Northern Weekly Gazette. — 1915-04-03 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

CHAPTER XXX.  (Continued).  OU are very kind," Jermyn murmured as he shook hands. `'l remember asking my wife whether she had I' seen anything of you latel3 only the other day, because an aequaintanee---a fellowcuuntryinarn of yours, by the by—eased me particulaely where he could fled you." Is that SO?" Mr Chalmers remarked goodhumouredly. "What was his name?" "His name," Jermyn replied, "was Norden Smith." Mr Aaron Chalmers stopped in .the middle of drinking his champagne. He looked fixedly at Jerroyn. Then he drained the contents, of the glass and set it down. 'ls Norden Smith over here now?" he inquire(l in a completely altered tone. "I don't think he is," Jermyn answered. "It was a little over a fortnight ago that I met him In Bond-street. He lunched with me at my olub, and at his request I made some inquiries about your whereabouts. They told us that you were in the States. I have not seen Norden Smith since. but, I have an idea that he wie, leaving for New York a few days later." Mr Aaron Chalmers, although he had not regained his former appearance of compla.cent good humour, seemed to be somewhat relieved. " he declared, "I wish the fellow no harm, but I shall be very gad to think that he is going to stay there. Between you and me, Sir Jermen, Mr Norden Smile, is omeveltat of a crank'. He has a particularly ()harming and attractive wife, whom I have the pleasure of knowing, but as regards Mr Norden Smith himself—well, I should he just as well content to think that we were not going to meet again in this world Do you know him intimately, I may ask?' "Not in the least." Jermyn replied. "I only met him once before this time. He °ailed to see me one night at Anrerlev. He was enxione to renew hiF acqueintance with Lord Lakenhaan. wheel he heard was staying with me." "And did he %" Mr Chelmers asked in a very ' Jew tone. "Unfortunately, no," Jermyn answered. "Mr Norden Smith arrived at Annerley Court only a very few minutes alter a• tragedy had happened there. You read, without a doubt, of the murder of Lord Lakenhani? It took place, as you may remember, in my house." Mr Aaron Chalmers, for a strong man, seemed curiously emotional. He picked up his empty glass and held it to the waiter. 'Fill this quickly," he ordered. The men obeyed him. The hand of Mr Aaron Chalmers shook so that some of the wine was spilt upon the carpet. Mr Chalmers made no apology. He lifted the e.lass to his lips and drained all the wine that was left. "Sir Jerilyn," he remarked, •• I am glad you have told me this. The man Norden Smith is H I tmstic. He is one of those people who go about the world with a single weird, distorted ides Be ()light t,o be locked up. Be is one—'' Mr .kar cm Chalmers said no more. Such change as there had been in him before from the complacent man of the world whom Lucille haAl introduced to Jermyn was nothing to the, change which was apparent in him now. His law hung Loose, his eyes were fixed and glazed,  upon w.hat I have done. My apologies. Sr Jerilyn. Might I /suggest, air," he added to Grayson. that you and your companion lisndcull me and take me away at once, so that this little ceremony can proceed?" He walked blithely to the door between his two g.lards. He left behind him a scene of complete and dramatic conSuaion. Two women had fainted: another was in hysterics. Many were looking about them in a vacant sort of way; as though they found it impassible to realise the tragedy of the whole proceeding. Across the heads of their guests, Lucille and I Jertnyn stood looking at one another!  he was shaking like a frightened schoolboy. Then across tie reom with measured footeeepa, also with a white flower in his buttonhole, came Mr Norden Smith • and as fast as Mr Norden Smith moved toward; the briclegoora, as though with the intention of congratuiating him so, only a little faster, came Mr Grayson from his place on the outside of the circle. "Sir Jermyn," Mr Norden Smith declared, "I congratulate you. Give me your band, sir.Jermyn recognised his visitor with surprise. "Norden Smith," he exclaimed. "Why, pteir name was upon my lips only a moment, ago: You are back agaan from America already, ehen? lam glad to see you." Mr Norden Smith wrung his hand. '• I trust," he said, " that I shall not in any