THE LITTLE BLUE GODDESS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12081, 9 August 1917, Page 8

THE LITTLE BLUE GODDESS

CHAPTER VIII.-(Continued.) "The mystery is no nearer solution," I read. " Indeed, the. reverse might almost bo said to be tho case, for, though ample timo has elapsed, the authorities at Scotland Yard have received no news either of tho mysterious Dily» or at Mr Ellevant, and tho «Unsive Egyptian is still at large. Tt has been ascertained that Mr Ellerant is a wealthy American sugar brokor, and he is reported to be a millionaire. However this may be, it is evidena that- he possesses considerable means. He lavished money recklessly on the merest whim of his ward, to whom he '.■ was dervoted. She was entirely dependent on him for oven' penny. Her father, tihe Rev Dion .Retford, vicar of Oakacre. is understood to possess little besides his stipend, and her mother's fortune was inconsiderable. The reverend gentleman is stricken with the grief of his daughter's death, and it is feared that he may not recover. TMlys.' to whom Ruth wrote her tragic farewell letter, is well known in Oakncre, for she frocfuently visited tho vicarage, and. she and the deceased were vctt popular in the neighbourhood. For the past year, however, nothing has been seen or heard of Miss R-etford/s friend. It) is said that the last time she stayed at the vicarage she left hurriedly, saying cood-bye to no one, and that "Ruth made many fruitless attempts to discover the whereabouts of her companion and the Teaaon of her sudden departure. It would seem that thi« it to bo one more of the strange mysteries which soring lip so suddenly in our midst and are soon relegated to the dark and eerie jumber room of impenetrable silence. Will the mystery of the little Blue Goddess remain for ever locked away in the heart of the poor deluded " Nephthys ' ? Intel-viewed this morning, the secretary of the Society of

I crumpled tihe paper angrily in my band and tossed it uncer the seat of the taxi with an exclamation of disgust. "When "--.I wondered- -" would our cheaper papers cultivate a. sense of decency? Was ther e no one Avho would show them the fitness of things?" So far, I had escaped the übiquitous interviewer, but how long would it hist? "Was nothing sacred to the halfpenny journalist? It was with a feeling of relief that I opened the floor of the <:ab. as it swung into the nundrangle at Scotland Yard. Here at least 1 was defiling with realities, doing what ilttle 1 could to get to the heart of the thing and, if I had not had active participation in the movement of events, I think lhat, as Libtledalo said, it would have driven me into a lunatic asylum within i. week.

Inspector Kirby was in, and was jreadv to see mo at once. "Good afternoon, Mr Trafford," ho cried, with a genial smile. " You havo just come at the right time." "You havo neivs then?" T asked eagerly. "Yes," he replied. "T told you we phould hear from Ellernnt. Well, we have! .tie htu> wired us; havo a look «t it."

He passed me the- flimsy form, and T read tne telegram with an eagerness which I did not attempt to conceal. It had. been handed in at Rotterdam, and read : " Shocked to hear news. "Returning first available boat.—Ellerant." "That is certainly a step m the right direction," I said. " Uet us hope his evidence will be conclusive. When do you think he will arrive?" "It depends what be means by the first available* boat," the inspector replied. "It must mean the first boat leaving Rotterdam after the. time this telegram .was sent." "Or it may mean the first boati which it is convenient for him to catch," the other answered. "In any case, it wit I' probably only make n difference of a few hours. I shall have some one meeting all the boats as they arrive, and we shall have his evidence, for whatever it may he worth at the earliest possiblo moment "

" L'hero is nothing from Dilys?" i asked.

"Dilys? No, not a, word. We. are, making inquiries about her, and I am expecting to hear every minute now." I have been down to Oakacre," 1 said. "I'm glad of that," the detective icplied. " I supospo you learned nothing fresh?" " Nothing of any importance as regards Miss Retford," I answered, " but T found out that, the other girl's name is Maturin, Dilys Maturin. She and Ikith ivere inseparable chums, it hcems, and Miss Maturin often stayed at the vicarage. The old man couldn't! remember her surname, but I got it from the housekeeper, who, apparently, Vas Until's nurse.

"That's good," paid the inspector. ■"'l have sent a man out on that lay lint he hasn't returned yet. Wo heard all about the two girls .spending their holidays together, but we couldn't: get hold of the name. Did the housekeeper Jcnow where this girl's people live?" " Unfortunately she did not," f replied. "As a matter of fact, Miss Maturin has no parents. iShe has means of her own, and since her people died she has been travelling about a good deal by herself, occasionally staving with relatives, with whom she doesn't appear to hit it off.

" And nobody knows where any ol these relatives arc- to be found?'' he asked.

'"They seem to know nothing about them at all." "What a confounded nuisance! Still, I don't suppose it will matter rory much j she is certain to communicate with tw as soon as she learns of the tragedy." "No doubt she will," T agreed. "But I think I could suggest a. way of finding her even if she doesn't." "We shall find her quick enough; don't let Chat worry you." said the do. tective with dignity. "What is your plan?"

" I learned from the housekeeper l Mmt the two girls were, at school togothor at the Old Moat J louse, Oharterton, Hertfordshire. Tito school wns kept by the Misses Trendcrloy. You will sec the particulars horo," I : Idfd, handing film my notus.

"That is very good, Mr Tmfiord/' nxiid the policeman. "Wo shall mako a detective of you yet!*'

"I hope not," 1 replied with a mournful laugh. "I havo no wish to have anything to do with any mystery of any kind after this." "l(Ai mustn't let it worry you, my dear sir," he answeivd. " You will find that it will straighten itself out quite simply and satisfactorily and you will be able to forget all about it in a few months." "Nob I!" T protested. " Xor in a few years. T shall remember this until my dving day, ■ if I live to be a, hundred."

" Well, there is really no mystery lifter all," he reassured me. "We know tho cause of her death. Sho poisond herself in an orgy of fanaticism. That, I forgot to mention, has bc-?n cor. roborated, so far'as the poisoning goes, by tho post-mortem. J ' ""Oh, it has!" I exclaimed. "What was the poison:'" ■' "I haven't yet hoard definitely, but it ajj-peevs to have been strychnine, or

OUR SERIAL

By WILLIAM LE QUEUX Author of: "Sins of the City," "The Great White Queen" "The Bond of Black" "The Man about Town," etc. etc.

something of a similar nature. They had not. q'.iito made up their minds about that when thoy sent in their reports." " Well, it is something to have decided as much as that," [ said. "By the way, what about the inquest tomorrow P 1 shall have to be there, of course*? " "Oh! certainly," he replied. " Ynu will be the, principal witness unl-vs El'lerant arrives in time. Jf he doosn't we shall have to ask for an adjournment, but 1 sincerely hope that- will not; he necessary," "You are sure about the verdict?" I asked. "Certain," he replied positively. " Of course, in a case* like this there is little choice of verdict. "Wo haven't the slightest reason to suspect murder, and wp have every reason to know that the poor girl committed suicide." T forbore to remind the inspector that ho bad originally marked poor Aeh mod d nwn f° r gaillows, and discreetly let his altered opinion go unchallenged. " Where do I go?" F asked. "And what do T have to do?" " You will find your papers waiting for you at the doctor's house when you get back, but I think you had better let me call for you in the morning. Mr Trafford. You are not- very far from the court. Ten-fifteen i« the hour, and 1 will pick vou up and take, you along about nine-forty-five to ten o'clock." " Very good, Mr Kirbv, if you will be so kind." T replied. '' I sh'ould much prefer to be with you than to have to find my way alone and explain to every one who T am. There is nothing else you want me for now, T supposeP" " Nothing at all, sir, thank yon." ho answered. "Yon are prepared to leave those notes with me and let me see what can he learnt from the school ?"

"By nil means. I bop? you will be able to get new lS of Miss Maturin before to-morrow, f»o*"icl afternoon. "Oh! Mr Trafford!'' called the inRpnotor after mo as 1 stepped into the lift. "Just a minute. J>r LittWlale rang me up this morning and said you would probably be calling on me on vour way home. He asked me to Miggest to you that you might think it advisable to .instruct your solicitor to attend tiio inquest on your behalf. There is, as I assured (.he doctor, no need for you to do so, hut if you would I eel easjor in your mind, if you wen; represented, it would he a good course to adopt." "Thanks." T replbd, "I'll think it over. It strikes mo as rather a wise plan. Good afternoon." " Good aftornoon, and don't won v. Mr Trafford," he replied cheerily. I turned out of the Yard and walked slowly through the archway unrier Charing Cross Station, to my rooms. There would certainly "be. no harm in 'phoning Kelman and asking him, to represent mo at the inquest. No doubt, vile precaution would prov 0 to ho superfluous, but it was like making nn error on the right side. Outside my front door I found a voting man ringing impatiently. He carried a square black leather camera, case slung over his shouilder, and one side of his waistcoat was almost obliterated by a collection of fountain pens and pencils'l Excuse me a moment," I said 1 politely, as 1 approached the door. "Mr Trafford?" he asked, eyeing me keenlv.

"That is my name," T replied coldy, realising that he was a reporter. " J>id you wish to .see me?"

"•lust, for a i'ow moments, sir, if you don't mind." he replied, handing'me a card which informed nip that he was a representative of the Ajax Picture News Agency.

" If your requirements are anything in the nature of an interview,'' I answered, '-you are wasting your time."

"There are two questions which F wish verv n.'uch to put to you, Mr Trafford. Thev will not detain you as many minutes."

I took my key from my pocket and, turning my back on the' youth, fitted it in the lock.

" I am sorry I must decline to ;m----swer any qucu ion." I re-plied finally. "I should not dream of disturbing you at sncli a time unless 1 intended to ask you these questions purely in your own interests, Mr Trafford," he said quietly. | whofled on him sharply-

"What the di'ekons d 0 yr.M mean?" f demanded angrily.

" It is, as you have naturally guessed, in connection with the death of Miss Ruth Retford that I wish to sp.ak to you. One moment, sir, pfoas<> let me say what I have to say. We have received information of a very nerious nature- -serious, that its., in the circumstances- -and before we circulate it wo felt that it was due to you that wei should put the-matter before you and ask for your permission."

If wa.s an iugenioMs plan, and T was at a- loss to know how to deal with jt. I was convinced that the youth, or his firm, hail received no information at all, but it was a ckver way of getting me to talk, and 1 rather admired my visitor's blatant effrontery.

" I think all the questions that need ho asked will he put at the inquest tomorrow,'' I ivplied. " And any. information you may have will meet with corroboration or denial in the course of events."

" Ouite so. sir.," lie replied. " But I would venture to point out that there will be the customary issue of the daily papers to-morrow morning, and that yon might save yourself some inconvenience if you would kindly confirm or refute the information we have received." " You seem to have forgotten," I replied coldly, " that there is such a thing as the law of libel. I can assure you that I should not hesitate to put it in operation if I thought it necessary." i

"In this ca.se, Mr Trafford, the law of libel does not apply, for the simple reason that the statement which I shall make, unless you request me to withhold it, is not a libel in itself."

1 was weak enough to civo way, for by tin's timo T was exceedingly oiirioufl to know what this extraordinary information was.

" T will answer you one question," I replied, '' and one only. Fire away." For :i brief second the hoy thought hard, evidently turning over in his mind the various questions which he had intended to ask me and deciding which was tho most important. '' jjs it true, Mr Trafford," he asked, " that you became engaged to Miss Retford in Cairo, at a dance which took place at Shepherd's Hotel a few weeks ago, and that the engagement was broken off by you two days before the suirido?"

"No," I said angrily, "it is not true. You have asked me two questions, and T answer them both. They are both false. I havo only met Miss Retford twice, and I know nothing at all about her private affairs."

The youth lifi-ed his hat und favoured me with a satirical bow.

" I am very much obliged to you, Mr Trafford." he. said, with a smile of triumph, "very much obliged to you indeed." And without anotl|er word he scuttled off down the stairs. I was exceedingly angry that I should havo allowed myself "to he duped in such a ridiculous manner, and it was a consid-

ernble time before I recovered from my vexation. 1 mention the incident ot this persistent reporter and his methods because so many of my friends have taxed mo with a lack ot tact and good form in permitting the '• person nl interview with Mr Trafford, exclusive to this paper," which appeared in one London and most of the provincial dailies the following morning. T let myself into my rooms, inwardly relegating the Ajax representative to the nether regions, and called my man. There was no reply. Cooper, no doubt a person of some importance, now that his master figured as one of the principal characters in an already famous tragedy, was probably relating spurious incidents .in my career to a mob of admiring sveophants in the nearest saloon bar. I closed the door with a. vicious kick and tossed my gloves en to the ball stand. Really it was too bad of Cooper. Suddenly 1 noticed a, letter Iving on the mat. T picked it up idly. There was no stamp on it: evidently it had been delivered by band and pushed through the letter-box. ft was addressed to J-lugh 'J>afford, Esq., in a firm, round hand of considerable character. I did not recognise the writing. Probably it was pome very uninteresting charity appeal. T opened it languidly and drew out another envelope which was carefully served. " Good heavei...!" ( exclaimed. "What on earth can this mean?"

"Writ-ten on tlv face ol the envelope wcro the words "Hugh Tr:;i(<-rd, Esq.--If you cannot give your word (if honour as a gentleman not to mention the recipt of this le-.te;- to a living soul, the writer trusts you to destroy it unopened." This was. indeed a problem and one upon which 1 was in honour hound not! to ask for advice. AY hat was I to (lor 1 Suppose the letter contained something of real importance? Snpo.se I thereby learned the secret of the Mystery? A\ as it my duty to respoct my tacit pledge? It might lead me into a conspiracy to defeat the ends of justice! It was a pretty position to be in and T considered the matter carefully and finally decided that if T found myself bound in honour not to divulge information which T felt it my duty to offer to the police. I would discover some other means of obtaining the information from a different source. ''Here goe.s!" I cried, as: I tore the envelope open. The letter was a disappointment in one sense, for it taught me nothing. I rend it through a second time, feeling that here ngain we were straving further and further from our solution. , " T)onr Mr Trafford." it ran, "J

ask you a,s tilth's friend to go no fur-

tlier. I implore you, as one who loved llutb and who still loves her poor old father, leni-e it alone. You will gain nothing and others may lose much. That is why 1 have not come to see you and it is whv T shall allow no one to find me. Believe me, T know. T pray that you may take my advice.—Yours faithfully, Dilys Maturin. (Continued on Monday.)