THE INNOCENT IMPOSTOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22543, 7 October 1936, Page 22

THE INNOCENT IMPOSTOR

CHAPTER XlV.—(Continued) "I was trying to got round the gel, she's gettin' a bit difficult —" Leverson inunibled. "Look here, Phyllis, wo can't afford to quarrel, you and I, we've been in too many things together." "You can't get round nie like this —I heard you tolling that girl that you love her —love! You're like all men, a pretty face, baby ways, and you're clean bowled out." "She ain't got baby ways. That girl's got a brain!" ho said tactlessly, and then her anger flamed up. "I toll you what I told her just now. I'd rather see her dead than married to you, and what do you think she said?" she added triumphantly. "I dunno," he answered. "She said she'd rather kill herself than marry you!"

He pretended to capitulate, but tho look in his eyes when she went out of the room boiled 110 good for that young woman. She could make things pretty hot for him. She knew far more than was good for his safety; she had started her tantrums; very well then, she must go. Frank Leverson had put many an obstacle out of his path beforo now, and he would not stop at Phyllis Webb.

For all her apparent coolness, Cora was alarmed. Leverson had for the first time shown himself in .his true colours; the sooner sho got out of here the better. If only she could got a word with Philip Wendell. If that were impossible she would dangle a letter out of her window to John, but that was a risk}' business as tho window of Leverson's study and bedroom looked out on the same courtyard.

"Sophie, if you see Wendell, tell him I want to speak to him if possible," Cora said. I'll stay mi my sitting room. You must keep watch at the door while bonis with me and give me warning if anvone comes."

Sophie bustled up and down the corridor. Once she came and informed Cora that Leverson had gone out. "He said he would not be back for dinner," she said. "What about Miss Webb?" "She is in the office, and so is Mr. Wendell."

"Where is Slick?" Cora asked eagerly. ]f that gentleman could only be got rid of for a time, there was nothing to prevent her walking out here and iioav.

"Sitting by the lift. Mr. Leverson has told him ho is not to move from there on any account and that you are not allowed to go out of your rooms."

Cora felt very uneasy. Had they done anything to harm Myrtle Simpson? And if they had, what was the next move? She felt sure now that Leverson suspected her of double dealing. She must get a message through to John Harcourt as soon as possible. She was to dine in her own dining room and, much to her relief, Miss Webb announced that she did not want any dinner to-night, but sho would get on with some work she had to do in the office. Cora must have a minute or two alone with Wendell. She would dismiss the waiter, who always hovered behind her chair, and make plans for her

escape. She told Sophie that to-morrow-morning, as early as possible, they would make their escape from the hotel. "You must come with me, it not be safe for you to stay behind," she said. Impatiently she awaited the arrival of Wendell. He came and smiled at her. "This is jolly, dining alone together." They talked of everyday matters while the waiter was present. " You can put the dishes on the side table. We will help ourselves if we want any more vegetables," Cora said. At last they were alone, "Listen, we know the address of Myrtle Simpson—" she told him —" 13 St. Dunstan's Studios, Baron's Court. At least we think that must be the address. Now I want you to go straight and tell John Harcourt, then Lord Fay-haven. You must help them to rescue her." "But you —what about vouP" "Tell Mr. Harcourt that at nine o'clock to-morrow morning I will come down into the main lounge with Sophie —that he is to wait for me there. I shall pretend that we are going; shopping. Even if Miss Webb conies with us, she will only be one against three. You remember the address?" "Yes," he said. " But 1 don't like to walk out leaving you here." "Oh! I shall bo all right, don't you worry about me," she said. She smiled. "But tell John to be sure to be there —" "I don't think there's any need for me to stress that to him. But why don't you go out to-night?" "I couldn't get out. Slick is watching the lift. You are allowed-to go out bv yourself, aren't you?" "Yes, directly Leverson comes 'back I shall be free. He thinks I daren't break away from him, so he has given up watching mo so elos.ely, but he'll find out his mistake." "You remember the address and Fairhaven's address?" Cora asked. "I'm not likely to forget them I'll ■go to John Harcourt first; he's nearest. And I think it would bo better if I came back here. I'm sure Harcourt would prefer that 1 did." "Well, I leave it to you and to him," she said. Truth to tell she would feel safer if Wendell were within call. Leverson had looked so ugly to-night that she was beginning to wish herself well out of this adventure. But it would soon be over I They had finished their dinner when [jeverson returned. It was evident at once that ho had been drinking again. His face was reel, his speech heavy. "Where's Webb?" ho asked, and glared suspiciously at the two of them. "She didn't want any dinner; she's working in the study," Cora said. "It's a put-up job—all of it." He sat down heavily. Cora thought it would bo wise to try and placate him. "Have you had your dinner?" she asked. "What's that to you?" ho answered rudely, and she was silent. » "I'll have coffee with you, and you I" he glared at Wendell—"you can get out I" Philip rose. "1 suppose it will bo nil right if T go out for an hour or two?" "No, it wouldn't!" Leverson snarled. "No one's going to leave this flat tonight. You hear me?" Ho went to the door and threw it open wide. "Slick — you there?" "Yep!" tho man answered. "You sit by that lift, and if anyone attempts to use it, you stop 'em —if necessary shoot 'em down like dogs—" he laughed—"like the dogs they are."

(COPYRIGHT)

By D. B. UPSON Author of "Tho Sacred Flame.- "The Return of Marcua Wrayne. etc.

AMAZING STORY OF INTRIGUE, LOVE AND ADVENTURE

CHAPTER XV. Cora rose haughtily. " 1 will go straight to my room, Mr. Leverson. Goodnight, Mr. .Wendell." "No you don't!" Leverson cried. " It's 110 use trying to high-hat me. You've gotta realise that I am boss here." Cora looked warningly at Wendell, who seemed inclined to take the law into his own hands. Once more Miss Webb unwittingly, came to her rescue by appearing 011 the scene. She had heard the sound of Leverson's voice raised in anger and she had come to see the cause.

"Anything wrong?" she asked, looking from one to the other of the group. " Mr. Leverson is annoyed because I said I was going straight to my room," Cora said.

" Directly I appear she must needs go off. Why didn't you come in to dinner to-night?" Leverson roared. " I suppose I'm not boun'd to eat if 1 don't fool like it?" Phyllis Webb asked scornfully. " lint I'll come and have some coffee with you, Miss Simpson, if you don't object."

" I'd bo glad if you would —and you must take some biscuits, too," Cora said, and Leverson looked after them in some astonishment. He was not being clever, he knew that. He ought somehow to have managed to keep on the right side of Phyllis Webb. He shook his head mournfully. Had Joseph been right when ho had warned him against being mixed up with dames? Cora managed to get one word with Wendell. " Don't attempt to go out—l will pass a note to Harcourt," she said. It was a'great relief to her when she was at last alone in her bedroom. Sophie was in a state of terror. She had heard Leverson's command to Slick. Leverson suspected something; he would show no mercy.

" We must do something quickly," she said. Cora was sitting at her dressing table busily writing. " Yes, T am going to send this letter to Mr. Harcourt. Lock my bedroom door and the door of my sitting room."

" But if Miss Webb comes? Will she not wonder?"

" She's not likely to come. Besides, she is so angry with Leverson that she forgets to hate me for the moment," Cora said.

She went,.on with her letter—" John, the address is 13 St. Dunstan's Studios, Baron's Court. Tell Fairhaven at once and rescue her to-night, if possible. Tomorrow morning wait for me from nine o'clock onwards in the main lounge downstairs. We are going to walk out. All my love, Cora."

This note she tied to a long piece of tape and weighed it with a penknife. She opened her window, taking care to keep the curtains drawn behind her. Sophie waited breathlessly by the doorway, ready to give the alarm should anyone come. (To be continued daily)