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The Seaforth News, 1947-02-27, Page 9AJNAD GERALD BROWN w.rt.e 1118*TYA5O CHAPTER I Outside, the sidewalks were damp and slippery. It was late February. The sky was blurred with an ap- proaching storm. McCale walked vp Stuart street slowly, stopping to buy an early morning paper at the corner. He'd Just had some mid-morning coffee with a couple of erstwhile private ''eyes" and they'd told him hi great detail of how Miss Ade- laide Bigelow, of the Bigelows, had been traipsing from office to office. for the "right" detective. Just what she needed a detective for, they didn't know, but it looked promis- ing. . To McCale it looked like hokum; besides, he wasn't interested. He did not, at the moment, realize that thefirstpebble had started to roll, that even then he was being gently prodded into the relentless ava- il lanche of a big case. He stopped for cigarettes at a drug store and stood at the counter idly turning the pages of a newspaper. * * * "Under a misty photograph of a very debby deb, he read the cap- tion: "Lydia Prentice of Marlbor- ough street and Magnolia, one of the bride's attendants at the wed- ding next Saturday of Veronica Perkins Bigelow to Curtin Vallain- • court" A society wedding. He laughed soundlessly as he thought of Leach end Garrity making a big" story over some old blue -blood who was, nu doubt, looking for a couple of dicks presentable enough to mingle with a crowd of gilt-edged guests, while they kept a sharp eye on the Aft wedding presents. As he folded+the paper, his eye Caught a word or two in the gossip column, "After Dark." It read: "At the Latin Quarter last night, Curt Vallalncourt, the handsome lad who is to middle -aisle it with Ver- onica Bigelow next week, waited in vain for her to appear. He ended his vigil by lapping up Zombies with Shari Lynn, the 'torchy' sing- er from the floor show. We didn't know they knew each other." McCale frowned at the, last allu- sion. Too bad these keyhole lads had to .spicee everything up so. * * McCale's office and living quar- ters combined were on St. James street, a bit far uptown for that sort of thing. They were in a block of old brownstone houses, the last that remained in that vicinity. Here, while they lasted anyway, McCale was able to ding to the illusion that he was a cut above the average de- tective. His background, surely, was worse than most. Born in the scummier part of Chicago, he had been brought up among thieves and mobsters. At fourteen, he knew all the answers. To himself, he often admitted that he had a criminal. turn of mind, but some peculiar twist had saved hint from putting it into practice. It may have been the merest glimmer or craving for something finer than the obviously brief splash made by the racketeer, on•top today, shot full of holes to- morrow. But at sixteen he went into the world to find out if there was any good in it, Somehow he discovered that he had a love for books and a real aptitude for learn- ing. He worked his way through a Midwestern college. He took sung - mer courses here, there, and wher- ever he heard of something that might interest him.'And he was in- terested in many things. He woke one morning knowing that detection would be his career. Then he took a course' in crimin- ology at a famous university, sat in at lectures at police college, talked himself into a job with a run-down detective agency. After that, he had set himself up as a private investi- gator. Cynical over police methods as he found them in practice, sick to death of the strike -breaking jobs, the divorce work, the undercover bribery, the 1.s2tstionablc ethics of many of the men masquerading as honest investigators, It was the only thing for him to do. Only a few clients had come his way. But it was worth it. He was nearly at his own door- step when he noticed it. An antique limousine, broad in the beam and high in the tonneau, was drawn to the curb before his door. McCale opened the walting-room door and stepped inside: The room was empty. The faded carpet and real leather chairs stared at him blankly. The wine velour draperies were pulled back to let in what daylight there was. There were fresh yellow flowers in a squat white howl on his secretary's desk, but she wasn't there. He was thinking that it looked very quiet, very nice, not like a de- tective's waiting room at all, when Ann Marriot came in. She closed the door of the inner office, giving him a warning look. Ann Marriot was the type of girl you might pass by at a first sheet- ing, but when you knew her better, you became aware of her attrac- tiveness. Her features were nice— gray eyes•set far .apart; a straight but not too small nose, and a good- sized mouth, She ran to intelligence and tweeds and her ash -blonde hair always imparted the fragrance of carnations, McCale caught a whiff of it now, as she handed him an engraved cailing card. * * It read: Adelaide Perkins Bige- low. "Miss Bigelow is waiting in your office," said Ann. - "Why in there?" McCale asked, lowering his voice. "Well," she answered, flushing slightly, "it's nice in there. There's a fire in the grate and the big chair %and—books and things." A little old lady, quietly dressed, turned in the act of reaching for a book, to face him. "Oh," she said, nearly dropping it. "Miss Bigelow?" His sharp eyes took her in at a glance. She was small, almost birdlike, and nervous in a fluttery way. She had a fine, delicately modelled fact, too delicate, perhaps, to be impos- ing. Yet there was evidence in her,, carriage 'and in her manner,,,of dig- nity and stubborn strength. McCale was aware, too, of a certain uneasi- ness, a lurking apprehension behind the too bright eyes that he could not attribute to surprise at his sud- den entrance. ' * * * "I wast interested in your li- brary," she floundered. She seemed, for a moment, at a loss to begin. The old eyes searched . Ms anxiously, and were withdrawn, as if the brain behind them was confused and helpless. He knew that there was desperation there, that it was difficult for her to play a part, but -that she had determined to play it. He waited, and the silence in the room lengthened. He saw the light go out of her eyes and realized with chagrin that she would not tell him what was gnaw- ing at her mind, that she had de- cided to risk acquiring his aid only in part: "My niece is to be married next week, Mr. McCale, Perhaps you have heard of her?" "Yes, indeed, Veronica Bigelow, Her pictures are. very lovely." He'd never seen one! *. * * S b e brightened considerably. "She is lovely, My favorite niece, Mr. McCale. She'll be very wealthy, too. My brother's child. The wed ding, of course, will be at Trinity, but the reception is to take place at the family's town house. There are a great many beautiful and priceless gifts on display. They will have to be guarded nightand day." "The police," ventured McCale. "Pshaw The police." She be- came more assertive. "We don't avant plainclothesmen all the !rouse. They'd stick out like sore thumbs. 1 want someone quiet and. unobtrusic—just just someone—" (To 'Be Continued) w REPARATIONS MAY HELP CANADIAN DAIRY INDUSTRY This machine of futuristic design is actually s butter maker which was observed in Germany by Dr. W. H. Cook of the National Research Council and was brought to Canada by the Research Council at the request of the National Dairy Council of Canada. It represents a new principle in buttermaking as far as Canada is concerned and may take the place of the large butter churns in most commercial creameries. Still in the experimental stage it has been set up and has manufactured butter at Producers Dairy in Ottawa. On January 22 to 24 it will be on view at the National Dairy Council meeting in Winnipeg. Several improvements are already in view to adapt it to Canadian needs, such as devices for adding salt and reducing moisture content. On initial tests the machine has made over 1,000 pounds of butter an hour. It is very compact and despite its appearance, a very simple principle is involved. Its manufacture is not expected to present any great problem. In this picture are, DR. J. B. PEARCE, of the National Research Council who is supervising the research; W. K. ST. JOHN, Ottawa, Secretary of the National,Dairy Council of Canada, and H. TESSIER, Research Council technician. Sunday School Lesson Christ for all People John 4: 4-10, 27-30, 39-42. Golden Text — But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall .never thirst. John 4: 14. The Woman of Samaria On their way northward from Judea to Galilee, Jesus and His disciples came to Jacob's well close to Sychar. Jesus, wearied with His journey, seated Himself on the ....stone steps of the curbing around the well. The disciples went into the village to purchase food and so Jesus probably was left alone. A Sinner Is Saved When the. Samaritan woman from the village of Sychar came to Jacob's well for water Jesus asked of her, "Give me to drink," Such knowledge of human nature and tact added to disregard of tlreq barrier between Jew and Samari- tan, excited the wonder of the wo- man. How was it, slie queried, that he asked a favor of her? For Jews d'o not associate with Samaritans. He replied that if she could but see in Him the Chrlstlike gift of God, she would be a suppliant be- fore Him who alone could lead her to the fountain of living Water. The woman, in her haste, left her waterpot at the well and sped back to Sychar to tell her neighbors of Him who told her all that ever she did. It is not certain that the wo- man gave Jesus the drink he de-, sired from the well, but it is cer- tain that she took the water of life which he offered her so graciously and freely. The Campaign in Sychar The campaign in Sychar was marked by four things: (1) The testimony of the converted woman was astonishly effective. What she said about Christ brought to Him many of her fellow townsmen. (2) The saved Samaritans wanted others saved; hence they besought Him to stay in Sychar. The Saviour, always anxious to save, "abode there two days". (3) The circle of believers widened as they saw and heard Jesus; "and many more be- lieved because of His own word". So Jesus taught and the converts testified and the saved were multi- plied. (4) "Now we believe," they said in happy chorus. And they went on: "for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." Rurnproof Covers Asbeston, a fabric developed `during the war to protect fire fighters in the armed forces, is ap- pearing on store counters in Can- ada, made up into ironing board covers. The fabric will not burn even if a hot iron is accidentally left on the covered_ board. It is lightweight, durable, washable and of a smooth, porous weave, which improves in surface texture as it is used. ESSER! /li medioino Sd tr), sad sae of tteu6 ndg.sItIt`on�nn d o �osicioacP&tui ��uA A utiD i1DIAEnoti /ISSUE 4-1947 Rumor Claims Princess to Wed Those who are "on the inside" insist that Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth will marry Prince Philip of Greece within the next year, Buckingham Palace does not confirm or deny., It merely is- sues a polite statement that may be taken to mean that the an- nouncement is at least premature, says the Windsor Star. Weight is given the rumor by the fact that the Prince is taking British citizenship, renouncing any right of succession he may have to the Greek throne. It is also said that this is a real love match, but of course that is saidin all such cases. However, in the - case of Britain's beloved Princess, there is good reason to believe that this 1s so, for she is known to be an independent young lady, not likely to accept too much dictation in af- fairs of this kind. If Prince Philip it is to be, Brit- ons everywhere will unite in hop- ing that she is following the dic- tates of her heart, that she will find real happiness, and that her con- sort will prove himself worthy of the honor bestowed. Left Scotland During the last ninety years 1,- 500,000 persons have emigrated from Scotland —more than a quar- ter of the country's present popu- lation — says the 1044 report of the registrar -general for Scotland just issued. How Can 1? By Anne Ashley Q. How can I reprove rust from nickelplate? A. By covering with oil or grease, or mutton tallow. Allow It to remain for two or three days, then rub thoroughly 'with rotten - stone, wash with ammonia, and polish with whiting. Kerosene ap- plied frequently will prevent nickel frons rusting. Q. How can I store potatoes for the winter? A, Discard all the potatoes that show the least sign of decay or sprout. Pile potatoes In the base- ment and cover well with straw or with burlap. Q. What is a good treatment for frostbite? A. Rub gently with snow, or with cloths wrung out of ice cold water, and keep the patient away from any direct source of heat. Q. How should a parcel post package be tied? A. Tie the package that is to be sent parcel post twoor three times, and with separate pieces of cord. Then tie knots where the cord crosses, If this is done and one piece of cord breaks, the others will hold the package. Q. How can I clean windows during freezing weather? A. If the' weather is so cold that water cannot be applied to the windows 'without freezing, dampen * piece of cheesecloth with kero- sene and the windows can be clean- ed quickly. Modern Etiquette By Roberta Lee 1. When staying in a hotel and one has meal service in his room, is it necessary that he choose a meal from the regular menu? 2. How much of the hand should be dipped into the finger bowl, and should both bands be dipped at the same time? 8. When a man is standing and talking with a girl at a dance, and the music begins, what should he do? 4, Does the family of the bride compile the list of invitations for a wedding? 6, Which is taken from the din- ner table first in removing a course, the dishes containing the food or the soiled plates? 6. Should a woman permit a man to pay for her meal in a restaurant when they have met merely by accident? ANSWERS 1. This is customary, but if de- sired, additional special dishes will be prepared. 2. Dip only the finger tips, and one hand at a time. 3. If neither has the next dance en- gaged, he must certainly ask her to dance. 4. No; the bride and the groom should make out this list together. It would be very selfish to forget or disregard the personal friends of the bridegroom. 6. The dishes containing the food: 6, No; sh should permit it — a well-bred man will not suggest it. 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