Evening star., 1950-09-18

8aterwaulS, croakS, ScreecheS,
ehirrups, misses, and growls that
1t was q miracle the roof did not
come down.
Good afternoon" said a crisp
voice. I'm Miss Curleigh. What
can I do for you, please?"
In the midst of raging bedlam
Mr.. Ellery Queen found himself
gazing into a pair of mercurial
eyes. There were other details
she was q trim young piece, for
example, with masses of titan
hair, curves and at least one
dimple-but for the moment her
eyes engaged his earnest atten-
tion. Miss Curleigh, blushing, re-
peated herself. II beg your par
don," said Ellery hastily, return
ing to the matter at hand, "Ap-
parently in the animal kingdom
there is no decent ratio between
lung power and-ah-aroma on
the one hand and size on the
other. We live and learn! Miss
CuEleigh, would 1t be possible to
purchase a comparatively noise
less and sweet smelling canine
with frizzy brown hair, inquisitiye
ears at the half-cock, and crooked
hind-legs?"
Miss Curleigh frowned. Unfor-
tunately, she was out of Irish
terriers. The last litter had been
gobbled up. Perhaps a Scottie-?
Mr.. Queen frowned. No. he
had been specifically enjoined by
Djuna, the martinez, to procure
an Irish terrier; no doleful look
ing, sawed-off substitute, he was
sure, would do.
"I expect" said Miss curleigh
professionally. Ito hear from our
Long Island kennels tomorrow. II
you'll leave your name and ad-
dress?"
Mr.. Queen, gazing into the
young woman's eyes, would be de-
lighted to. Mr.. Queen, provided
with pencil and pad, hastened to
indulge his delight.
AS Miss Curleigh read what he
had written the mask of business
fell away. You're not Mr.. Ellery
QGeen" she exclaimed with anima-
ton. well, I declare. I've heard
so much about you, Mr.. Queen
And you live practically around
the corner, on Eighty-seventh
street.! This is really thrilling.
never expected to meet"
'Nor l." murmured Mr.. Queen
"Nor l."
Miss Curleigh blushed again
and automatically prodded hel
hair. lone of my best customers
lives right across the street from
you, Mr.. Queen. I should say one
of my most frequent customers
Perhaps you know her? A Miss
Tarkle-Euphemia Tarkle? She's
in that large apartment house
you know"
"I've never had the pleasure,
said Mr.. Queen abSently. What
an extraordinary name-Euphe-
mia Tarkle? Dear, dear! Is she
as improbable as her name?"
That's unkind," said Miss Cur
leigh severely, although she is
something of character. the poor
creature. She's an old lady, ano
an invalid. Paralytic. The queer
est. frailest, tiniest little thing
Really. she's quite mad"
Somebody's grandmother, nc
doubt" said Mr.. Queen whimsi-
cally, picking up his stick from
the counter.
You'd find her interesting
I'm sure" said Miss Curleigh with
eagerness.
"And why I, Diana?"
1.-THE name" said Miss Cur
leigh, "is Marie. Well, she's sc
strange. Mr.. Queen. And I've al.
ways understood that strange peo.
pie interest you"
eat present" said Mr.. Queen
hurriedly, taking a firmer grip or
his stick, "I am enjoying the fruits
of idleness."
But do you know what Miss
Tarkle's been doing?"
IT haven't the ghost Of a no.
tion," said Mr.. Queen.
"She's been buying cats from me-
at the rate Of about one a weel
for weeks r1ow!"
Mr.. Queen sighed. II see NJ
special cause for suspicion. Al
ancient and invalid lady, q passion
for cats-oh, they go together,
assure you"
That's what's so strange abou
it." said Miss Curleigh trium
phantly. "She doesn't like cats"
Mr.. Queen blinked twice. H
looked at Miss Curleigh's pleasan
4 little nose. "And how do you know