Evening Star Newspaper, October 17, 1927, Page 22

THE BLACK JOKER BY ISABPL (Continued from Yesterd CHAPTER XXVIL Lion's Head. RS. KERR, Mr. Protheroe, and a stranger stood trans- fixed in the valut like room the slim and stared up at figure at the head of the stairs, but the lady was the first to retover herself. “Janet, T am_sorry ths heard. You intimated today that you did not know whom to trust. We are almost in the same position, for we are in great trouble and perplexity. 'ho is Horace Gray, ] my father's lawyer, you and those other friends of his at Daneholm. | gome reason you're all afraid to I Me meet him, for you know he used to play with me when I was a I y s voice broke, but you over- she o deceive me b n;nhfr impostor as oy at Daneholm! ""‘\v:’"-i o ster Mr. Protheroe ex s, Y lled me one just now! Perhaps my father's friends at Dane- holm didn't know-—I mnever thousht they did until this minutel said they had sent for M when he came—no one saw one of the servants and myself—it Was a young man made up to look like him with a wig and alll I'm sick of all this mystery, and hiding like a criminal! I don’t want nor need the protection of any of you! I seem to have been able to take care of my- self through this whole, horrible affair better alone, for it is only when I put that I get into 1 can find my © rk and wait there il my father reaches port. I wan ing to do with any one who its me!” o fitned to reenter the bedroom, but Mrs. Kerr ran up the stairs and ght he: in her arms. et dear, forgive me! You have red us the best proof in the world sking us to send for your father's attorney, but of course we shall do nothing of the kind! I was distraught, beside myself with anxiety and it was on momentary doubt, dear! Good- by, Sfx of Hearts!” she called back over her shoulder. “Try to reach the O lea Janet into the bedroom once more, still entreating that the girl would forgive, and her contrition ap- peared sincere, but, although Janet gave every indication of being ap- peased, the hurt had been too deep. To remain with these people an hour longer than necessary was un- thinkable, but she must be careful, for they doubted her, and, doubting, would, guard her even more closely than before to see that she did not slip out of their hands. Yet that was what she was deter- mined upon. At the first oppor- tunity she would run away and hide herself until she could reach her father. No immediate opportunity present- ed itself, however. In the morning they took their leave of Mr. Protheroe and motored on again through deep pine-scented forests until at noon they reached the shores of a lake set like a mirror in a frame of blue-green mountains. Janet’s spirit was torn and it had taken all her self-control to treat Mrs. Kerr as though the scene of the night were forgotten, for dissimu- lation was utterly foreign to her, but the beauty. and peace of her sur- surroundings gradually worked their spell. Her determination was in no way altered, but she felt soothed and calm, i There had been no sign of espionage from Norman's adherents, and as they left Charles and the car for a speedy little motor boat that awaited them and steamed out over the sparkling blue water she felt that she was free from that menace, at least. Some one had bungled or falled. The mysterious thing which had been the erux of this whole adventure had fallen into the hands of Mariott's associates, It would be a great blow to her father, concerned in it in an unfathomable way as he was, but Janet was almost glad, for she would be able to make up to him in her iove and care whatever disapointment was in store for him, and she felt that the soonér he severed his connection with this queer association, brave and devoted as its members were, the bet- ter it would be for them both. Mrs, Kerr seemed to have read her thoughts, for she turned to her sud- denly as they sat in the little cockpi: with the breeze, fresh and pirey, blowing in their faces. “Jamet, how much of that conver- sation last night did you hear,” “Not enough to tell me anything I didn't know before, except that some friend of Mr. Mariott's has man- aged to get possession of the thing which you and Norman and—and even my father are so deeply inter- ested in,” Janet replied bluntly. “I was just thinking that I was almost glad of it “Glad!” Mrs. Kerr echoed in blank amazement. “But why!” “Because, although I don't know in the least what it can be, if people —and not just two people or three, but huge assoclations and—and gangs—are willing to murder each other and wreck tralns and do all sorts of terible things to gain it and vet ean't have any right to it, for none of you dare go to the author- ities, then I don’t want my father to have anything more to do with i, and I'm not sorry that it is all over.” Janet spoke without heat and in ut- ter sincerity. “Oh, my dear, you don’t know what you are saving!” Mrs. Kerr's sensi- tive face wus twitching and pale. “You cannot understand, of course, and perhaps you will never know the truth, but try to believe that it is right—right for us alone to have it, to handle the situation! It is by no means over, for we shall fight to the last and you should pray for our success, for it is vital to you! Your father's honor is at e! His honor!” Janet exclaimed “What do you m; You must tell me now, Mrs. K ou have gone too far not to explain!” cannot!” She turned her head ‘I have said more than I but I wanted you to ? means everything to your father! “To him—alone?!! her brows “To all of us, of course!” the other amended hastily. “We—we of us afford to fail! Mariott's faction must be forced to give up what they hold!" She said no more and Janet knew in her tone that i Janet raised would be usele: made another of clearing the = only t6 become more and more hope- lessly involved, in the « her thoughts only one fact stood ou If her companion had told the tri and her father’'s honor was invol then it must be right for him to himself with this human pack of cards, and they must not lose. motor boat had erosséd the chugged its way through a rry so narrow and winding tha could e reached out and nt spruce bough in d now it entered a lake larger than the first and dotted with little isla , the dense foliage of which appeared to grow s up out of the water that mirrored its reflection. In spite of herself Janet gave a little cry of delight and then checked herself ~quickly, a puzzled frown gathering on her forehead. “What is it, Janet?” Her com- OSTRANDER. her. “It is beautiful here, and like.” “Oh, it's not thal Janet dis- claimed. “I don't think I've ever seen anything more lovely even in Switzerland, but there's something ibout it I can’t explain. beeen here before in my life, seen a lake or mountai don't never Is the Black e islan: st one, Lion's Head." Mrs. Kerr waved toward it. “You have never seen a camp of any sort” “Only one.” Jane went back to her first meeting h F of Diamond Could it only the previ week ago today? tent, scarcely hig h was tinkling about it. Joker's camp have just a laugh Do land | This one vou see that there.” Janet was silent, consumed wiih suspense. Would the Black Joker be | there? What sort of man was he” | Remarkable, surely, siuce he could command so many people of different types. and every invention of the age was at his disposal! If he were a friend of her father he must be a fine character and vet, recalling the odious Basil Ferrars at Daneholm, y nothing of Duncan Burt, the | te secretary, she reserved her | jon. | is quite different. boathouse? We stic boathouse was charm- ing, with its low gallery and the | launches and canoes tethered to the | little arf, but when they had walked up the winding path between | great trees to the clearing she was | lost in amazement. - The long, low building before her was built in the same fashion as the boathouse, of unhewn logs, but here all imitation of the primitive ended, for jts broad veranda was bright with awnings and cushions and the interior which showed through the spen doors appeared to be luxuriously turnished. The clearing itself, car- peted with pine needles and moss, was dotted here and there with lawn chairs and umbrellas and in openings between the trees rustic arbors and pergolas could be seen. Groups of men and women in flannels and dainty summery gowns or rough sport clothes were moving about the island or rising from their chairs on the veranda, but they came quickly forward to greet the new arrivals, and glad exclamations of “Angie! Angie Kerr!” arose on every hand. Mrs. Kerr threw her arm about the girl and drew her forward. “Folks,” she began, “you can intro- duce yourselves later as the occasion arises, but whom do you think I've brought with me?” The campers had been regarding her companion with polite curlosity, but at. her tone a little gasp ran around among them, and an_older man in knickers with a sharply clipped, gray Vandyke beard ad- vanced a step or two. “Not—not Richard Dane’s daugh- ter?” He extended his hand. “We knew that Mrs. Kerr was one of the scouts, but we hoped it would not be necessary to call on them, that Five of Diamonds would win through safely with you! May I speak for all of us, that we are most happy to have you. with us?” “Thank you.” Janet laid her hand in_his. “Are you the Black Joker?” For some reason the question seemed to electrify the group and they glanced from her to one another, but Mrs. Kerr .broke in upon the use. “No, Janet, he isn’t here mnow. Didn’'t I tell you? We're expecting him in a few days. This is Mr. Clinton Hollis, the Seven of Clubs, but do for goodness’ sake let us have done with our—our professional names while we're all here together! I don’t know who's playing hostess. but do be charitable to two way- farers and remember we've eaten nothing since we left the house in the hill this morning!™ At her designation \of Mr. Prothe- roe’s strange dwelling Janet noticed that another stir ran around among the group, but they made no com- ment, and after luncheon, which was served on the veranda, Mrs. Kerr laid her hand lightly on the girl's arm, “You're perfectly safe now, Janet. Wander about the island wherever vou please, but don’t venture out on the lake alone. And don't any of you bother her about her adven- tures! They were enough for her to endure without talking about them afterward, and she needs quiet and peace. TIl tell you all you want to know!" The last words were significant and Janet understood that a confer- ence of some sort was about to take place at which her presence must be dispensed with. Quite content to have it so, she wandered off by her- self along a tiny path which seemed to lead to the borders of the lake on the far shore from the boat- house. . Everything was dreamy and still, | and she felt as though in another | world from that of the past week with its constant dangers and hair- breadth escapes, but the alr of mystery lingered still. -On the sur- face these cultured people in their picturesque costumes might have been characters from the stray so- ciety novels which had found their way into the convent, but the under- lying note of secrecy prevailed. Musing, she had wandered quite to the end of the small island and as a huge oddly shaped shadow fell across the path she glanced up. Towering above her was a huge rock, with the rough, but unmistakable tour of a lion's head, which had | iven a fairy-like spot its name, but it was "not that which brought a smile to her face, No wonder it had seemed familiar to her; that rock was in the back- zround of the little photograph of himself and Horace Gray, which her father had sent her! His feet must bave trod the very path on which she stood! Al was well! (Continued in Tomorrow's Star.) - g Emmanuel’s Vacation. panion had darted a swift glance at ! yet | there is something about it that you | I've never s like these | and yet there is something familiar | been little | | inter- | | From the Detroit News. 1 “Your excellency,” said the King to | Mussolini, “I should like to have two | ther in July, August or | | replied his excellency | with a_magnanimous gesture. “Take all six.” | | ¢/ CANNED SOUPS | taste better if you will add to each can one teaspoonful of LEA & PERRINS’ , SAUCE | For quick relief use Anti-Kamnia— America’s original pain-banishing | remedy. 1or2 tablets almost immediately end rheumatic pains and scothe the nerves. Also stop paine from headache, neuralgi toothache, neuritis, lumbago, etc. Break up colds,grippe,and fevers. Relieve women's paine. End insomnia and nervousness by promoting restful sleep. Prescribed bydoctorsand dentists han35years. Z5millions used annually. ? everywhere, Packed in vests every tablet. | Blue and Mulberry Blue and Gold —50-in. Double-faced Velour $22.95 grade at— $17.75 Pr. Rose and Rose Blue and Brown —Lovely Chenille Portieres, the $9.98 grade at— $7.85 Pr. P or tieres, ow’s the Time to Buy PORTIERES 78 Prs. Reg. $18.98 Double- Faced—Sunfast Quality —Extra heavy, high pile velour, in rich harmonious color- ings, has been used in making these lovely portieres. They are all 36 inches wide, with silk overlocked borders—and when the sale begins the fnlln\\'l'ug color combinations are on hand— Blue and Blue Blue and Taupe —3-plece Drapery Sets of velour. Reg. $4.98 at— $3.35 Special Sale, 49¢ Certainteed Enamel Surface Dress Fabrics 40-in. Celanese Satin, at. .......$2.95 Yd. 40-in. Celanese Taffeta, at. 40-in. Celanese Ninon, at...,...$1.95 Yd. 40-in. Celanese Plain Voile, at $1.50 Yd. 40-in. Celdnese Printed Voile, at $1.95 Yd. —Celanese fabrics claim many distinctive features. They are washable, sunfast and tubfast, and are not affected by perspira- tion, nor will they shrink—a real revela- Showing the New CELANESE —Three beautiful new Celanese Fabrics have just arrived. They are wonderfully like real silk, and have a rich luster, in exquisite plain shades, also black. tion in textiles. Kann’s—Street Floor. ..$2.95 Yd. Felt-Base Floor Coverings 29¢ Sq. Yd. —This sale offers a splendid oppor- tunity to save on good-looking, per- fect quality floor covering. Every yard is guaranteed and you have a lovely variety of patterns and colors from which to make your selections. Suitable for use in kitchens, bath- rooms, pantries, etc. —Please bring floor measurements. Congoleum and Certainteed Art Squares $5.00 Each —9x12 and 9x10% ft. Art Squares, in choice new patterns and pretty color combinations. ~As the quantity is somewhat limited and the price un- usually low, early shopping is. ad- visable. Kann's—Third Floor. Kann’s—Third Floor. Special—900 Yds. of Drapery Damasks Formerly $2.98 to $3.98—at— $1.89 Yd. —50-inch damasks—Sunfast quality —in lovely figured and striped ef- fects and unusually pretty colors. 49c Yd. $1Yd. —36-inch Sunfast Dam- ask. Formerly 89c at —50-inch Sunfast Damask. Formerly $1.19 to $1.98, at. Sloane’s Reg. $771.50 Wilton Rugs —9x12 and 8%x10%4 ft. Rugs, with a rich, lus- trous pile, closely woven and in unusually at- -tractive patterns and pretty colors. Rugs that will last for years, offered at a mighty low price. $40 and $45 Axminster and Wool Velvet Rugs $25 —Closely woven, Seamless Rugs, in choi‘ce pat- terns and colors, and sizes 9x12 and 8%x10% ft. Two well known makes. Kann’s—Third Floor. $17 Wood-Finished Specially Priced $9.95 —Two different styles from which to choose—one has a solid panel in the center, attractively decorated; the other has three solid panels. Strong, good-looking beds that will last for years, and one of the best values in beds we have ever offered. Kann's—Third Floor. Corduroy Robes at $3.95 —These Lovely Lounging Robes of wide wale corduroy, are lined throughout with matching mull— are made in side-tie style with col- lars~and cuffs of embossed cordu- roy—long ‘sleeves and patch pock- ets. Warm and becoming, .in the soft jewel colors of— Coral Copenhagen Orchid (merry.x Kann’s—Second Floor. 4 Good Ways to WARMTH 4 \ 0il Heaters ) $5.25 10 $10:50 A —The Perfection Odorless Oil Heaters, in various sizes and finishes, Nesco Oil Heaters . Regularly $5.50 Specially Priced at $4.49 Lawson Odorless Radiant Heaters, $14 to $36 ~—Designed to use in your fireplace. Safe, clean, econ o mical and quick, Beautifully designed and absolutely odorless, Uuiversal Elec. Heater Regularly $7.00 $4.69 —I12inch Heaters, with copper bowl reflector, guaranteed element, and green enameled base. Complete with 8 feet of cord, detachable socket and plug. Gasoline Heaters $27 —Practical, port- able Heaters, for homes not served by city ‘gas. May be operated from outside storage tank if desired. Kann's—Third Floor, NorthStar Al Wool Plaid Blankets, $12.50 Pr} —Twelve dollars and fifty cents is a very special price for these splendid blankets. They are sold in pairs, each blanket being cut and bound at the end with col- ored sateen. Size 70x80 in block plaids of rose and white, blue and white, tan and white, lavender and white, green and white and gold and white. Kann’s—Street Floor. Smart New Models in Women’s and Misses’ Jersey Frocks $10 —Excellent, Practical All-wool Jersey Dresses that are just as smart and good looking as they are serviceable. Attractive one and two piece models, embellished with tucks, embroidery and contrasting colors. Many of the collars can be worn high or low. Others in “V” neck and vestee styles. Some have self-colored belts, others leather belts; pleated, long panel or tucked skirts. Tan Green New Blue Brown Navy Tan Combinations Sizes 16 to 20—and 38 to 44 Kann’s—Second Floor. —And half the fun is in “dress- ing up” and being the character you would like to be. Here at Kann's you will find many new and novel costumes, of various materials, in bright and gay colors—for all ages. Adults’ Costumes $2.95 to $9.95 Pirate Boy Spanish Man Witch Nigger Stripe Colonial Man Italian Girl Spanish Girl Children’s Costumes $1.25 to $6.45 Holland Boy Gypsy Girl Red Riding Hood Frog Cat Mexican Boy Devil Clown Uncle Sam Kann's—Fourth Floor. Regular $2.00 Sonora Washable Crepe deChine $1.59 Yd. —Pure_dye, pure silk, crepe de chine, with a handsome pebbly finish—39 inches wide, a heavy quality and shown in black and thirty-six colors. $5 to $8 Metal Brocades $3.95 Yd. —A wonderful assortment, in- cluding metal brocades and metal embroidered georgettes on light and dark grounds. $5 Black Chiffon Velvet $3.95 Yd. —39-inch beautiful quality chif- fon velvet in a rich black. A graceful draping quality. $2.65 heaw Crepe Satin $1.69 Yd. A beautiful, heavy, lustrous sllk,‘ and a gracefully draping quality in black and twenty-two smart Autumn colors. Kann's—Street Floor.