The evening world. Newspaper, January 13, 1915, Page 17

A New Yorker's Odd Fight to Keep BY From Winning the Girl of His Heart flowers of her in. Mr. Minot had fallen elder girl from Omaha, and for her he was displaying his way ignorance of horticulture, Sud- nly out of the night came @ scream. Unceremoniously he parted from the Omaha beauty and sped over lawn. But quick as he was, Lord Harrowby was quicke: For Minot came up, he saw Harrowby bending over Miss Meyrick, who sat upon a wicker bench. “Cynthia—what ie it? Harrowby a was sayin (Continued) Chain Lightning’s Collar. NLY the other day,” she con- ( from a man who clatmed to be a Persian prince, He eaid it was a prayer-rug, ever aince I got it I've been praying @’p genuine.” ! A little ripple of amusement ran Bruce was under way. People @poke to one afother in undertones— iittle conversational nudges of an- “By the way, Cynthia,” the hostess taquired, “have you heard from Helen Arden lately? Miss Meyrick, “although I have her promise that and the duke will ‘be here—next Tuesday.” ‘as lordebip, “I think of Helen, Lord Harrowby, because she, too, married into your nobility. Her father made West. In his youth he'd had trouble in finding a pair of ready-made trousers, but as soon as the agen 4 him up a coat of arms. And a fam- fly motto, I remember suggesting at the time, in view of the sausage: est link.’ Mrs, Bruce knew when to pause, She paused now. The ripple became sipped languorously from his wine glans. He saw that his lines “sot a owtwWent into society head foremost, “Thi it herself a clever amateur sutras, Used to act often for charity —though 1 don’t recall that she ever “is that it ls @o unconscious. She @ocsn't ‘ppear te realize when ahe — thing.” just tinued, “I bought a rug ‘and f think it must have been, for gd the table. The redoubtable _telpation. “Not for some time,” responded “Splendid.” Mrs. Bruce turned to his money in sausage in the Middle began to roll in, Helen started to loo! family is no stronger than its weak- an outright laugh. Mr. Helen did,” Mrs. Bruce continued. mere ‘@ chance that she doesn't realize it,” suggested Minot. ‘Then Helen met the Duke of Lis- more,” Mrs, Bruce was speaking once more. “Perbape you know him, Lord Harrowby?” cm “No—er—eorry to say I don’t"—— “A charming chap. In some ways. Helen was a Shavian in considering marriage the chief pursuit of women. She pursued. Followed Lismére to Italy, where he proposed. I presu' thought that being in Rome he soy aria sl jut, my dear lady,’ by in a daze, “isn’t it the Romans?” Yeten't vant an Romans?” asked Mrs. Bruce blankly. “Your Lordship is correct,” sald M: ‘ily. “Mra. Bruce mi ted pul ly—in jest, you know. Mbe—tapery.” “Oh—er—pardon me," returned his Lordshi, “T ‘aw Helen in London last spring,” Mrs, Bruce went on, “She confided to me that she considers her husband a genius. ‘And if genius really be noth- Ing but an infinite capacity for tak- ing Car gry ae 8 ‘am eure that th -peor child is right.” Peitile murmurs of joy and the din- ner proceeded. The guests bent over their food, shipped to Mra, Bruce In a tefrigerating car from New York, and very little wearled by its trip. Here and there two talked to- ther, It was like an intermission etweon the acts, ts, Mr. Minot turned to the Omaha i, Even though she was two wives ind on Mr, Nat Goodwin's career, must be polite. ont was at the close of the dinner that Mrs. Bruce scored her most tell- ing point. She and Lord Harrowby + were conversing about a famous Eng- lish author. and when she was sure she had the ttention of the table, ehe remarked: “Yes, we met his wife at the Ma- sonbys’. But I have always felt that the wife of a celebrity is like the cou- pon. on one’s railway ticket.” “How's that, Mrs. Bruce?” Minot inquired. After all, Paddock had been ind to him. ¥ “Not good if detached,” sald Mra. nee, Bre stood, Her guests followed It was by this bon mot that she close to have her dinner live in the gossin of San Marco, Hence with Wt she closed the ceremony. “Witty woman, your wife,” said one ‘of the colorless New Yorkers to Mr. Bruce, when the men were left alone, Mr. Bruce only grunted, but Mr. Paddock answered bright! “Do you really think so?" “Yes. Don't you?" “why—er—really” Mr, Paddock blushed. Modest author, he, ‘A servant appeared to say that Lord Harrowby was wanted at once outside, and excusing himself, Har- rowby departed, He found “yalet, a plump, round-faced, seridus man, waiting in the shadows on the veranda. For a time they talked to- gether in low tones, When Harrowby returned to the dining room his never cheerful face was even gloomier than Usual, Spencer Meyrick and Bruce, exiles both of them, talked jc ly of bu peas and the rush of the day's work for which both longed. ‘The New York n and a sapling from Boston con- versed of chamber music. Martin ‘Wall sat alient, contemplative. Per- haps had he spoken his thoughts they would haye been of a rich jewel shop at noon—deserted. La ur later Mrs. Bruce's din- Pa, oNe eter: genitorns pmeng she Repair) Osos 0 \ , -” Paddock 4 ‘ynth! leyrick felt wildly of her anes a io oud. “Your necklace,” sho Lightoing’s Collar, He took #t! took it!” “whot” “I don't know. A ‘A man Reverent tition by feminine voices out of excited Group. “He leaped out at me there—by that tree—pinioned my arms—snatched the necklace. I couldn't see his face. It happened In the shadow. “No matter,” Harowby replied. “Don't give it another thought, my on t hy T help”. “Bu can T help"—— “1 ne telephone the ice at o8,"" announced Spencer Meyrick. “I beg you'll do nothing of the sort,” expostulated Lord Harrowby. “It would be a great inconvenience— the thing wasn't worth the publicity that would result. I insist that the Police be kept out of this.” Argument—loud on Mr. Meyrii part—ensued. Suggestions galore were offered by the guests. But in the end Lord Harrowby had his way. It was agreed not to call in the police. Mr. Minot, looking up, saw @ sneer- ing smile on the face of Martin Wall. In a flash he knew the truth, With Aunt Mary calling loudly for smelling ealts, and the whole party more or less in confusion, the return rted. Mr, Paddock “Rather looks as though Chain Lightning’s Collar had choked off galety, ‘mumble: ‘Serves her right for wearing the thing in her hair. She spoiled two corking lines for me by not wearing it where ye Minot manocuvred eo as to Inter- put Lord Harrowby under the por- ce ‘May I speak with you he inqui Harrowby bowed, they stepped into the we of the ‘ive. “Lord Harrowby,” sald Minot, try- the excitement from his certain information 6 guests here thi ning that I leve would interest Your lordship has been ffaloed. One of our fellow diners Mi Bruce's table holds the title blest jewel thief in America.’ keenly to catch Lord start of surprise, Alas, be caught nothing of the sort. ‘Nonsense,” said his lordship non- chalantly., “You musn't let your im; agination carry you away, dear chap.’ “Imagination nothing! I know what I'm talking about.” added sarcastically: “Sorry to bore you with this,” His lordship laughed. ‘Right-o, old fellow. I'm not in- terested. " ‘But haven't you just lost”—— “A diamond necklace? Yes.” They had reached a particularly dark and secluded spot beneath the canopy of palm leave: Harrowby turned sud denly and put his hands on Mirtot’s shoulders. “Mr. Minot,” he said, “you are here to see that nothing tnter- feres with my marriage to Miss Mey- rick. I trust you are determined to do your duty to your employers?” “Absolutely, That is why’ Then,” replied Harrowby quickly, am going to ask you to take charge of this for m Suddenly Minot felt something cold and glassy in his hand. Startled, he looked down. Even in the dark, Chain Lightning’s Collar sparkled like the famous toy that it was, “Your lordship!"— “T can not explain now, I can only tell you it is quite necessary that you help me at bed time. If you wi ¥ y “Who took this necklac hair?” asked Minot hotly. I assure you it was the to prevent our plans from going awry. Please keep it until I ask you for It.” And turning, Lord Harrowby walked rapidly toward the house. “The brute!” Angrily Mt. Minot stood turning the necklace over in \. frightened the girl What should he do? Go to her, and tell her of Harrowby's amiable ec- centricities? He could hardly do that —Harrowby had taken him into bis confidence—and besides there was Jephson of the great bald head, the Peter Pan cyes. Nothing to do but walt. Returning to the hotel from Mra. Bruc: villa, he found awaiting him a@ cable from Jephson, The cable as- sured him that Leyond any question the man in San Marco was Allan Harrowby and, Wke Caesar's wife, above suspicion, Yet even as he read, Lord Harrow- by walked through the lobby, and at his side was Mr. James O'Malley, house detective of the Hotel de | Pax. They came from the manager’ office, where they had evidently been closeted. With the cablegram in his hand, Minot entered and ascended to his room. The other hand was in the pocket of his top coat, closed tightly Chi Lightning's collar—thi t the Earl of Raybrook bad once wagered against a kiss, CHAPTER VIII. After the Trained Seals. Rt, MINOT opened his eyes on Thursday morning with the uncomfortable feeling that he was far from bis beloved New York. He lifted his pillow. There on the white sheet sparkled the necklace of which the whole British nobility was proud—Chain Lightning’s Colla Some seventy-five blue-white di monds, pear-shaped, perfectly grad uated, His for the moment, “What's Harrowag am to, I won- nd then Minot’ Havana orliea DD der™ he reflected. “The dear old top! Nice, pleasant little party if a policeman should find this in my pocket.” In the hotel dining-room Mr. Minot encountered Jack Paddo: superb in white flannels above his grapefruit. He accepted Paddocn’'s invitation to join him, ‘ “By tho way,” said Mrs. Bruce's Jester, holding up small, printed newspaper, “havo you made the acauaintance of the San Marco Mail yet? “No—what's that?” “A morning newspaper—by cour- tesy. Started here a few weeks back by a noiseless little Spaniard from named Manuel Gongate, Slipped in here on his rubber soles, Gonzale did—dressed all in white— lovely lemon face—shifty, can't-catch- me eyes. And his newspaper—hot stuff, my boy.” “Scandals?” asked Mr. Minot, also attacking a grapefruit, “Scandals and rumors of scandal: Mostly hints, you know. Several rei erences this morning to our prod and haugty friend, Lord Harrowby.” “Give me a cigarette,” went on Paddock, “and T'll tell you the name of the man who {a gloating over those diamonds to: ° smiled Minot. “Go “Martin Wall, You ask how [ ar- rived at my conclusion. Simple enough. I went through the list of guests for possible crooks, and elimi- nated them one by one. The man I have mentioned alone was left. Ever notice his eyes—remind me of Manuel Gonzale's. He's too polished, too slick, too good to be true. After breakfast Minot and Paddock played five sets of tennis on the hotel courts. And Mr, Minot won, depite the Harrowby diamonds in his trou- gers pocket, weighing him down. Luncheon over, Mr. Paddock su gested a drive to Tarragona Island. And even as they wndered on that desolate lone strip amid the swamps, where alligators and rattlesnakes alone saw fit to dwell, back in San Marco the capable Mr. Trimmer was busy. »By poster and by hand bill he was spreading word of his newest coup, 80 that by evening no one in town—save the few who were most concerned—was unaware of a devel- opment rich, rare and racy. Minot and Paddock returned late, and their dinner was correspondingly delayed. It was 8.30 o'clock when they at last strolled into the lobby of the De la Pax. There they encoun- tered Miss Meyrick, her father and Lord Harrowby, taking Harrowby to the said Miss Meyrick, “He confesses he's never been, Won't you come along?” They arrived shortly at the San Marco Opera House, devoted each evening to three acts of “refined vau- deville” and six of the newest film releases, ¥Vinally they reached the dim Ip- terior of the opera house, and were shown to seats far down ip front. By hanging back in the dusk Minot man- aged to secure the end seat, with Miss Meyrick at his side, Beyond her sat Lord Harrowby, gazing with rapt British seriousness at the hu- morous film that was being flashed on the screen, After the third picture the lights of the auditorium were turned up, and the hour of vaudevillé arrived. One of the first turns was Captain Ponson- by's troupe of trained seals, An In- telligent aggregation they proved, bi ancing balls on their small heads, jug- gling flaming torches, and taking as their just due lumps of sugar from the captain's hand as they finished each fi The audience recalled them again and again, and even the peer- age was captivated. “Clever beasts, aren't they?" Lord Harrowby remarked. And as Captain Ponsonby took his final curtain, his lordship added: 4 deat follows the trained ‘The answer to Harrowby’s query came almost immediately, ada startling answer it proved ¢o be. Py “a oes aby MM. CREASY ones Into the glare of the footlights stepped Mr. Henry Trimmer. His manher was thet of the con hero. For a moment he stood and bowing before the approving mi ttude. he raised @ hand com- manding ni “My dear friends,” he said, “I on preciate this reception. As I said in my handbill of this afternoop, I am working in tho interests of |, ce. That is why I bave prevailed upon Lord Harrowby to meet you here in this, your temple of amusement, and put his case before you. .His lordship will talk to you for a time with a view to getting acquaint He has chosen for the subject of discourse. “Th Old Days at Rakedale Hall.’ Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to introduce—the real Lord Harrowby.” Out of the wings shuffled the lean and gloomy Englishman whom Mr. Trimmer bad snatched from the un- known to cloud a certain wedding day, The applause burst forth. It shook the building. From the gallery descended a shrill penetrating whistle of acclaim. The applause was stilled at and, supremely fussed, the Lord Harrowby” faced that friendly throng. “Dear—er-speople,” he said. “As Mr. TrimmeF has told you, we seek only {eae I am not here to argue my right to the title I claim—that I can do at the proper time and place. last, “real I am simply proposing to go back— ™ back into the past many years—back to the days when I was a boy at Rakedale Hall. I shall picture those days aa no impostor could picture them—and when I ve done I shall allow you to judge. And there in that crowded little Southern opera house on that hot February night, the actor who fol- lowed the trained seals proceeded to With unfaltering touch he etched for his audience the great massive iron gates up the broad avenue bordered with limes, until the high chim: gables, the mullioned the walls half hidden by ivy, eereing roses and honeysuckles were revealo took them through the alo: kitchen gardens, thence to the quadrangle of th tables with its arched jonny nd the chiming . Tennis courts, grape rl they visited over the brow of t quare to’ the old church and the chimne; the vicar’s modest house. And far away they beheld the trees that fur- nished cover to the little beasts it was the Earl of Raybrook’s pleasure to hunt in the season, Becoming more specific, he spoke of the neighbors, and a bit of ro- mance crept in in the person of the fair-haired Hon, Edith Townshend, ie He described at length the picturesque personality of the “rac- ing parson,” neighbor on the south, and in full accord with the {deas of the sporting Earl of Raybrook, The events of his youth, he sat crowded back upon him as he recall this happy scene, and emotion well- nigh choked him, However, he man- aged to tell of a few of the celebrities who cal to dinner, of their bon mots, their preferences in cuisine. He mentioned the thrilling morning when he was nearly drowned in the brook that skirted the “purple mead also the thrilling afternoon when he hid his mother’s famous necklac the biscult box on the sideboard, an upset the whole household. And he narrated a dozen similar exploits, each geralshed with small illuminating de- ails, His audience @at fascinated, All who listened felt that his words ri true—even Lord Harrowby himself, aitting far forward, hie hand gripping the seat in frogt of him until the white of his knuckles showed thi aker shi! his scene with the ie by 4 jszia feey ce Bee tevees Steen. Chiral os his flight to the States, his wild days in Arizona. And he pulled out of his pocket a letter written by the old Earl of Raybrook prey Meg to nely postulating with him for his mad rt and begging that he return to ascen: to the earldom when the old man was no more. “rel Harrowby” finished Peng | this somewhat ee ap- peal with a little break in voice, and stood looking out at th dience. “If my brother Allan himself were in the house,” he said, “he would have to admit that it is our fether spesk- in that letter.” rustle of interest ran through the auditorium, The few who bad recog- nised Harrowby turned to stare at him now. For a moment he sat si- lent, his face a variety of colors in the dim light. Then with a ory of rage he hanes, to his feet. “You stole that letter, you cur,” @ fraud, ‘The man on the stage stood shading bis eyes with bis band. “Ab, Allan,” he answered, “so you Is that quite ing—after all these years?” A roar of sympathetic applause greeted this sally. There was no doubt as to whose side Mr. Trimmers friend, the public, was on. Harrowby stood in hie place, his lips twitchin; ®; for once bigzin Dick Minot was by thi corting Miss Meyrick up the > was most contri! “A thousand pardons,” he pleaded. “Really I can't tell you how sorry 1 am, Cynthia. To have made you con- hat was I thinking of? me—I’ rry, Allan,” said Miss Meyrick gently. “I like you the bet- ter for being maddened." Old Spencer Meyrick said nothing, but Minot noted that his face was rather red and his Cy were some- what dangerous. Ta‘ all walked back to the hotel in ailence. From the saga etl - it by pre. men jarrow’ Ming Sie jok and her father into a parlor, Minot and Paddock were left ne. Presently, Minot parted from Pad- dock and ascended to the third floor. As he wandered through the dark ye in search of his room, fay. brat the gay of the man in the wave & suggestion. “Good evening, Mr. Wall,” he said. ‘The scurry of hurrying footsteps, but no answer. Minot went on and placed his key in the lock. would not turn. He twisted the knob of the door—it was unlocked. fea. fnenet inwide and flashed on the ight. His small abode was in a mad die- order, The chiffonier drawers had been emptied on the floor, the bed was torn to pieces, the rug thrown in @ corner. Minot smiled to himself. Some one had been searchin; searching for Chain lAghtning’s Col- lar, Who? Who but the man he had bumped against in that dark pas- aagewny? CHAPTER IX. “Wanted, Board and Room.” \§ Dick Minot bent over to pick up his ecattered prop- erty @ knock sounded on the half-open door, and Lord Harrowby dropped in. The 1d nobleman was gloom personified, He threw himself despondently down on the bed, “Minot, old chap,” he drawled, “it's His eyes took in the wreck- . “Eh? What the deuce have you been doing, old boy?” “I haven't been doing anything, Minot answered. “But others have been busy. While we were at the— er—theatre, fond Gngers have been i “you intimated th gearching for Chain Lightning’s Col- You haven't lost itt ‘No—not yet, I believe.’ Minot took the envelope from bod ers and drow out the gleaming “ab, it's atill eafe’— Harrowby lea from the bed and olammed shut door. “Dear old boy,” he cried, “keep the accursed thing in your pocket, No one must see it, '@ been searching here? Do you think it could have been O'Malley's interest in your necklace?” “Some other time, please, Do hang on to it, won't you? Awful mix-up if ju didn’t, Bad mix-up ae it le. @aid when I came tn, {t's all over.” dead ie over?” “Everythidg. The marriage—m: chance for happiness—Minot, ['m a most unlucky chap. Meyrick just postponed the wedding in @ frightftully loud tone of voice.” “Postponed it?" Sad news for Jeph- gon this, yet as he spoke Mr, Minot felt a thrill of joy in hie heart, He @miled the pleasantest smile he had @o far shown San Marco, “Exactly, He was fearfully rattled, was Meyrick. My word, how he did goon, Considers his daughter humil- jated by the antics of that creature Wo saw on the stage to-night. Can't say blame bim, either. The wedding is indefinitely postponed, unless that impostor Is removed from the ecene immediately.” “Lord Harrowby,” began, other day that this man might really be your brother—* “No,” Harrowby broke in, “Impos- aible, I got a good look at the chap to-night, He's no more a Harrowby than you are.” seated in a tarry waters of the harbor, Minot was loudly sa- luting the yacht Lileth, Final Martin Wall appeared at the rail. “Glad to see you,” he announced genlally as Minot came on deck. “Awtully nice of you to eay that,” Minot laughed. “Reassures me. Be- cause I've heard there are sharke in these wat They aa' wn in wicker chairs on the forward deck. Minot stared at the cluster of Mghts that was San Marco by night. “You heard of what happened to- night?” began. “I've heard,” said Wall with a short laugh, “Lora Harrowby’s flancee and her father are greatly disturbed. They insist that this tmpostor muat be re- moved from the scene at once, or there will be no creddinj Mr. Wall it is up to you and m im.” Minot “Just what is your interest im this matter?’ all inquired, “The same as yours, | am Harrow- by's friend, Now, Mr, Wall, the situation as I see it—wanted, board and room in @ quiet neigh- borhood for Mr. George Harrowby. Far from the atrect cars, the vaude- ville stage, the wedding march and other disturbing elements. And what is more, I think I've found the quiet neighborhood. I think it's right here rd the Lileth.” h—indeed!” ‘Yos. A simple affair to arrange, Mr. Wall. Trimmer and his live Proposition are just about due for ur, cle i i ii Seehdy wore theyt* were they immer wtde-atreet house where he and hie fallen nol obared @ auilte. About the same time bilthely entered apartments in the Hotel de ja Pax. " "he announced, “you ean Little George ie He sleeps to- removed. it the good ship Lil thanks to rowby began. “On which I my immortal soul,” Minot "tT ¢hought dt was ell with—five een! fer ae stely fi qx monthe—wrote here, She's My man caw As on Harrow! 1yY newspaper noe =to-enertew usual jety siei.” “Not the usual, old remarkable woman. she promiaee—trust her, and There's ne of this” ere’s no Way oul Minot eat thinking. The ran took down the receiver. voice that had charmed thousands the Gatety anewered his, there came over the wire, hea’ ing, the tones of Mr. Hi ello—I_ want Allan ah, that’s Minot Good, 1 want a w you know what I thi ods? Weill, you won't rules in the way. Think you're to get ahead of Trimmer, do ‘Think you've put one over, eh? let me tell you, in for it now. you? Do you know what TU 6o to- you i iw wi in’ start @ cyclone in morrow. to kni path,” Minot re missed his vai sat down. said—it wae the first time he bo ery the “it occurs to ae that an unholy lot of things are = pening to mre, wedding, So I'm ing to 19 @ question, ven, - “Harrowby"—Minet leoked it into the weak, but seble soe you on the level?” “Really—I'm not very expert in your astounding tm “Are you want to be “Why, Minot, my ie Sothing more—I never shall want any- thing more"—— “All right,” said Minot, rising. “Then go to bed and sleep the sleep of the innocent.” are yen going? What lo of 389 he found a telegram. Turning on his lights, he sank wearily dowa the bed and tore it open. ined in torrents," sald the tele- heas’s t the do duel ae their final apperance of the night at means. call the opera house right now. I will at the stage door and lead Mr. Trim- mer away after his little introductory speech. I will keep him away until you and aecouple of your sallore—I ouge' the two I met so informally in t North River—have met the udeville lord at the stage door and gently, but firmly, persuaded him to come aboard this boat,” “I'm on,” sald Wall, rising. “Any- thing to help Harrowby.” They~ rowed ashore in company with two husky members of the yacht's crew, and ten minutes later Minot was walking with the pompous Mr. Trimmer through the quiet plaza. He had told that gentleman that he came from Allan rowby to talk terms, and Trimmer was puffed with pride > You what It was signed “John Thecker.” “Ten't that a devil of a nighteap?”’ muttered Mi: be re- in , Os called how Jepheon hed tngureé the Duchess againet rain. CHAPTER X. Two Birds of Passage. [N the same busy night when the Tdleth @ashed her red @) @ignal and Miss Gabrielle = eereamed for @ Cotrell, two strangers invaded Gan Mar- 00 by means of the 6.19 freight eouth., One of the strangers was short, with flaming red hair end tn his eyo a wwinkls. Tea cldiy at the ll put one hand “Bee me safely to my park Harry,” he said. “It was that on an empty stomach. I'm all “I hear ‘em, too, eal . , here”—he turned to M ar offering to resign in our favor’ “The minute you say the werd.” ~ “Both of you “Believe ine,” said the city ay the word too sald Howe, “I don't ’ what's the matter cant EE ‘ man tood ue Pou draw isi Fs at ‘ou ean Ww n to determine who is to be m editor and whe city editor. Ii excellent eche attal ne ition that way. eae us go dened “with pour Pointe Che Re Contnnsd