The St. Helens Examiner, and Prescot Weekly News. — 1905-09-16 (Saint Helens, Merseyside, England)

GERALD BISS.  CHAPTER X.—(Continued.l  "I could go on talking all night on m) hobby, my particular bent—every man is al egoist," he said with a laugh ; "but I won't". And he changed the subject abruptly by asking Ben Nevis about his experiences abroad, and dinner concluded with the con. versation general. When the men were left alone over their coffee, Ben Nevis endeavoured to take up th( thread of Sir Hugo's dissertation on detectim, • and apply it practically. "Are there," he asked, lighting a cigarettej "any data in the 'White Rose' murders from which deductions can be drawn ? "  " The trouble is that there are so many," answered Sir Hugo, "and they are so obviouS as to be elusive. Besides, they almost frighten one, the deductions are so stupendous: and a detective's first duty is to avoid obvious; yet palpably false deductions. I could prove to you, if necessary, ' he added with a laugh; growing less serious and concluding the subject with a paradox, "that the prime mover in the Mornington murder was the King or the Queen or the Duchess of Hampstead herself. You can prove anything if you only care to; it is like the average detective story written backwards." In the box at the theatre Bina fell to the share of Ben Nevis, whilst Sir Hugo looked after Lady Grizelle, and they found themselves growing very intimate. They had a great deal in common, and Charlie was an ever ready half-way house between them, giving them a pretext for growing confidential. Lady Grizelle watched them with amused; and by no means dissatisfied, eyes. She had taken a great fancy to the newly returned wanderer, and an idea was beginning to develop in her mind. Bina certainly showed more interest in him than she had ever before noticed her show in anyone of the opposite sex, and he was certainly without being awkward or rough, different in many respects from the crystallised type of man about town. Their conversation, though carried on in 'a low tone, was particularly animated, and their appreciation of the play in consequence suffered. But the attraction of a man and a women for each other is infinitely more absorbing to both than the finest display of histrionic art or the wittiest comedy. In pursuance of her new idea, Lady Grizelle accepted an invitation from Ben Nevis to supper at the Savoy: but Sir Hugo, pleading for a good night's rest, went straight home from the theatre. They were very merry at supper and all seemed very pleased with themselves. Lady Grizelle felt like a fairy godmother in the elaboration of her plan: for not only was she particularly fond of Bina, but she was at the same time not particularly fond of her sister-in-law and loved to thwart her plans. Thus a double feminine motive, combined with caprice, was simultaneously served. "Come down and spend the week-end with me, Lord Ben Nevis," she said, as the hands of the clock began to hint at departure. "I never spend Sunday in town, if I can help it, and Bina is coming, too." " I shall be delighted," responded Ben Nevis promptly, recklessly throwing all engagements to the winds.  "Then, meet us at Waterloo at 2.15 on Saturday," said Lady Grizelle rising, "and escort us down. It is so nice to have someone to look after the luggage, and footmen are so cart:less."  On his way home Lord Ben Nevis actually forgot the demands of propriety so far as to whistle out loud in the street.