MYSTERY GULLY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22135, 3 July 1937, Page 7 (Supplement)

MYSTERY GULLY

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

Garrv Kippin, soon after his arrival at Tiki Farm, finds himself on Dublin Dan's black book for mischievously decorating Jemima, the cow. He'is marched off lor a lecture by his father, and Guy, Alison, and Beverley decide to explore the whare mentioned by Dan. Through a gap in the door they see him studying a discoloured sheet of paper, which he folds and thrusts into his pocket.

CHAPTER VI Unexpected Guests

No conversation passed among the three Leightons on the way back to the house. Each was busy with his and her own thoughts. It really looked as if, as Alison had said, adventure was to be thrust upon

them. But none of them had expected that Dublin Dan would be involved. Dan, after all, was only a commonplace person.

They found Garry Kippin in the sitting-room whistling nonchalantly away to music from a portable gramophone.

"I've just been unpacking," he announced as they entered. "Dad and I brought this along to brighten things up. We expected life would be fairly dull here. Where have you been?" Alison's eyes telegraphed a warning to Beverley. "Oh. we've been calming down Dan after Jemima's escapade," Guy answered guardedly. "That took some time. I can assure you." The mischievous grin again spread over Garry's face. "One of the sailors on the ferry steamer gave me these streamers," he informed them. "I thought it would be fun to dress up Jemima. But," he concluded in contempt, "that man, Dublin Dan, has no sense of humour."

"Dan's quite a good sort," put in Alison indignantly. "And he had every right to be annoyed." "Oh, yes! I'll admit he's the kind of man girls like," sneered Garry. "He can spin a yarn about adventures and rubbish like that. 1 bet you've never had a decent adventure in your life."

"And I suppose you ve had one? Alison's eye-brows lifted sceptically. "Haven't I." crowed Garry. "It would take me a long time to tell you all my adventures. For instance, f was lost in Cairo once." "Lost in Cairo!" Guy and Beverley gasped. Alison, feeling completely floored, feigned indifference. "Won't you tell us about it? begged Beverley. "Tea's ready." shouted Mrs Macdonald from the kitchen at this all important moment. Garry, noting with visible gratification the light of hero-worship in Beverley s eyes, smiled graciously. 111 tell you this evening," he promised. Over the tea-table Guy secretly noted the look of abstraction on his uncle's face. Mr Stapleton appeared to be so wrapped up in his thoughts that he seemed scarcely conscious of their presence. It was practically a silent meal. Garry seated directly opposite Mr Kippin squirmed uncomfortably every time

he met his fathers eyes. Mr Kippin generously complimented Mrs. Mac. upon her cooking, and the housekeeper responded to his praise by beaming forgiveness upon Garry, who took advantage of it by helping himself to a third slice of apricot tart. The haste with which Uncle Bill concluded the meal indicated that he was eager to*retire to his study as quickly as possible. "I suggest that you children go and amuse yourselves in the sitting-room." he said.

"And stop playing that gramophone." Mr Kippin ordered Garry irritably. "It is impossible to concentrate with such a row going on."

Guy exchanged puzzled looks with Alison. Never before at holiday time had Uncle Bill resorted to his books and left them to their own devices. It was now quite evident that there was something behind all his strange behaviour. Garry, who apparently was accustomed to seeking nis own amusements, showed no surprise. "You won't be able to stay up very late," remarked Mrs Macdonald when the two men had left the room. "It's starting to grow dark early in the evenings, and I shouldn't be surpriseddf we have a shower of rain soon. You two boys may light the * sitting-room fire," she conceded. "Alison and

Beverley can help me to clear away." She bustled briskly off to the front of the house, followed by Guy and Garry, while the girls retreated to their bedroom to find aprons. . Alison whirled stormily into the room, and closing the door, stood with her back to it facing her sister. "I forgot to warn you, Bev., not to mention what we saw in the gully this afternoon." she • said. "Garry Kippin's so cocksure, and we don't want to be laughed at. Being left out of our adventure will do him no—" She broke off suddenly and stared fixedly at the window. "Why, what's the matter? You look as if you'd seen a ghost," cried Beverley. Alison's face was devoid of all colour.

"I fancy I saw someone go past —a tall shadow," she whispered hoarsely. "In fact, Bev., I'm sure I did." Alison ran across the floor, and throwing aside the thin curtain that covered the paneless opening, she looked out. But in the semi-twilight down the side of the house she could distinguish nothing. "Hurry up! Mrs Mac's waiting," urged Beverley, tying on her apron. "You're beginning to see things, Alison. Too much jam tart! I reckon you're mad because Garry Kippin had the last slice. But I'll promise." She saw the threatening light in her sister's eyes. It did not take them more than 10 minutes to clear away the tea

dishes and wash up. AhsaaJJJJ ! unusually silent while theyjwg" & at work, but Mrs Beverley kept up a lively aggGßti'l conversation. They had Mi ished—Alison was drying ™£2ff-!! cup—when a heavy knock tm*f^ t | the back door. I Looking rather flustered ■» I Mac. untied her apron and WE ] back the key in the lock. Bg to see who the unexpected vwm | were, both girls peered over w | housekeepers shoulders at U» I men who stood on the step. _ __ . There was a .moment's | Then the taller of the two iMKgg | his battered hat | same thought came to the nun«« ;: j all three. J CAN YOU GUESS WHAT WILL HAPPEN ft! NEXT? .#'