The Wilmington morning star., 1944-01-21

John Smith buttered an almond
topped roll. II can understand
how he feels about it. Bill and l,
knowing you no longer than we
had, were very worried about your
trip on down. We were sorry we
had to stay in Tamazunchale and
could not accompany you.''
The girl gave him a blank, VIC
let-blue gaze. "Oh, but you could
have after all. You see, I stayed
in Tamazunchale myself. I felt
dizzy-tough of fever, I think. I
decided I'd better have someone
with me for the rest of the trip,
SO l holed in and waited r
Prism
Prism William Smith re-
peated.
my 1D0-pound-plus maid"
odd name murmured the old
err brother.
AN odd person. said Mallory.
Half decorous servant and half
cannibal.'
And now I'll ask one,' she de-
cided.
isn't it funny I didn't see you
| in Tamazunchale? I looked for
YOU
John Smiths jaws hoisted in his
glacial smile. He began to explain
with the patience used for child.
When I told you we had business
in Tamazunchale that did not nee
essarily mean right there in the
Plaza. Bill and l have to go far
afield."
"I'll bet," thought the girl.
Aloud she breathed, oh, I see.
Obviously he was sure that she
believed they had remained in the
area of Tamazunchale.
"How far did you go this trip
asked Richard Blythe. During the
conversation between his guest and
the brothers he had eaten busily.
Now he held a lighted cigaret in
his left hand and replenished
cup of chocolate in the right.
"All the way to Laredo" said
Bill. ''Nuevo Laredo. We did not
go across the bridge this time"
Blythe's voice was light. 7 did
1T know you ever did
Sometimes, John said with
guinness. He changed the subject.
i Nov that we've explained why
we and Miss Baker are a happy
family, suppose you explain your
own friendship. Don't forget we
were just as surprised about your
being lucky enough to know her
as you were about us"
!, Same story. Fellow traveller.
On the hop to Dallas" He gave
all imitation of a shudder 81
awoke to find her staring at me,
positively staring, as if I were a
crook-oh, she bears watching
that one!"
''How silly!" murmured the girl.
She longed to say, Pipe down.
She began buttering third sticky
roll, feeling nauseated at the sight
of it, but knowing she must do
something with her hands.
''Mr. Blythe is the sort Of man
who would stand beside paint
ing in an art exhibit and think
everyone was looking at him.
John and William Smith shout
ed with laughter. The vi t i m
growled, "1'll bet it's not origi-
nal" He gave her that look, part
ly scornful, partly teasing, that
she remembered from the plane
trip. eff 1 had known she vas
such an insulting dame I'd never
have given her my card"
You gave her your card?"
queried Bill Smith. 1--WE, too He
shook his head sadly. But she
didn't bother to use it,
Nor did she mine" Richard
: Blythe also was appearing to be
inconsolable.
81 lost it in Dallas Mallory
said.
"And did you lose ours. too?"
The girl faced John Smith. No,
1 didn't. It is in my purse right
now. This" she forewarned, will
amaze you. I also am at the
Montecito.''
The mans face grew happy
Elbow nice. Butt he asked, with
frown, how do you happen te
be there You said you were 60
ing to stay with friends
Before Mallory could answer
Blythe said for her, "She was
with friends last night. And such
friends" He closed his eyes in
appreciation. "Of course I'm talk
ing about the girl. Who is she.
Mallory?"
"Manuelita She is lovely Ane
wasn't that just the trouble. II
kept her already tortured nerves
in even more distress.
"I'n say she's lovely. But Man
uelita who?'
Eyes, that's right. Manuelits
w h O.? Blythe's curiosity wa!
matched by Mallorys.
John Smith saved her having te
answer. "a Manuelita with enough
charm to gain frenzied compll
ments from both sexes surely mus