Evening star., 1941-09-25

nOuES Vi SluIIlDCI. IL bCVuicu tlide
he had hardly closed his eyes be-
fore he was stumbling down the
stairs to await breakfast.
IF you keep up this pace, Adam,
commented the sleepy-eyed Ca
rewe, we will overtake Montjoie
in spite of the handicap Of late
start"
THE advantage is all on our side"
said Warburton I'VE can make a
bee-line for London, but Montjoie
must move with caution, knowing
that many eyes are on the alert for
Good morning, gentlemen!" came
. CHEEKY voice, and both men were
upon their feet, smiling . welcome
to Molly Vance 1t was Carewe, the
polished gallant, who drew back her
chair for her.
The girl was more radiant than
ever to Warburton. The pensive-
ness Of the night before seemed tc
have been dispelled. Yet 1t Wal
Carewe who thought to say, "You
are beautiful this morning, Mistres,
Molly"
You are only hattering me. sir, >
she protested. II know-that I look
terrible from lack of sleep. These
forced marches are no aid tc
beauty"
Progress Is Slow.
Then heaven help us if you ever
obtain your full measure Of repose!
grinned Carewe. Il can hardly wait
until We get to London where I car
show you around. Wait until those
old cronies of mine, Chisholm and
Twerenbold, see the ravishing crea-
ture I have discovered in the hinter-
land
Warburton, who had been listen
ing with q forced smile to the mans
airy compliments. lifted his head
Twerenbold and Chisholm, he knew
from hearssay. were two Of the most
disreputable rakes in London. II
they were friends Of Carewe. what
manner of man was this Carewe?
They took to the road once more
Progress was slow because Of the
recent rains, which had been heavy
in this district. In the afternoon
they halted in q small town at the
suggestion Of Carewe. Il am not
unacquainted here, and if Montjoie
and Vance have passed through, II
dnd 1t out" ..-.-,s -. 1-ss =.
They saw Molly established in 4
room, then set out to explore tho
town, but not tpsether. We'll mska
better progress III We search sep.
arately," sCarewe had pointed out
Warburten spent the better part a
an, hour tramping from place tt
place. A blind man? d, A dark. for.
eign- looking gentlemAn7 No. NJ
such men had been seen In the httk
village.
Finally he returned to the taverr
that was the headquarters of HI.
party. Carewe was already in the
public room, at table, deeply en-.
crossed in conversation with two
other men. He looked up with 9
quick smile at sight of Warburton
mo luck. eh, ADAM" he called
II guess they did not come thi.
way" AS Warburton sank into thu
only vacant chair, Carewe waved 9
hand toward his two companions
Here are two friends Of mine-Sil
Roger Twerenbold and Master Rich.
ard Chisholm" ...
A Strange Proposal.
Twerenbold and Chisholm bowed
They were faultlessly attired, bu
tailor and barber could not concea
the marks Of dissipation on theil
sallow faces.
I'VE have been discussing you,
said Carewe, and for once he va
not smiling. I'VE have decided tina
you are not as blindly devoted t.
Elizabeth as you would have us be
heye."
Only then did Warbuton not,
that he had been maneuvered init
a chair that placed him in a corner
hemmed in by the table and sur
rounded by the three men. Was j
coincidence, also, that the room wa
empty of other patrons and ever
servants?
I'VE feel that you will listen t.
reason, Adam. You are . poor man
are you not?"
Unfortunately. yes admitte,
Warburton,
I'm fact" added Twerenbold, will
saturnine relish, n penniless jail
bird, not above knitting 4 travele
for his few belongings"
"Sir!" Warburton controlled al
impulse to strike that sneering face
Your words have all the flavor o
an insult r-.
"Roger!" Carewe snapped. lie
me handle this!" To Warburton
"Sir Roger-in fact, none of us-i
any better than We believe you are
And birds of a feather should worl
together"
"Well?" asked Warburton, relax