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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1928-10-04, Page 7by Isabel Ostrander BEGIN HERE TODAY Mystery surrounds the sudden ec­ centricity of three wealthy and sedate brothers, one of them the father of youthful Patricia Drake. Alarmed because of the evident terror which lias gripped the trio, Patricia asks the advice of her guardian, Attorney John Wells, and tells him that two weeks ago lher father, Hobart Drake, a Wall .Street broker, clothed himself in tsheet and went to the town square where he delivered a mock ora­ tion. A few days later her Uncle, Ro­ ger Drake, an eminent scientist, made a burlesque of a scientific address. That morning, the third brother, Andrew, was found seat­ ed on the floor playing with toys. •The three are sane, sober and re­ spectful men. Wells asks Owen Miles, a de­ tective, to investigate. GO ON WITH THE STORY CHAPTER II have never encountered so Strange a case,” John Wells remark­ ed when the office door closed be­ hind their young client. “I have been the attorney for Ho­ bart Drake and his -sister’ Jerusha for the past twenty years and their affairs are 'in perfect shape.” The .attorney sat back in his chair and placed the tips of his fingers to­ gether reflectively. ‘‘oger’s bril­ liant scientific career speaks for it­ self and Andrew made a big finan­ cial success of his sheep ranch. I had known the family years ago but not intimately. “They held themselves aloof from the neighbors with the bitter pride nf poverty which resents the mem­ ory of past affluences. “T should like to know how they impressed you before prosperity re­ turned to them,” the detective ask­ ed. "I want to gauge what changes the past twenty years have made in their several characters. It’s evi­ dent from the widely differently ca­ reers which they chose that the three brothers are as far apart in temperament as the poles.” “They always were,” Wells re- Hn? oldest of the family—he must he about forty-eight—and except in outward appearances, he has chang­ ed the least, in my estimation. He was always a dreamer, a shy sort of youth. Andrew, two years his jun­ ior, was just the opposite; boister­ ous and fun-loving, and more soci- ! able than any of the rest. Jerusha —Miss Drae—came next, dignified and austere even as a mere girl.” ’‘What, of the third brother, the father of the young lady?” “There you will find the greatest change. Sergeant.” The attorney spoke hastily and in a more confi­ dential tone as if to make amends for his implied suggestions. “Ho­ bart Avas a drab, colorless young bank clerk at twenty-three, wholly without ambition to get out of the rut. Now he is a dynamic force on the Street and until this unfortun­ ate episode tihe leading citizen of his community. I cannot believe that sanity is in question, much less than all three brothers should be at­ tacked at virtually the same time! I feel that there must be some other’ explanation.” 3 The attorney pushed back his chair and rising, moved to the window where he stood for a moment. Then lie wheeled: “Sergeant, I haven’t a theory, a suspicion, an idea, of a possible solution! The whole thing as monstrous, incredible! If I were ignorant and supertitious, if I be­ lieved in the Evil Eye—!” He left the sentence unfinished and Owen Miles smiled slightly once more. “But science has proved the exist­ ence of the modern equivalent of the Evil Eye, hasn’t if, sir? Isn’t that what you're getting at?” u “You mean hyponotism, of course? It seems too bizarre a thought to •entertain seriously. If these three brothers are not the victims of some strange drug, self-administered or otherwise, which is slowing driving them mad, what possible alternative explanation is there?” The detective rose also and picked up his hat from the desk. “We shall see.” The afternoon was well advanced when Sergeant Owen Miles approach­ ed the long lines of glistening green­ houses near a country club and then paused as a hearty voice bailed him from the golf liks. Turning he be­ held’ a- stocky, robust figure clad in .golfing clothes striding vigorously toward him. “What the dickens--!” Miles stared as they clasped hands. ■“Scottie, what’s come over you (hat you are fooling around with the idle rich at a country club?” “Didn’t you hear, OAven, my lad?” Fergus McCready beamed joyously on his -youthful friend. “This com­ munity has seen fit to take me up social like, and I’ve taken up my oavu national game to keep in shape.’ “I’ve got a biggei’ game on than golf, Scottie, and I hoped you Avould like to take a hand in it with me." “What is the case, laddie?” When the story avus concluded lie remarked briefly: ‘Tin with. you. It may be a mad house we’re going to but it sounds to me like something very different. CHAPTER III Just after the dinner hour that evening, Sergeant Miles, alias Wil­ liam BroAvn, t)ie new houseman, pre­ sented himself at the kitchen door of the square old Colonial house in which. .so many generations of the Drake family had lived. An elderly butler made his ap­ pearance. “The nerv houseman? iMiss Drake will see you in the servant’s sitting­ room.” Almost immediately a tall, gray- liaired Avoman entered. “My niece engaged you at our usual agency?” Her voice Avas deeply contralto and it seemed to Miles that her bright, dark eyes be­ neath the .strong broAvs were at­ tempting to bore him through. “Did she explain the duties which would be required of you?” “Everything is quite satisfactory, William.” she said, after he had an­ swered the routine questions. “We Avill give you a trial. Carter will show you to your room and Pierre will have some supper prepared for you in the servants’ dining room.” Carter, the butler, reappeared and led the way up to flight of back stairs to a small but immaculate room at the side of the house. Miles waited until 'he heard the other's footsteps descending the stirs before he extinguished the light and raised the shade. As he looked across the grounds a shambling male figure strolled doAvn the long drive. It Avas as- suedly neither the rotund chef nor the elderly, dignified butler. Could it he the “outside man” or Avas there an eavesdropper, an interloper hang­ ing about the place? Descending to the ground floor, Miles wandered out through the en­ try and across the drive.Avay. The hour avus growing late and it was probable that he would. have no opportunity that night to encounter the three brothers. Miles turned just ts the shambling figure came sauntering around the bushes. “What you doin’ here?” The ne­ gro’s teeth were chattering in his head. “Who are. you?” Miles countered amiably. “I’m William Brown, the new houseman.” “Dat’s de truf? I’m Ripides Lunt, Rip for short, night watchman till midnight an’. most eve’ythin'g else outside in de daytime.” “Why, what’s the matter?” Miles laughed. “There can’t be any dan­ ger of tramps or burglars.” Ripides cheAved ruminatively for a moment. “There’s more dan tramps an’ thieves can come sashayin’ 'round. Some mighty funny things goin' on in dis here neighborhood lately an’ when de next comes off it's goin’ to be Avhere Rip Lunt aint’t—I got to be movin’!” CHAPTER IV Without encountering the reluc­ tant night watchman again, Miles entered the house and made his way up the back stairs to his oavu room. All Avas dark on that .side of the house now save in the room just be­ low his oavu. Someone Avas pacing the floor of that, room below with a measured tread which told of deep concentra­ tion. Drawing on a dark bathrobe and slippers Miles opened his door noise­ lessly and crept doAvn one flight of stairs, making for the door which he calculated as beinlg directly under his OAvm. He had gone but a few steps when a door across the hall opened Avith a jerk, and a short, al­ most burly figure with tousoled brown hair and a. heavy, sun-brown­ ed countenance crossed’ the other door and turned the nob softly. Miles was close enough to hear the subdued pet urgent tones of (ho newcomer. “Roger, let me in! J want to speak to you!” “What is it. Andrew? Am I never to have any peace?” The door closed again behind the two and Miles crept to it and laid his ear close to the panel. “It’s just this, Roger; you’ll go to pieces if you’re inot careful.” The hearty, slightly aggressive tone of Andrew Drake was louder now, but roughly affectionate. “You gave yourself dead away tonight to that bug-hunting, weed-gathering nut, THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE Thursday, October 4th, rouif GAMMAGES ANNUAL MAMMOTH SALE OF FALL BULBS Qammage Bulbs A VERY small expend- * iture on Gammage bulbs this Fall will transform your garden to a riot of bloom next Spring. Wc have the largest assortment of bulbs over offered in Western On­ tario and there’s a color and a bloom to suit every taste or require- ipcnt. Due to our large vol­ ume of business, prices arc exceptionally Ioav and those who wish to send in an order; should do so at once before they are all gone. 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PURDY—HUTCHINSON NUPTIALS USBORNE & HIBBERT MUTUAK FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY Head Office, Farquhar, Ont. Grayle. He seems to be your best friend, but even he’ll begin to think and talk like the rest of the tOAvn if you don’t help to pass the Avhole thing off as a joke.” “Joke!” repeated Roger in trend­ ing tones. “Is there any joke in what has descended upon us?” “Look here!” AndreAV spoke with spoke with patient, incisive emphasis of imparting a lesson. “Hobart had a drop too much aboard when he Avent out and made that Julius Cae­ sar speech, and your lecture Avas an ill-advised bit of pleasantry, Avhile I was only playing a trick, this morn­ ing to scare the fool Edward. Got that straight?” A moan was Roger’s only answer and AndreAV growled: “What’s your idea, then? Do you want the whole tOAvn to think that we are—afflicted?” There had been a palpable pause before the last Avord. “Aren’t we?” Roger's voice was vibrant AVith sudden tragedy. “Have­ n't we been for years, even though we three have managed until now to conceal it from the rest, of the world? What is the end igoing to be? I can see the Avriting on the Avail and I tell you I am not going to endure it until utter madness comes! There is a quick Avay out, quick and sure-—-!” ’ (To be continued) “1 never knew it was so easy” It was a ired-leCter day in old Mrs. Jones’ life — the day she made her first Long Distance call But she sim­ ply had to sp'eak to her son before he went abroad! The operator was sympa­ thetic and helpful. She ask­ ed Mrs. Jones her telephone number, name, the city and the telephone number of the party she wished to reach. Mrs. Jones didn’t know the number, so the operator looked it up for her. After the pleasant experi­ ence was over, Mrs. Jones exclaimed, "I never knew it was so easy! Why didn’t I do it before?” There is nothing compli­ cated about it. Just say, “Long Distance.” G29 I Zurich Messrs, w. J. Johnston, J. P. Rau and H. Yungblut, were on a fish­ ing trip to Bruce Peninsula recently. Mr. Theodore Laporte has taken over the farm on the Blue Water Highway which he purchased from his father. Mr. John Laporte is moving into the house vacated by his son Theodore. Mr. and Mrs. David Gingerich and Mrs. M. Kipher, visited for a feAv days with friends at New Hamburg Startford and Kitchener. Mr. Ed. Merner, of Bayfield, call­ ed on friends in the village recently. Rev. and Mrs. C. Schrag and mem­ bers of their family returned from an extended motor trip to Pennsyl­ vania. Mr. and Mrs. Merner Eilber and sohACharles and Douglas, of Detroit visited recently AvLh Dr. and Mrs. Routledge. Mr. Harvey Colosky, of Dertoit, is visiting Avith his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Colosky. HANSEL—DRIER The Evangelical Church parsonage the home of the bride’s parents, in. Zurich, Ont. was the scene of a pretty Avedding on Tuesday, Septem­ ber 25th at high noon, Avhen Pearl Marie, daughter of Rev, and Mrs. W. Y. Drier became the bride of Mr. Frank Lloyd Hensel, of Buffalo, N. Y., son of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Men- el, of Campden, Ont. The parson­ age was beautifully decorated Avith autumn leaves, floAvers and' ferns The bride looked most attractive in her wedding gown of ivory French lace and carrying a bouquet of roses fern and vally lillies. The ceremony was conducted by the bride’s father in the presence of the immediate relatives of the bride and groom. After congratulations and partaking of a luncheon, Mr. and Mrs. Hansel left to spend their honeymoon in Muskoka, the bride wearing as a go- ing-away costume a frock of navy and beige georgette, a beige and brown travel coat with brown fox furs and hat to match. On their return they will reside in Buffalo. A very pretty Avedding was solem­ nized in Main St. church on Tuesday afternoon, September the 25th at 3 o’clock, when Captain Clara May Hutchinson, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson, Exet.tr, Avas united in marriage to Captain Byron Purdy, of Campbellford,, son of Mr. and Mrs. Purdy, of Norwich. The ceremony was performed by Staff Captain Spooner, of Windsor. The church was prettily decorated Avith baskets of flowers. The bride entered the church on the arm of her father to the strains of the brid­ al chorus played by Mr. Roy Gould- ing, of Exeter. She was attended by Ensign Florence MacGillivi ay. (f Toronto. The groom's attendant be­ ing Captain Leach, of Uxbridge. Mr. Bruce Tuckey and Mw .Edgar Rundle of Exeter acted as ushers. The Rev. Mr. Moorhouse, pastor of Main Si. church assisted in the service, dur­ ing Avhich solos Avere rendered by Mrs. Spooner, of Windsor and Cap­ tain McCullough, of Exeter. Several telegrams of congratulations were from Toronto, Cambellford and Haii- burton. After the ceremony a Avedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride’s parents, about 70 guests being present from Ingersoll, Guelph I Toronto Detroit, Markdale, London | and surrounding district. SAmid showers of confetti and the I good wishes of a host of friends, the I happy couple left in the evening for a trip to Norwich, Guelph and To­ ronto. The. bride travelling in a navy flat silk crepe dress Avith sand trimmings, hat and gloves to match and navy tailored coat. Many beautiful and useful gifts Avere received, shOAving the high es­ teem in Avhich the young couple are held. On their return Captain and Mrs. Purdy Avill take up their work in Campbellford. President, JAS. McKENZIEE Vice-President SIMON DOW, DIRECTORS frank McConnell, j. allison RODT. NORRIS, WM. BROCK. AGENTS JOHN ESSERY, Centralia, Agent for, Usborne and Bidcfulph OLIVER HARRIS, Munro, Agent tor Hibbert, Fullarton and Logan W. A. TURNBULL Secretary-Treasurer Box 99, Exeter, Ontario. GLADMAN & STANBURY Solicitors. Exeter PRESTON, ONT. Toronto - Montreal Successor to Metal Shingle & Siding Co. Ltd. This Preston FORAFORD Garage Size 8ft. 6in. x 16ft. Other types and sizes to suit any need FIRE-PROOF, ready-cut, com­ pact, PrestoD. Garages are perfect in design and. a source of real satisfaction. They resist thieves . .. last..« are handsome in appearance ... low in cost. Write far free garage fchler THE LATE MRS. STEVENS, OF WOODHAM After many weeks of suffering there passed aAvay at the good age of 82 years, MTs. Grace Stevens, avi- doAv of the late Wm. Stevens, of Woodham. Mrs. Stevens maiden name was Grace Pinkham. She was of a very lovely nature with a helping hand for others. Mr. Ste­ vens predeceased her many years ago and .she has lived mostly since with her daughters. She leaves to mourn, a very dear mother, Mrs. J. Mills, of Woodham; Mrs. J. Shipley, of Lucan; Mrs. Neil, of St, Marys; Mrs. A. Duffield, of Whalen; Miss Olive, of Lucan and two sons Joe and Will; also a sister Mrs. Routly, of Elimville; and two brothers Wm. Brock, of Granton and Thus. Brock, of Zion. The funeral was largely at- tmed and Avas conducted by Rev. Mr. Fear, of London, a much loved former pastor of Woodham church. NUTS HAVE HIGH FOOD VALUE Nut, owing to the vegetable oils ‘Ley contain, have, a high food value Hazel and Brazil nuts rank first in food value, then the chestnut, al­ mond, walnut and peanut. DID YOU EVER STOP TO THINK? THAT advertising is a service to the public. THAT this kind of service if of as­ sistance to the public. THAT noAv is the time for some business concerns to quit thinking | that the public oavcs them something 1 and think of what they oAve the pub- i lie. I THAT the public expects to know about the business world and what I they have to sell through the print­ ed page. | THAT out. of consideration for the public, every business man . should advertise.| THAT every business should la. ? ahead; they must anticipate, they must employ Avell-established poi- . cies of modern business; they should , have faith in their town, faith in their business, confidence in them­ selves, and then ADVERTISE. THAT often honest pessimism is better than dishonest optimism. > MERCHANDISE that is good en­ ough to sell is good, enough to i;J J vertise. The power of advertising is so strong that the majority of the people will buy only from those win* advertise their wares. There are 20,000 useless words in the English language and a wo­ man uses most of them trying to coirect her husband. When angry at a man tve always I count ten before speaking and if the 'other man is big we invariably count twenty.— Galt Reporter. By the way, Iioav would a girl <•! today flag a train? Heart Palpitated Herves Were Bad Had Bizzy Spells Palpitation of the heart is ono of the most common of all heart troubles, and many people are kept in a state of morbid fear of death, become weak, worn and miserable, have Aveak and dizzy spells, their nerves becomo un­ strung and they cannot sleep. Mrs. John Wabanose, Manltowaning, Ont, writes:—•**! was very poorly, having palpitation of the heart, andt my nerve's were so bad I could not' stand the least noise. 1 also had dizzy( spells and felt as if I wero going to drop on the floor any moment I sawft an advertisement of app­ eal on to I determined to give them a 6 ,,u’ee I got a box and finding th& Dow me good I continued until I.r . five boxes and found compl Mllbum-s Heart arf E0c»t a box at nil dmggi. , t ujoyed. or mailed, direct on rec *• Os HoV"t Oak. ,4d:<v < A - •■hig of next