Evening star., 1940-10-20

his eyes were COlQ Dlue SllJS IN |
fleshy folds, his mouth thin crease.
His column of neck bulged over his |
collar and his complexion was florid. |
He sat at the desk, overfowing his
chair. He was a mountain of q
man, soft, loose mountain.
He said. "Junius Thane. Senorita,"
and his voice rasped. Maybe you
have heard of me. I'm a lawyer.
Cordova g. Thane is my firm"
I'm afraid haven't, Senor"
Thane waved a pudgy hand. 1T
doesn't matter" he said, and con-
tinued to peer at her with a dis
turbing gaze.
Shane said, "Senor Thane is one
of San Luis best-known lawyers,
Diane. He's interested in finding an
American girl for business deal
that's come his way. I thought you
might be interested"
why -"
well, you'd like to make some
money, wouldn't you? You're booked
at the Casa for 13 weeks, at 5000 a
week. Juan gets half that 5000.
You may need money later on"
And Junius Thames coarse voice
said, "A girl as lovely as you, Sen
orita, should have money-and all
that money can buy. Fine clothes,
luxurious apartment, a good car"
A Warning Bell.
Far back in DANES subconscious
mind warning bell rang; it
changed. She remembered then
John Meade's amusing warning
about a tall blond blackguard
Junius Thane was neither tall nor
blond, but Shane Murdock was.
And Shane was-why, he was try
ing to influence her! John Meade
had known what he was talking
about in Washington four months
ago!
Diane said cautiously, I'D have
to know what the proposition is"
"Of course =. :" 1t was Thane who
answered. But that later. First
would like to know something
about you, Senorita Cascoden. Do
/ you ullllQ!
What do you want to know"
You had Cuban father no?"
MY father was Cuban Diane
said. MY mother American"
And both are now dead?"
Diane said they were.
Have you any other living rela-
tives beside Juan?"
No. I know of none"
How long have you and Juan
been alone?'
Since I was l6 and Juan was
You supported yourselves entirely
since then?"
Yes"
BY dancing?"
yes"
Thane rubbed his hands together
and looked satisfied. "Senorita.
would you like to make $4,000,
Americana"
Naturally"
Good" The lawyers smile was
smlrk. Il want you to take a
little trip. You will travel under the
name OF Elena Monteros. YOU"
Diane Is Cautious.
Diane rose. NO" firmly. Il
wouldn't be Interested"
Why not. Senorita?"
I don't like the sound of the
proposition"
Diane turned to Shane Murdock.
He was making a slow thing of
lighting cigarette. She said, I'm
sorry, Shane. You understand, of
course"
Sure, Di You're afraid it's
crooked. But it's only a business
deal"
I'm sorry" she said again.
Maybe you'd better sleep on it,
Dl. tomorrow you may think diff
ferently"
No :" Diane moved to the
door. This is final"
Shane jerked the cigarette from
his lips. His attractive face turned
hard, and steel edged into his voice.
Wait a minute, Diane. Maybe If
l put it as a favor. After all, got
yoU anu OudIl DTedk.
And we're grateful. of course"
"All right, then"
He came close. Anger lay in the
dark intentness of his face. Look
Ing at him, Diane suddenly discov-
cred that Shane Murdock was not
shallow. He had depths and he
could be formidable.
He said: you better string alorg.
Di."
But behind him Junius Thane
sighed. mo threats, senor." He
gave Diane his smirking smile.
That Is all. Senorita Cascoden.
Thank you. Buenos noches."
Diane went out, closed the door
and felt like running down the
stairs. She was unreasonably un-
nerved. Shane Murdock had been
angry, but that shouldn't have
frightened her. What. then. was she
afraid of?
Johns Warning.
She reached the foyer. 1t was
past l o'clock. Most of the Casa's
guests were leaving. Some inner
pressure made Diane look about for
John Meade. Then a steward ap-
preached her and handed her a
note.
"A senior left this for you, Sc
norita."
Diane said "Gracias." 1t was lust
a note; merely a folded sheet of
paper. She opened it and it was
from John.
He had written merely this:
Diane: AS an old friend and trusted
palmist, I thought I'd better pass
along hint. Juan is keeping dan
gerouS company. Luck. John"
Diane stared long at the note.
Then she folded it, tucked it away
in her bag She went out and took
a taxi, giving the name of her hotel.
She sat back and tried to think.
1t was absurd. Juan had his weak
naccoc Pl,t foriuht ha Lod L...