permit to go up and
explore the big lake tomorrow. He has ar
ranged what sounds like very attractive
picnic. if the Canal people will give us leave
to wander around"
remarked "and quite interesting"
WELL" cried Paddy, do come" She
grasped US each by an arm, looking quickly
from right to left. Senior will be very, very
glad to meet you. And am sure if you would
both come, everything could be arranged"
And so presently, escorting the impulsive
Paddy, whose hundred per cent vitality was
stimulating, we returned to the hotel; for she
was staying at the one which we ourselves
had selected.
Mrs. Coburn had retired, but as had heard
Paddy assure Oslo, Senior sometimes stayed
up late" Senior was up when we got in and
saw an expression not unlike gratitude cross
his forid face when he recognized the fact
that his daughter had returned in decent
company.
MIR. Cobun had we'll -groomed gray hair,
but observing his thick eyebrows, which had
partially retained their original coloring,
could see that it was from her male parent
that Paddy inherited her crowning glory
Il was getting little uneasy" he con-
fessed. IF Garry had been on the party
shouldn't have worried But Valentine Oslo is
a new type to me, and I'm glad, Paddy, you
have made some acquaintance OF kind
can more easily understand"
BY this time my instructive distrust of
Valentine Oslo had developed into positive
dislike, and was itching to show De Treville
the remarkable note which had fallen from
his cigarette case. 1t suggested double deal
ing, conspiracy of some kind. Mysterious to
me. to Trevvy's peculiarly analytical brain it
might convey a meaning. However, Mr.. Co
burns hospitality would brook no REFUSAL
and we presently found ourselves seated IN
the hotel lounge. heard Trevvy and MIR.
Coburn, after little discussion, discovering
some mutual London acquaintance.
1t now became apparent that Paddy's
anxiety had had no relation to the lateness of
the hour, but had been dictated purely by
desire to escape from Oslo. She was as gay as
a lark at early morning; and it was in fact
already early morning.
Although obviously she would have pre-
ferred to talk to Trevvy rather than to me.
my friend rather surprisingly engaged the
engineer in technical discussion regarding
the Canal, and found the charming Paddy
on my hands, a light load. certainly, for her
conversation was highly amusing.
Out of the corner of my eye saw Valen-
tine Oslo looking around the lounge. Observ-
ing us: "Hello!' he exclaimed, what hap
pened? lost you, Paddy
You mean lost you," she said.