Evening Star Newspaper, December 17, 1934, Page 28

CHAPTER XVIIL NEW ALLY. HAD packed my bag and was in the act of fastening the clasp when a tep on the knocker an- nounced that Molly had returned. I heard Jerry open the front door, and, emerging from my bed room, I found them waiting for me in the Jerry picked up a couple of suit- cases which were standing on the mat. “Do you mind sitting behind and looking after the baggage, Nick?” he inquired. “Are you referring to Molly?” I asked. He grinned. “Molly says she'd pre- fer to come in front with me.” “I've never been driven by » baronet,” explained Molly. “I rather want to know what it feels like.” We passed through the gate into the narrow lane outside, where a corner into the main road, but, as far as I could see, no one appeared to be faking the least interest in our departure. During the first hundred yards or so I glanced back once or twice through the small window behind me; then, satisfled that we were not being followed, I lighted a cigarette and ceased to trouble myself any further in the matter. After all, if they had the number of the car it would be easy enough for them to discover the owner’s name without trailing us openly through the streets of London. It was just on 12 o'clock when we turned out of the crowded Strand into the courtyard of the Milan Hotel. ‘The commissionaire on duty evidently recognized Jerry, for as he stepped forward to open the door he touched his cap with a respectful smile of ‘welcome. “Haven't seen you for quite a time, sir.” be taken inside, and making our way through the revolving door, we en- tered the lounge. Owing to the earli- ness of the hour it was still com- tively empty. p‘-l;:rry l’took me by the arm. “Shall know me pretty well here, and I'll make sure they give her a decent room and don't overcharge her.” “Right you are,” I agreed. “T'll get a seat over there in the corner and order something to drink.” I strolled across to where I saw & comfortable-looking setiee, one half of which was partly hidden behind a glant palm. There was the obvious chance that at any moment some one I knew might walk in, and I had no wish either to be stared at or con- gratulated. Close to the place I was making for stood a small page boy. As I reached my destination he started forward with the obvious intention of relieving me of my hat; then, pulling up short, he remained there as though glued to the spot, his blue eyes fixed upon me in a kind of incredulous astonish- ment. Somehow or other his face seemed vaguely familiar. I beckoned to him and, pulling him- self together, he came up to where I was sitting. “What's the matter?” I inquired. I talk to 'em?” he suggested. “They | May. don, sir, but aren’t you Mr. Trench?"] “That's s0,” I replied. “You wouldn't remember me, sir. My name’s Jimmy Fox. You—you looked at some things of mine down at th? drawing class in Battersea last Directly he spoke it came back to me at once. A friend of mine called Francis, who was interested in a scheme for giving free art teaching to working-class lads had asked me to drop in one evening and inspect some of their efforts. I had been particularly struck by the work of the smallest boy there, a dirty-faced, tousle-headed urchin who was obvi- ously gifted with a streak of real talent. Pleased by his keenness and intel- ligence I had presented him with a couple of to buy himself some paper and pencils. It was the same boy who was standing in front of me now, though in his tight-fitting uniform and with his smoothly brushed hair he looked so smart and cle:n that I had momentarily failed to recognize him. “Of course, I remember you now, Jimmy,” I said. “It was those beauti- ful buttons of yours that put me off. Besides, you've grown such a lot since I last saw you.” He blushed again. ONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1934 “Two months, sir. Mr. Francis— he got me the job.” . “Still keen about drawing?” “Yes, sir—rather, sir! 1 don’t get the chance to go to no classes now; have to do it at odd times when I ain't on duty.” “Well, I'm pleased you're keeping it up,” I said. “I shall probably be here tomorrow, and if you like to bring some of your work with you I'll have a look at it.” His eyes brightened. “Will really, sir? It's awfully kind of you.” nearer. “You won't be angry with me, sir, but—oh, sir—I was so glad to see as how you'd got off J—= “That’s all right, Jimmy." I in- terrupted. “Very nice of you to worry lbout me.” I handed him my hat. “Just shove this in the cloak room and then send along the waiter. And, by the way,” I added, “don’t mention who I am to any of the others. I He hesitated and then came a step [ pound coming round and gaping at me.” “I shan't say a word, sir.” He hurried off and, after a brief interval, an impassive-looking flunkey arrived to take my instructions. gave him my order, and I was sitting unobtrusively in my corner waiting for it to materialize when I saw Molly and Jerry aproaching from the reception offi “It's all ;rnngtd" Jerry, as they came up. announced “I spoke to you | the manager and he's given her a nice room on the fourth floor. A a day for bed and breakfast. She’ll lunch and dine with us.” Molly seated herself beside me. “I suppose it's all real,” she said. “Just at present I feel as if I could hardly believe it.” George, who was sitting in front of my chair, looked up at me with his beautiful amber-colored eyes. Then, very solemnly, he presented me with a paw. “I know what that means,” I said. don’t want to have the whole staff “You want me to take you for & walk.” Blllvelmflewhlulnduhm his tail softly to and fro. “We must wait till master’s ready,” I explained. “He's washing himself I|at present and it wouldn't be polite to go out and leave him behind.” As 1 spoke Dawson entered the room., He was carrying a folded peper on a silver tray and his clean- shaven features wore their customary uxpn-lnn of slightly fatigued bore- “l thought you might like to see the Daily Mail, sir?” I released George’s paw nnd took the paper. “Thank you, Dawson,” I said. “Is there any news?” “Nothing particular, sir, except that they’'ve scratched the favorite for the Cesarewitch.” “I hoped you haven't backed it?” I inquired sympathetically. “Not to any serious extent, sir.” He retired to the door. “Sir Jerrold has finished his bath, sir. He asked me to say that he will be with you in & few minutes.” Left alone with George, 1 glaheed carelessly through the principal head- lines. As Dawson had said, nothing of any burning importance seemeg to have occurfed during the past 24 hours, and eventually, abandoning my search for information, I got up and sauntered across to the open window. It was a pleasant lookout, espe- cially to & man who had been cooped up for six weeks in Wandsworth Jail. The trees in the Embankment Gar- dens were still in full leaf, and beyond their green tops, the river—a sheet of silver in the bright September sun- shine—curved its way toward the distant arches of Waterloo Bridge. Right in front of me a heavily laden barge was drifting along slowly with the tide. I watched it enviously, and I was just thinking how vastly I should enjoy a sniff of the sea my- self when the door opened and Jerry made his appearance. He greeted me with a disarming smile. Nicholas meets, tomorrow, a very Important man. large car was blocking up the fairway. I kept a sharp lookout while we packed ourselves in and rounded the “No, I've been leading the simple life,” said Jerry. He gave instruc- tions that the two suitcases should “How long have you been here?” T asked. “You look as if you'd seen a ghost.” He crimscned violently. “Beg par- WE’LL BE GLAD 'O HELP YOU Standard $1 Values Give shirts and you'll make no mistake. These are well tailored of fine broadcloth in blue, gray, green, tan and white. Attached collars, also neckband style in white only. Sizes 14 to 17. New 1935 Studebaker Sedan Given Away! Enter this easy contest now! Every time you make a purchase you get an opportunity to participate in this free award. Ask any of our employes for details. Capitol Dome Cigarette Humidor Put 60 cigarettes’ in this neat gadget and a sponge in the roof keeps 81-50 Street Floor. 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