EGGSHELL.

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13269, 26 August 1916, Page 3 (Supplement)

EGGSHELL.

v i (By Roland Pertwee.) : V There is no gainsaying the fact that \ Simon Caleb,'dealer in curios and porcelain, of the city of Bristol, was a very unpopular man. His business me- »' - thods were unscruplous, not to s&y M*" slim, and were freely denounced by his K Rulow craftsmen. His unpopularity Pv was heightened by the fact that ho was uncommonly lucky in the purchases he . made and their subsequent marketing. Thus, when it became .known Simon had bought an eggshell plate of the very finest quality and decoration, and had bought it from an aged cottager for th© price of sixpence, public opinion ran very high indeed. Sympathy ior the cottager was to be heard on every I side and the number of dealers who to find out the invalid's address was quite remarkable. ■ Siiaorf, however, preserved a reticence on the subject and their solicitations came to naught. The only person who succeeded in ascertaining it was Mr Palliser, of Palliser and Tonge, and the knowledge came to him without resorting to Simon's premises. Mr Palliser lost no time in paying a call upon the bedridden old lady' and brightened up. her declining days by describing to what extent she had been imposed upon. He even , went so far as to intimate his willingness to buy any similar trifle she might < possess at its true value—namely, half- t a-crown. ffIPN But Simon had looked to it that no other valuable had escaped his vigilant < eye; and, beyond an old lustre teapot ' with a broken spout, a moustache cup l bearing a picture of the pier at Weston-super-Mnre, and an assortment of ( cheap plates from n neighboring oil !• shop, nothing of interest remained. I Air Palliser hid his chagrin as best he might, and, deprecating the idea of t purchasing a moulache cup, demanded t to know the origin of the eggshell plate. o

The invalid's mind was not very clear upon the subject, but she hazarded the belief that her niece had acquired the plate while in her service. When or now this lind taken place she was unable to answer: and, the niece being dead, Palliser's chances of discovering its antecedents were fairly remote. Consequently, alter a few expressions of sympathy over his hostess' unhappy ailment, he took his departure. Having been commissioned by Lord Louis Lewis, the well-known connoisseur, to buy eggshell porcelain, .Mr Palliser was not unnaturally aggrieved that this particular specimen should have escaped him. Clle thereupon conceived a plan to inuce Simon Caleb to enter into a partnership with him lor the purpose of negotiating the plate to their mutual advantage. With this end in view he {•ailed upon Simon and asked permission to examine the plate. "What for'" asked Simon. "If it's genuine 1 might find a customer," lie said. "I can find all the customers I want without any help from you." was the rejoinder. However, he produced the plate and Palliser purred his admiration over it." "llemarkable," he said. "Quite remarkable! The odd thin:; is that it's the dead spit of a plate I've u;>: at home —though, mine isn't genuine,'' hj» added. "How much are you going to ask for it?" "Four hundred pounds." "I doubt if it's worth that/' said Palliser. "I shall keep it until I get my price," said Simon. ''You'll keep it forever, then,'' rev plied Palliser. "Will I?" said Simon. "Lord Louis Lewis wouJd buy it like a shot." Palliser frowned. "Lord Louis Louis only buys through me," ho said.

"Ho would make an exception if he ) saw this plate," said Simon. "He wouldn't." said Palliser. "I've " «ot a tight contract, with him. It would be to your advantage to let mo nave it for a couple of hundred."

Simon Caleb extended a hand. "You are out of this deal," he said. "I omJy showed you the thing to make your mouth water. Besides, where*d

you rnisc a couple of hundred, 1 should Jiko to know? T was told that the

Official Receiver was in at your place." "Who tuiid so?'' asked Pullisftr quick-

Simon grinned. "Never you mind," ho said. "Hand me back the plate." Paliiscr backed a pace. "You won't let mo into tlio deal, then ?" he said.

'No," said Simon, emphatically • What, the good of dividing profits when you can get them all?" "A pity!" said Palliser. "A great pitv:" Then, far a man who was presumably accustomed to the handling of delicate ware. Mr Palliser did a strango thine. -He dropped the <iggshell plate: and, bo that there Mould he no doubt whatever as to tht> result, ho dropped it upon a slab of green malachite marble 1 reposing conveniently on the floor of the Ship. of the peculiarities of eggshell china is its inability to withstand the shock of a fall and at the same time .preserve its original outlines. This mate provided no exception to the rule. \lTiat a moment before had been :i single piece of rare quality, now, by the process cf contact, had become a matter Of sixty fragments of varying shapes and sizes. To a devotee of jigfiiw puzzles the task of reuniting thoso woukl 1 have been of exceptional interest.

One woTild imagine that the loss of flijoh an obiect d'art would hnvo exeiiel these gentry to a display of emotion, phis, however, was not the case. From en aesthetic point of view neither was in the least moved, the truth being that their admiration for a thinr of benutv was measured entirely by its marketable value. PaJliser was tho first to break the silence. J? "My!" he said. "However did 1 come to do that?" KwOb purpose," said Simon, and reached across for an invoico form. : PfW%ftt are you going to do about It?" naked PaJliser. Simon dipped his pen into the ink and wiped it on tho inside of his coat «ieeve. •'Make you out a ball for four hundred pounds," ho replied. M"T haven't got any money," said PalHser. "I'm on the verge of bankruptcy. You wouldn't realise sixpence in the pound." Simon regarded him through narrow-

ing lids. "Palliser," he said, "you are a dirty rat!—a dirty dog in the manger!" ,: "You would never have got four hundred tw it," said Palliser irrelevantly. fffitti' there is no reason why we gMldu't both make a bit now." . Simon Caleb picked up a heaviry. carved Maori whip-handle and emerged! from behind the counter to do violence against the person of Mr Palliser. U .♦'Don't • be a fool!" said Palliser, hacking towards the door. "Don't be a I had tho very best reason for freaking the plate." «ueh » cood on« us mine fo r ■nflfcmp: your head," sand Simon; and lit made a sweep with his weapon. Ipaatly endangering the safety of an nfifairtal bowl in the near vicinity. lyßiUiaar realised that bis bodfiiy safety JMpiiby no means assured'. Being n H&n of resource, be threw his arms KboUt * ttall C^* s c;,se i Q Which the jgf«gr* ; specimens of Simon's collection rae." said be, "and I'U push ISknon hesitated. He wok fullv Mre that PallnVr would hesitate to Mmt this further depredation; and, Kb as lie desired to attack ham, the ttfpts of that case renresened a srent J invested capital. Its journey 6 floor wouTd IneritaWy result, in JMM financial loss. Moreover, he igpotrtain to what extern the law k'sjopport his act of violence. Iter, m * keen psychologist, fol-

owner shares the profits. You. would have had to split the cheque with that' precious old lady you swindled." Simon smiled. i "Do you think I would have been I such a loot as to let him know where it came from?" he said. ' "If you hadn't I should," said Pallisor. "60, you see, two hundred is the outside- you would hav<> touched. Now if you will let me into tho deal we can both do very nicely for ourselves." "Why didn't you say so before " said Simou, "instead of breaking the thing liken, damfool?" Palliser grinned in an unlovely fashion. "It'll bo worth more to us broken than whole," ho said. "Us!" said Simon quickly. "Us," replied Palliser. "We'll form a nice little partnership and divide all profits." "I bought the plate and it belongs to me," said Simon. "Very woll then," said Palliser with dignity. "You .stick tho bits together and sell it for whatever you can net for it." Simon bit his lip thoughtfully. Then fie turned and regarded the broken bits of tho eggshell plate, which littered tho . floor.

"It's a bargain!" lie said. "(Jive me I threepence for half the capital I laid out 1 and let's hear what you've got to say." Palliser released his hold UDon the glass case and stepped out boldly into the open. "Now you are talking," he said. ji"Shall we <io into the parlor and discuss it quietly over a glass of whisky? We had better pick up those bits first though.'' When all the fragments had been

carefully placed in a quarto envelope, Simon led the way to the dusty little parlor behind the shop. "First of all," .said Palliser. drawing up a chair near the fire, "hero is my threepence." Simon transferred the coins to his own pocket without comment while Palliser helped himself to a glass of whisky and water.

" Now for it." he said. Tlie outline of the plan Palliser proceeded to sketch was remarkable for its simplicity, neatness and entire lack of moral scruple. Briefly it was as follows: As previously stated, Palliser was possessed of an imitation eggshell similar to, but not identical with, the one whoso destruction ho had so recently encompassed. Viewed in a half light, by a short-sight-ed person, the substitute might well be mistaken for the genuine article. On thes,, conditions the success of Palliser's scheme was hinged. Lord Louis Lewis, though an excellent connoisseur, was unhappily afflicted with very indifferent vision. True, this ('elect wa.s easily remedied by the use of thick crystal glasses; but these glasses were of a variety that detracted in no small measure from the appearance of the wearer. On this point Lord Louis was disposed to be sensitive and wore them only when actually required. Tints should an object unexpectedlv be thrust into his hands, one might reasonably expect a certain lapse of time to bring to bear his critical capacity. "Look here," said Simon. "What's all this leading up tor" "This," .said Palliser. "I'll go and see Lord Louis, tell him vou have a hit ot eggshell of the first qtialitv. for which you want live hundred pounds.'' "Five hundred!" said Simon "That's it." said Palliser. "Then I'll bring him along to have a look at it after tea—twilight. D'y' see 0 Before he has got his glasses on vou'll give the plate—my plate— to him. 'On the under side ol it we'll have fixed a bit of fine silk, tne other end of which vou hold While his lordship is fumbling for hi* specs you will give the silk a pull—and down come the plate! Do it neat and he'll never know it wasn't his own fault." I

Simon glared. "What a game!'' ho said. "You've only got one idea—to break evervthing."

"When a imwi breaks a thine," said Palliser, "it's up to him to buy—that is, of course," h e added hurriedly, "provided he has the cash."

"Palliser." t-aid Simon, "vou are a fool! Do you think he'd pay five hundred for breaking a rotten fake that isn't uonh half a dollar Do vou think he wouldn't want to take the pieces home on look 'em over?" "You arc forgetting the genuine one we juiekod in the envelope a minute ago. ' said Pa Riser sweetly. "It ought not to ho very difficult to change the pieces of plate he broke for the real one. See the idea ?"

"I am beginning to." said Simon; then in a tor.o of admiration: '■There's no getting ;nvav f rom I> a Hisor— vou are a man of ideas!" rubbed his bony knuckles and Simon poured out two stiff whiskies with a generosity that rarely characterised his actions.

Under the influence of the spirits the phm was discussed from every aspect. The minutest details were sandpapered to such a fine .surface as to admit no possibility of failure. It was decided that after the plate had been given To Lord Louis he should be asked to switch on the light. This would insure that he held it by one hand only. The, piece of silk was to be substituted by a fine catgut fishing cast less likely to tangle or break. One end of this was to be affixed to the rim of the plate by a seal of white wax. Simon's task was to pull the cast at the pysckological moment. There followed a period of haggling as to the division of spoils. Palliser stoutly adhered to his original claim for half, which, iu view of the fast that nothing could be achieved without the duplicate plate. Simon was forced to accept. An agreement was duly drawn up to that effect, to which they both affixed their signatures. This document was red-sealed by further inroads on the whisky decanter.

It was long after midnight before Palliser bade good night to Simon Caleb, and the occasion regarded in comparison with their previous comradeship, was a memorable one. Simon's arm was about Palliser's neck, and the word they employed by emotion and mutual regard.

A four-thirty on the following aftcrnon Palliser presented himself at Lord Louis' abode.

His lordship resided in the most select part of Clifton, his home being situated halfway between the suspension bridge and the Zoological Gardens. Here, day and night, the voices of civilisation and those of the wild were commingled with the tune of motors' sirens and the roaring of lions. Lord Louis Lewis embodied all the virtues an English peer should possess, voico well modulated, and his manner suave and engaging. "Uuon occasion be was able to assert authority with a firmness that lacked nothing from the disereet way in which he exercised it. His response to Palliser's inquiries as to how he did was courteous though not effusive.

"Very well, I thank you," he said. "Do I gather from your presence that you have found something likely to be of interest to me "

"I have, indeed," said Palliser. "There is a bit of china downtown that I am sure vour lordship would bp "lid t/« have."

"Eggshell?" asked Lord Louis. "Of the finest quality," said Palliser. "A plate," he added; "and the decoration is some of the best I have ever seen."

Fipm his waistcoat Lord Louis produced his spectacle case. "Let me see it," he was pleased to remark.

"Unfortunately,' 'said Palliser, "that is just what I can't do. The plate is down at Simon Caleb's. It was left to him by an uncle who died a few days ego." The falsehood was inspired by Lord Louis' irritating curiosity as to the origin of bis purchases. They bad congratulated themselves that this bereavement would prove an admirable blinds Lord Louis oKcbed hit tongue sympathetically. "And yen think this plate would at-

believe. & was quite by himself at XJute, min<T you, out, if you understand me, fanny." "A rare combination," remarked Lord [iOUIB. "It is," said Balliser deferentially. 'I don't know whether your lordship is ! ree this afternoon, but if so perhaps ;ou would care to take a look at it." Lord Louis glanced at his watch. "I had an appointment," he said, 'but it is immaterial. If you will wait intil I have made a telephone call I diall be pleased to accompany you. Those Egyptian cigarettes in the por>nyry casket might claim your attention. I have them especially imported rom Ismalia." "Oh, thank you—thanks!" said Pallser. "I don't mind if I do." When the dor had closed behind Lord Lewis, Palliser drew a sigh of satisfac;ion. <To helped himself to a cigarette vhich he lit with a match taken from i small stand of Chinese jade. So excellent a smoke did this prove that he ivas fain to replenish his own case from Lord Louis' abundant store. Tilings were proceeding admirably for the firm of Palliser and Caleb. Already he felt that his share of the spoils was crisping in his pocket . He rose to his feet as Lord Louis, arrying gloves and a cane, re-entered he apartment. An invitation to take a ;lass of wino before starting was revived with respect that an acquaintance vith his lordship's cellar justly inspired. The journey to Simon's shop was imiroved by a pleasant discussion upon :he qualities of the old Madeira so recently enjoyed. Simon Caleb was standing behind the counter when they arrived aiid Caleb creeled him warmly. "This is Mr Caleb, your lordship," ie said. "Simon, here is Lord Louis Lewis, who kindly wants to have a lookit that eggshell plate." "Mr Palliser informs me that it is i very rare specimen," said Lord Louis, liter favoring Simon with a very gracous inclination of the head. "And so it is," said Simon; "but I laven't made up mv mind that I want o sell it." "In which respect you are not pecuiar,*> Kiid Lord Louis. "I have yet to neet the dealer who did not prefaco a with precisely that remark." The unexpected nature of this comment temporarily deprived Simon of a ittine: rejoinder. "Come, come, your lordship," said \nlliser, "that's hardly fair. You fortet this plate is a sort of heirloom—icon in the family for fifty years. Mr -'nleb, here, was very fond of his pooi .mclc. Is'nt that right, Simon?" Below the level of the counter Simon was winding a small piece of catgut round the first finder of his left hand. "Ho was always good to me." he saic with growing sentiment—"always; and that's where it is. Still, there'd be n< harm in your having a look, wouk there?"

Lord Louis tucked his Malacca cane under his right arm and placed his gloves upon the counter. "That is the precise purpose of my visit," he said. Simon stooped and took the plate from a shelf beneath him. N He was careful to hold it at the exact spot where the gut cast had been sealed to the rim. "Here you are then," said he, and drew a deep breath for the coming irrieal. Lord Louis Lewis took the plate in 'lis right hand, holding it lightly, as such delicate ware demands. "It feels a trifle heavy," he remarked, balancing it on the tips of his hitiers. "I'll just put on my gloves." "Very dark in here." said Palliser, ho had joined Simon behind the eoun:er. "There is a switch at your elbow, my >rd," said Simon, indicating the spot. "Let me " said Palliser. "Pray do not disturb yourself," Lord Louis remarked. "I can manage very veil myself."

He took a step toward the switch, ho plate perilously poised upon the exremo tips of his fingers. Immediately beneath bis hand was the slab of green malachite upon which the genuine plate had met its fate. Beyond question the moment had arrived. Lord Louis had io sooner laid his hand upon the electric switch than Simon gave the cast

short but determined pull, at the ante time releasing it at his end so hat the fall should be undisturbed.

In a futile effort to save the plate '.o:d Louis' stick fell from beneath his irm and alighted, head downward, upm the largest fragment. This added shock caused a shower oT splinters to • into the air and descend again over his lordship's boots and thence to he floor. "What have vou done? What have •on done?" yelled Simon, grovelling out through the flag-covered opening of the counter.

Lord Louis, after his violent effort to avert the disaster ,immediately reained his dignity and raised himself to us full height.

"I cannot account for the accident in any way." he said. "It seemed to me ■ s though the plate moved iu my :nnd."

Simon was distraught. "A fine hiii''.'-' he moaned, "to go smashing about like that." "Very unlucky!" said Palliser, who n bands and knees was dragging the !oor for the telltale cast, which by ood fortune he found almost at once. 'Most unlucky!"

And rising to his feet he placed his find, which during the fall had severed ts connection with the plate, into a large brass bowl near at hand.

"How did you come to do it?" said Simon, his voice rising to a shrill wail. "I have said," replied Lord Louis, "that I am unable to account for the accident." "You will have to!" said Simon, emphasising his words by a blow on the counter. ''You'll have to account for it—every penny—whether you want to or not."

Lord Louis raised his hand in a gesture commanding silence. "I think," he said, "you forget the respect due to my station. Mr Palliser will assure you that I am the last man ; n tho world who would permit your loss to go unindemnified. Please do not address me again with such a lack of restraint."

"Well," said Simon, slightly mollified, "if your lordship speaks so fair I am sure I apologise for giving offence."

"Then," said Lord Louis, "be so as to collect those pieces and give them to me. If, after inspection, I find them to be of the first quality v shall bo pleased to pay any reasonable claim you may advance." "I was going to ask five hundred for it," said Simon. "The circumstances being as they ire," said Lord Louis, "I am in no position to offer any comment." "Simon," said Palliser, "take his lordship into the parlor. I'll make a parcel of these pieces, my lord, as perhaps you'd like to look them over at iome." ■ :

"That will suit me very well," said Lord Louis—"especially as I have omitted to bring my cheque book. ' Simon led the way into the parlor. Here he exerted himself to the utmost to reduce the effect of his recent out"tret.

"I don't know," he said, "what your lordship will think of me speaking in the way I did."

"I realise that your words were inspired by the heat of the moment," said Lord Louis. "At the same time ; fc is well to guard against too vigorous expression before one has fully grasned tho perspective of a situation." "That's "These crises," proceeded the peer, "are sent to test our powers of selfcontrol." T . ; v "Well, I must say," said Simon with warmth, "your Jbrashm's is more than anyone conhLhare bargained for. .You pounds without turning a hair. -

the time of the accident: the nearest of the two dealers was well over six feet away. And yet-—-- ' - ■ Then, again, the price was very high. Even assuming the plate to have been <>f the finest quality, five hundred pounds was a great deal to pay. There is, however, a bright side to everything; and what Lord Louis lackfd in gaiety was more than counter- | balanced by the satisfaction experienced by the firm of Palliser and Caleb. From start fa finish no single hitch had occurred to mar tho complete success of their operations. Arrived at his home Lord Louis partook of a modest repast; and after a glass of light port and a couple of walnuts he proceeded to reassemble the pieces of the plate. With the aid of J a strong adhesive and an indefinite fund j of patience the difficult tack was accom- | plished. It was, indeed, a beautiful example of porcelain—and yet, strangely enough familiar. Somewhere ho had seen this.plate before. He'knew it well every detail of it—that girl riding upon the ass; the grotesque male figure with the porcupine beard; the two shades of gilding in tho vine pattern encircling tho rim. There was no room for doubt —this plate was one which had been stolen from his own collection some twelve years before. Yet Simon had said it had belonged to his uncle, who had treasured it for half a century. That was odd. Then in a flash, a long disused cell in Lord Louis' brain woke, and he knew if this was indeed his plate, there would bo a series of small pinholes on the back. in much the same formation as the constellation of Cassiopeia. He reversed the plate and there were the pinholes, just as he remembered them

Lord Louis had always accounted for the disappearance of the plate by the theory that one of the maidservants had broken it, and, rather than confess her carelessness, had hidden all trace of what had occurred hv throwing away the pieces. The possibility of theft hid never crossed his generous mind. In the light of recent events, however, he decided to ask his housekeeper what servants had been living at the house when the loss was discovered. He rang the bell and commanded the man who answered it to summon Mrs Swan, to whom he at once put the question. Mrs Swan pursed her lips in thought. "I couldn't exactly say," she said—"not without looking at my hook." When the book was forthcoming, it was ascertained that a maid named Ann Minter had left their employ, through ill-health, a few days after* the plate had been found missing. She was a Bristol girl and had given her aunt's address when writing for a character. Lord Louis made a note of the addross, thanked Mrs Swan, and sallied forth to pay a late call upon Ann Minter's aunt. He was somewhat embarrassed at finding the lady in bed and suffering from acute phthisis; so he lost no time in explaining the object of his visit. Removing the wrapping he held up the plate for her inspection, at the same time asking whether she had ever seen it before.

Mrs Minter confessed she had, adding that she had sold it to a dealer some four days previously for the sum of sixpence. Lord Louis received this news with just indignation. He inquired after the neico and was further distressed to hear of her premature demise. Having left a sovereign uDon the invalid's counterpane he bade her farewell. One thing was evident—Simon Caleb was not above practicing deception. He had wilfully misrepresented the true origin of the plate and had imposed upon the previous owner with a shameful disregard for honesty. Even though circumstances should compel him to write Simon Caleb a cheque for five hundred pounds, Lord Louis determined that half that sum should be made over to the old ladv.

Having arrived at this resolve he dismissed the subject from his thoughts and directed his footsteps toward the Conservative Club, where he played two hundred up at billiards with a casual acquaintance. Incidentally this person was also a lover of Oriental porcelain. It was during the course of this game that another link was forced in the chain of evidence against Simon Caleb and his oartner.

Refusing to make use of the long rest Lord Louis was sprawling over the table to accomplish a difficult shot, the whole of his body, with the exception of his feet, being disposed upon the green cloth. At th 6 critical moment, before the stroke was made, he experienced a sharp pain just above the right ankle. The company being male, Lord Louis Permitted himself the luxury of a small license in speech. "Anything the matter?" demanded the friend.

"Something pricked me," said Lord Louis.

He swung round to a sitting position and bared his leg, to find that he was bleeding from a. small but jagged cut. "How very odd!" ho said, and felt over the surface of his sock. "There is nothing here that could have done this."

"Maybe a nail has dropped into the cuff of you trousers," suggested the friend.

"Possibly," said Lord Louis. He trirned it down revealing a triangular piece of porcelain about an inch long. "Dear me!" -he said!. "How did this get here? Ah! I know. I smashed a plate to-day and one of the pieces must have slipped in here unnoticed."

"That's it," said the friend; aad taking the fragment, held it up to th& light. "Hum!" he commented. "You didn't lose much when you broke this Japanese imitation of eggshell, is it not?"

"On the contrary," said Lord Louis rather coldly, "It is one of the,finest specimens I have had the good fortune to examine. I have the rest of the plate here if you would care to see it." He undid the plate and put into his friend's hands. "You have cemented it already " remarked that gentleman. "Yes," said Lord Louis, unexpectedly adding. "Good heavens!" For it suddenly occurred to him that the plate before him, so far as actual number of pieces was concerned, was intact. There was no room for another fracroent.

When he had explained the reason for his ejaculation his companion was duly astonished. Lerd Louis took the lately discovered Vi 6C e and examined it minutely. "You were right," he said. "This is common Japanese." He turned it over in his hand. "Npw what in the world is that v for? " He pointed to a seal of white wax, from which a short length of catgut was protruding. "Looks like a bit of fishing cast." said his friend. He bent over for a closer scrutiny. "Yes; it is. That particular knot on the inner side is only tied by anglers." Lord l Louis brows contracted. . Dark thought were chasing through his brain.

"With your penniasion," he said, "we will chalk up the score and finish our game upon another occasion." Whereupon he wrapped up the plate, put the small piece in bis waistcoat pocket and hurriedly left the club. So great was his agitation he failed to observe that his sock suspender, which in the excitement of his -discovery he had forgotten to fasten, was trailing along behind him, gathering dust and fluff with everjr step. , . It was hinted that Lord Lous Lewis was no fool. Once fairly started 1 on the trail he followed it with commendable accuracy. A minute examination of the morsel of chin* in his pocket revealed th© fact that 4he oast had become kinkedvjuftt where it ioiaed the wax and had in consequenos, broken. • From this observation he with unswerving preo&ption.the -wbol© scheme of which he was t<* have been the victim. He ab^Jaad

deal with ft himself and forthwith addressed a note to Simon and Palliser asking them to call on Monday at 11.30. At this point of his thoughts the clock on the mantlepiece strucE twelve. Realising that the Sabbath had begun, Lord Louis banished from his mind all further considerations and betook himself to bed. The effect of an English Sunday, with its single visit to church, gentle walk on the downs, afternoon nap and the supper of cold roast beef, acted as a soporific to his tired nerves. When he anise on the following moraine he felt himself refreshed and capable ; of meting out justice with a steady hand).

lunctual to the appointment, Palliser and Simon presented themselves and were shown into a comfortable smoking room. They had not Ion" to wait before Lord Louis, immaculately dressed and (Fearing in his buttonhole a pink Malmaison, entered the room. Taking the chair by the writing table, he graciously invited the twain to be seated. After a few well-balanced phrases regarding the weather he begged Simon to present his account. This being placed in his hands, he adjusted his pince-nez and read the contents aloud:

".Simon Caleb, Art Dealer, to Lord Louis Lewis, of Burton House, Clifton. To breaking one Eggshell Plate value £SOO. Price £500."

lie laid ,the bill upon the desk. "Mr Caleb." he said, "you consider this claim to be a just and fair one " Simon hesitated.

lour lordship said you'd be willing to pay it," he remarked rather huskily. "I did," said Lord Louis. "But I merely wished to know if your conscience was clear." Simon nodded and fixed his eyes on th e picture rail. "I understand," pursued the peer, "that your reason for valuing this plate so : highly is a family one. I am assuming that, had it not been the property of your uncle you would have been willto accept less." "I might." said Simon. "But it's hard to saw"

"It would only have made the difference of a pound or two." said Palliser. "Four hundred and ninety-seven at the lowest."

Lord Louis arched his brows. "Do you value your uncle's association at only three sovereigns?" he asked.

'That's all." said Simon

\ou will forgive me if 1 speak bluntly, said Lord Louis; "but I have reason to believe that your uncle, whoever he may be, had nothing to do with this plate—that he exists merely as a figure of the imagination. I beg you not to so forget yourself as to interrupt me. This plate was stolen from my collection some twelve years back by a maidservant of the name of Ann Minter. You obtained it from her aunt for the price of sixpence."

Simon and Palliser gasped. "lean substantiate every word I have uttered." said Lord Louis," leaning back in his chair.

"But even if that is true —" Simon.

Lord Louis placed his finger tips together.

are. doubtless aware it is my custom to insist upon a fair division of profits between the owner and the dealer in matters of this kind. I am .afraid Mr Caleb, this will reduce your cheque to—let me see—two hundred and fortveight pounds ten shillings. I am now going to fetch the plate. Pray excuse me for a moment." And, with a bow, he withdrew.

"Here's a go!" said Palliser. "He'll stick to what he says. What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing," said Simon. "You're the loser. Your share'll pay the old woman —not mine."

Palliser gripped him bv the arm. "None of that!" he said. "We are partuers in this deal. Do one crooked thing and I'll show up the wholo game." Simon beat the air in impotent rage. "It's all your fault," he said. "You and your rotten plan!" "Don't make a row," said Palliser. "A hundred and fifty is better than nothing. Will you play fair!" Simon threw back his 'head. "Fair?" he exclaimed. "Fair! You're a nice one to talk about fair." At this juncture Lord Louis, carrying the cemented plate, re-entered the room. "Well, gentlemen," he. said, "what decision have you arrived at?" "To accept the offer," said Palliser. "Are you agreeable to that course, Mr Caleb?" said Lord Louis, turning to Simon. "I suppose so," growled that eentleman, upon whom Lord Louis' aphorisms on the subject of self-control had failed to make an impression. "Capital!" said Lord Louis. "We will now proceed with our next inquiry." Palliser looked up quickly. "Next?" he queried. "That is what I said," remarked Lord Louis. "Here I have the plate. You will see that, to the best of my ability, T have reassembled the broken pieces. Pray observe there is not a single splinter missing." "It is marvellous how well vour lordship has done the job." said Palliser with an effort to appear appreciative. Lord Louis smiled.

"I am grateful for your good opinion," he said. "Now, gentlemen, it is here that I am in need of your advices. How comes it. since the plate is intact, that I find myself with a piece left over?"

Simon swallowed heavily. "Can't say that I follow your lordship's meaning," said ho. Drawing from his Docket the fragment of china that had fallen into his trouser leg. Lord Louis placed it before them. "There!" said he. "I found this in the cuff of my trouser. It was not there when I entered your shop, for my clothes are carefully brushed in every art; but it was there soon afterward. I think your imagination will supply you with the circumstances that caused this piece of very indifferent china to have arrived where I have indicated. I am also of the opinion that you could offer an excellent reason for the existence of this morsel of white wax on the under side of the rim with catgut attachment." y ' Palliser stooped and busied himself with his bootlaces. Simon rose and walked unsteadily to the window. "I await your explanation," said Lord Louis; then, as no answer came, he struck the table a heavy blow. With a fine disregard for trivialities, he made no effort to stem the tide of ink that, as a result of his violence, flowed from the inverted pot. "Your silence condemns you," he said. "You stand accused of «a fraud both base and deslicable. Such conduct cannot go unpunished. I have decided to act in thfr following way." With inexorable justice Lord Louis commanded that each of the dealers should pay to the old lady from whom the plate had been obtained a sura of fifty pounds. Palliser's protest that he had no money -was waved aside. Lord Louis reminded him that he was himself indebted to Palliser for much about that sum. This he proposed to pay, in person to Ann Minter' g aunt. Pailit«t,iniplicit obedience, he would place the matter forthwith in the hands of the. police. ; - "Though little versedvro the law," wpond uo the-peer. "I am confident you would meet with a severe sentence."

There is little more to narrate. Tie essence of attack being in surprise. Lord Louis' bombshell completely routed the two dealers, who after accepting his terms, made their retreat with all available speed. ■ The door having dosed l behind them, Lord Louis mopped un the dripping ink with clean sheet of blotting pacer. This done, he lit a cigarette and settled down with unruffled calm to peruse the leading article in the Connoisseur. In direct oontrast to thi» cameo of tetfect breedin« waa behaviow of giqon and Palßaar. Wjftout a word -9MMM^NMia^aa£'ttatfSud£i^ttkfliMMßfe<'

The phrase "to catch cold" was in common, use before the "common cold" was generally believed to be a germ-dis-ease. Now that this belief has become prevalent, however, the verb has acquired new meaning and a cold is thought to be "catching"—that is, infectious—in the same way that measles or smallpox is. And yet, we are told by an editorial writer in The Journal of tho American Medical Association, thcro is some reason to suppose that at least some types of cold are not infectious. One may catch cold again and again ; in other words, an attack does not confer even temporary immunity, as is usually the rule with bacterial infections. An acute nasal catarrh, or so-called "cold in the head," sometimes promptly follows exposure to drafts in a way that seems to exclude the probability of infection. The writer goes on to say:— "This diversity of opinion with re- ' speet to common colds, whereby some 1 writers assert that the latter are always due to bacteria of some sort, while others decline to admit this mode >f origin, as the only way in which th<> disturbance in health is created, has given rise to corresponding divergences in the advice as to the hygiene jf the subject. The question may be asked, Can one become ' hardened ' to the possibility of attack'' bv suitable living ? ' "To a certain degree at least, resistance to bacterial invasion and immunity to changes in temperature and humidity must be acquired by different physiologic mechanisms'! The ' Handbook of Therapy,' issued by the American Medical Association takes a •niddlo course in these words: " 'Whether or not every cold is due ■j) contagion or to a germ, chilling, whether indoors or outdoors, certainly >redisposes to colds. It is quite probble that chilling of the surface of thebody congests the inner organ, and possibly the mucous membranes of the air-passages. If the mucous membrane of the nose is congested it more •eadily becomes inflamed by irritation or by germs.' " Leonard Hill, a recent observer, found that the mucous membrane natually swells in warm, moist air, and :hat on passing from warm to cold air : t becomes paler, but still remains swollen. He believes that tho defensive mechanism of the blood is dimin:shod by the cold, while bacteria grow readily in the secretion of the swollen membrane. To quote again : "Further facts regarding the exact place of atmospheric changes in the production of respiratory disease have recently been contributed through the scientific work of the New York State Commission on Ventilation. Clinical 'xperiments have been conducted on nearly 150 male subjects, including among others workers whose occupa ion in itself was associated with cer

tain distinctive temperatures, such as truck-drivers exposed to the varied weather-conditions, boiler makers and firemen used to hot, dry atmospheres, and laundry-workers who are exposed to heat and humidity. These subjects have been exposed in. an experimental chamber at times for several hours to extreme heat and humidity or to cold, ind at other times they have been shifted back and forth from one ex-

treme to the other. Ordinarily it was found that heat causes a swelling of the inferior turbinates (bones) of the nose, tending to a reduction in the size of the breathing-space, and to increase of secretion and reddening of the membranes. The action of cold, 's a rule, is just the opposite. . . . In the industrial workers mentioned above, whose occupations involved continuous exposure to extremes of heat and cold, these typical changes were not followed. This fetudy was verv successful in picturing how the membranes of the nose of such persons are less able to mako the adaptations of the normal nose to changes in the atmospheric environment. "A further suggestion that abnormal conditions of a permanent nature may he produced by repeated exposure to overheating was found in observa-

tions among long-time workers in hot, moist rooms such as are found in stearr.. laundries Obviously it is important to place the subject of 1 colds in the head ' on a more scien-

tific basis as the result of investigations c uch as those here outlined

The reactions in the nasal mucous membranes produced by changes in the atmospheric environment are, says Cocks, too frequent and too definite to be disregarded. Accordingly, he is convinced that the theory of bacterial infection as the sole cause of catarrhal inflamations of the upper air-passages is not tenable, since the changes produced by environment must materially affect' the incidence of infection.

'"Elsewhere Foster reports experiments from which he concludes that common colds—of a certain type at least—are infectious and that the cau-

sative virus occurs in nasal secretions. His lesults are significant and should be followed by experiments for further evidence pointing toward their confirmation."