The Argosy, Vol. 90 No. 1 — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

VICKY VAN. she never referred to such matters, I never inquired. But she’s a thorough little gen- tlewoman, and I'll defend her against any slander to my utmost power.” ‘¢ And so will I,” said Miss Gale. ‘ I’m sure of her fineness of character and lovely nature.”’ “ But these opinions, ladies, don’t help our inquiries,” interrupted Fenn. ‘ What can you men tell us? What I want, first, is to identify this body; or, rather, to learn more of R. Somers, and to find Miss Van Allen. I can’t hold an inquest until these points are cleared up. Mason, have you found out anything?”’ ‘““'No,” said the inspector, returning from his long telephone quest. “I called up four clubs. Norman Steele belongs to three of them, but this man doesn’t seem to belong to any. That is, there are Som- erses and even R. Somerses, but they all have middle names, and, too, their descrip- tion doesn’t fit this Somers.” “Then Mr. Steele misrepresented him. Did you get Steele, Mason?” “No; he wasn’t at any of the clubs. I found his residence, a bachelor apartment- kouse, but he isn’t there, either.” “ Find Steele; find Miss Van Allen; find the maid—what’s her name? Julia?” “ Julie, she was always called,” said Mrs. Reeves. “If Miss Van Allen went away, I’ve no doubt Julie went with her. She is a most devoted caretaker of her mistress.” “An oldish woman?”’ - “No. Perhaps between thirty-five and forty.” ‘“‘'What’s she look like?” ‘“* Describe her, Ariadne; you’re an ar- tist.” “* Julie,” said Miss Gale, “ is a good sort. She’s medium-sized; she has brown hair and rather hazel eyes; she wears glasses, and she stoops a little in her walk. She has perfect training and correct manners. She is a model servant, and she gives the impression of watching over Miss Van Al- len, whatever else she may be engaged in at the time.” “Wears black?” ‘No; usually gray gowns, or sometimes white. Inconspicuous aprons and no cap. at 13 She’s not quite a menial, but yet not entire- ly a housekeeper.” “ English?” “ English-speaking, if that’s what you mean. But I think she’s an American. Don’t you, Mrs. Reeves?” ‘“‘ American? Yes, of course.” CHAPTER IV. SOMERS’S REAL NAME. ETECTIVE LOWNEY, who had come ~ with the coroner, had said little, but had listened to all. Occasionally he would dart from the room, and return a few mo- ments later, scribbling in his note-book. He was an alert little man, with beady black eyes and a stubbly black mustache. “TY want a few words with that caterer’s man,” he said suddenly. ‘ Then they’d better clear away this supper business and go home.” We all turned to look at the table. It stood at the end of the dining-room, and that was back of the living-room. The side- board was at the opposite end, back of the hall, and it was directly in front of the sideboard that Somers’s body lay. Lowney turned on more light, and a thrill went through us at the incongruity of that gay table and the tragedy so near As always at Vicky Van’s parties, the appointments were dainty and elaborate. Flowers decorated the table; the lace, sil- ver, and glass were of finest quality; and in the center was the contrivance known as ‘‘ Jack Horner Pie.” “* That was to be the surprise,” said Mrs. Reeves. ‘I knew about it. The pie is full of lovely trinkets and little jokes on the guests.” ‘““T thought those things were for chil- dren’s parties,” observed Fenn, looking with interest at the gorgeous confection. “They’re really for birthdays,” said Mrs. Reeves, “‘ and to-day is Vicky’s birth- day. That was part of her surprise. She didn’t want it known, lest the guests should bring gifts. She’s like a child, Vicky is, just as happy over a birthday party as a little girl would be.” comicbool< CO