by S.S. VAN DINE Copyright S. 8. Van Dine WNU Service CHAPTER XII-—-Continued —]T — “For God's sake,” Garden burst out, “it's up to you to find out the truth. I'm on the spot—what with my going out of the room with Woody yesterday, my failure to place his bet, then the mater’'s ac- cusation, and that damned will of hers, and the medicine. You've got to find out who's guilty . . ."” As he was taiking the door bell had rung, and Heath came up the hallway. Vance went to Garden and, put- ting a hand on the man’s shoulder, urged him back into his chair. “Come, buck up,” he said; “we'll need your help, and if you work up a case of jitters you'll be useless.” ‘““But don’t you see how deeply in- volved I am?” Garden protested weakly. “You're not the only one in- volved,” Vance returned calmly. He turned to Siefert. ‘I think, doctor, we should have a little chat. Pos- sibly we can get the matter of your patient's death straightened out a bit. Suppose we go upstairs to the study, what?” In the study Vance went directly to the point. “Doctor, the time has come when we must be perfectly frank with each other. The usual conventional considerations of your profession must be temporarily put aside. I shall be altogether candid with you and trust that you can see your way to being equally candid with me.” Siefert, who had taken a chair near the door, looked at Vance a trifle uneasily. “l regrét that 1 stand what you mean,” his suavest manner. “I merely mean,” replied Vance coolly, ‘‘that 1 am fully aware that it was you who sent me the anony- mous telephone message Friday night.” Siefert raised his eyebrows slight- ly “‘Assuming, for the sake of argu- ment,” he said with deliberation, ‘that it was I who phoned you Fri- day night, what then?" Vance watched the man with a faint smile, “It might be, don't y' know,” he said, ‘‘that you were cognizant of the situation here, and that you had a suspicion—or let us say, a fear— that something tragic was impend- ing.” Vance took out his cigar case and lighted a cigarette. “1 fully understood the import of that message, doctor—as you intended. do not under- he said in That is why 1 happened to be here | yesterday afternoon. The signifi cance of your reference to the | Aeneid and the inclusion of the word | ‘equanimity’ did not escape me. Il must say, however, that your ad- vice to investigate radio-active so- dium was not entirely clear—al- though I think I now have a fairly | iucid idea as to the implication. | However, there were some deeper | implications in your message, and | th the time, d' ye see, when we should face this thing together | with complete honesty.” Siefert brought his eves back to Vance in a long appraising glance, | and then shifted them to the window | S22ain. Yes, I did send you that mes- sage. 1 realize that nothing can be gained now by not being frank with you . . . The situation in this house- hold has bothered me for a long | time, and lately I've had a sense of | imminent disaster.” “How long have you felt this pre- monition?” asked Vance. “For the past three months, 1 should say. Although I have acted as the Gardens’ physician for many years, it was not until last fall that Mrs. Garden's changing condition iS 18 came to my notice. 1 thought little of 1t at first, but, as it grew worse | and I found myself unable to diag- nose it satisfactorily, a curious sus- | picion forced itself on me that the | change was not entirely natural, 1! began coming here much more fre- quently than had been my custom, and during the last couple of months I had felt many subtle un- dercurrents in the various relation- ships of the household, which I had never sensed before. Of course, I knew that Floyd and Swift never got along particularly well — that there was some deep animosity and jealousy between them. I also knew the terms of Mrs. Garden's will.” Siefert paused with a frown. “As 1 say, it has been only re- cently that I have felt something deeper and more significant in all this interplay of temperaments: and this feeling grew to such propor- tions that I actually feared a vio- lent climax of some kind—especial- ly as Floyd told me only a few days ago that his cousin intended to stake his entire remaining funds on Equanimity in the big race yes- terday. So overpowering was my feeling in regard to the whole situa- tion here that I decided to do some- thing about it, if I could manage it without divulging any professional confidences. But you saw through my subterfuge.” Vance nodded. “I appreciate your scruples in the matter, doctor, 1 only regret that 1 was unable to forestall these tragedies. That, as it happened, was beyond human power.” Vance looked up quickly. “By the by, doctor, did you have any definite suspicions when you proned me Friday night?” Siefert shook his head with em- phasis. ‘No. Frankly, I was baf- fled. I merely felt that some sort of explosion was imminent.” Vance smoked a while in silence. “And now, doctor, will you be so good as to give ug the full details about this morning?” Siefert drew himself up in his chair. “There's practically nothing to add to the information I gave you over the phone. Miss Beeton called me a little after eight o'clock and informed me that Mrs. Garden had died some time during the night. She asked for instructions, and I told her that I would come at once. I was here half an hour or so later. I could find no determinable cause for Mrs. Garden's death, and as- sumed it might have been her heart until Miss Beeton called my atten- tion to the fact that the bottle of medicine sent by the druggist was empty . . .M ‘By the by, doctor, what was the prescription you made out for your patient last night?” “A simple barbital solution.” “And I believe you told me on the telephone that there was suffi- cient barbital in the prescription to have caused death.” “Yes.” Doctor Siefert nodded. ‘If taken at one time." “And Mrs. Garden's death was consistent with barbital poisoning?" “There was nothing to contradict such a conclusion,” Siefert an- “I Saw That She Was Dead.” swered. “And there was nothing to “When did the nurse discover the empty bottle?" “Not until after she had phoned me, I believe.” Vance, smoking lazily, was watch- ing Siefert from under speculative eyelids. “Tell me something of Mrs. Gar- den's illness, doctor, and why radio- active sodium should have suggest- ed itself to you." Siefert brought his eyes sharply back to Vance “I was afraid you would ask that. But this is no time for squeamish- ness. I must trust wholly to your As I've already said, 1 don’t know the exact nature of Mrs. Garden's ailment. The symptoms have been very much like those ac- companying radium poisoning. But 1 have never prescribed any of the radium preparations for her—I am, in fact, profoundly skeptical of their efficacy.” He cleared his throat before con- tinuing. “One evening while reading the reports of the researches made in California on radioactive sodium, or what might be called artificial radi- um, which has been heralded as a possible medium of cure for can- fessor Garden himself was actively interested in this particular line of creditable work in the field. The realization was purely a matter of association, and I gave it little thought at first. But the idea per- sisted, and before long some very unpleasant possibilities began to force themselves upon me.” Again the doctor paused, a trou- bled look on his face. ‘“About two months ago I suggest- ed to Doctor Garden that, if it were at all feasible, he put Miss Beeton on his wife's case. I had already come to the conclusion that Mrs. Garden required more constant at- tention and supervision than I could afford her, and Miss Beeton, who is a registered nurse, had, for the past year or so, been working with Doctor Garden in his laboratory— in fact, it was I who had sent her to him when he mentioned his need of a laboratory assistant. I was particularly anxious to have her take Mrs. Garden's case, rather than some other nurse, for I felt that from her observations some helpful suggestions might result.” “And have Miss Beeton's subse- quent observations been helpful to you, doctor?’ asked Vance. . “No, I can’t say that they have,” Siefert admitted, “‘despite the fact that Doctor Garden still availed himself of her services occasionally in the laboratory, thereby giving her an added opportunity of keep- ing an eye on the entire situation.” Vance was studying the tip of his cigarette. Presently he asked: “Has the nurse's presence in the house resulted in any information regarding the general situation here?” “Nothing that I had not already known. In fact, her observations have merely substantiated my own conclusions, It's quite possible, too, that she herself may unwittingly have augmented the animosity be- tween young Garden and Swift, for she has intimated to me once or twice a very strong suspicion that she is personally interested in Floyd Garden.” Vance looked up with augmented interest. “What, specifically, has given you that impression, doctor?"’ ‘Nothing specific,” Siefert told him. “I have, however, observed them together on several occasions, and my impression was that some sentiment existed there. Nothing that I can put my finger on, though. But one night when 1 was walking up Riverside drive I happened to see them together in the park—un- doubtedly a stroll together." The nurse appeared at the door at that moment to announce the ar- rival of the medical examiner, and Vance asked her to bring Doctor Dorgmus up to the study. “I might suggest,” said Siefert quickly, “that, with your consent, it would be possible to have the medical examiner accept my ver- dict of death due to an accidental overdose of barbital and avoid the additional unpleasantness of an au- topsy.” “Oh, quite.” Vance nodded. “That was my intention.” the district attorney. ‘All things considered, Markham,” he said *‘I think that might be best.” Markham nodded in reluctant ac- quiescence as Doremus was led into the room by Miss Beeton. After a brief interchange and comments Doremus readily agreed to Markham's suggestion. Doctor Siefert rose and looked hesitantly at Vance. ‘You will not need me further, I trust.” “Not at the moment, doctor.” Vance rose also and bowed formal- ly. "We may, however, communi- cate with you later . . . And, Miss Beeton, please sit down." The girl came forward and seated herself in the nearest chair, as the men went down the passage- way. “I don't mean to trouble you un- duly, Miss Beeton,” said Vance: ‘but we should like to have a first- hand account of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Gar- den.’ “1 wish there was something defi- nite I could tell you,” the nurse re- plied readily in a business-like man- ner, ‘but all I know is that when I arose this morning, a little after seven, Mrs. sleeping quietly. After dressing 1 went to the dining-room and had my in to Mrs. Garden. She always had tea and toast at eight o'clock. It wasn't until I had drawn up the shades and closed the windows, that I realized something was wrong. I spoke to her and she didn't answer me; and when I tried to rouse her I got no response. I saw then that she was dead. I called Doctor Sie- fert at once, and he came over as quickly as he could.” “You sleep, 1 believe, in Garden's room?" The nurse inclined her head. “Yes. You see, Mrs. Garden fre- quently needed some small service in the night.” Mrs. at any time during the night?” ‘No. The injection Doctor Sie- fert gave her before he left her seemed to have quieted her and she was sleeping peacefully when 1] went out—"' “You went out last night? What time did you leave house?’ asked Vance. “About nine o'clock. Mr. Floyd Garden suggested it, assuring me that he would be here and that he thought I needed a little rest.” “Had you no professional qualms about leaving a sick patient at such a time?” “Ordinarily 1 might have had,” the girl returned resentfully; *‘but Mrs. Garden had never shown me any consideration. She was the most selfish person I ever knew. Any- way, I explained to Mr. Floyd Gar- den about giving his mother a tea- spoonful of the medicine if she should wake up and show any signs of restlessness. And then I went out into the park.” “At what time did you return, Miss Beeton?" “It must have been about elew er.” she told him. “Mrs. Garden was asleep when you came in?” The girl turned her eyes to Vance before answering. “I—I thought—she was asleep,” she said hesitantly. “Her color was all right. But perhaps—even then—"' “Yes, yes. I know,” Vance put in quickly. "By the by, did you notice anything changed-—anything, let us say, out of place—in the room, on your return?” The nurse shook her head slowly. “No. Everything seemed the same to me. The windows and shades were just as I had left them, and-—Wait, there was some- thing. The glass I had left on the night-table with drinking water was empty. I refilled it before going to bed.” Vance looked up quickly. “And the bottle of medicine?” “1 didn’t particularly notice that: but it must have been just as I had left it, for I remember a fleeting sense of relief because Mrs. Gar den hadn’t needed a dose of med: (TO BE CONTINUED) the XRARIAAR AAR RRA R ANAK STAR DUST Movie « Radio * *%% By VIRGINIA VALE kk% 2 2 2 2 2 20 2 2 2 2% 3 2 2 20 2 2 2 2 0 4 ANS had to wait two long years for the Marx Brothers’ new picture, “A Day at the Races,” but it was well worth waiting for. It is almost too funny, the laughs coming in such quick succession that you are still shouting over one comic scene when the next hits you. This picture tops their previous masterpieces of hilarity by several lengths. Groucho is, as usual, the wise guy but when he goes to the race track he is a gullible custom- er for Chico's sales talk on tips on the races. Chico performs one of those piano solos that makes enough tough little boys want to become piano virtuosos so they can copy his tricks. And Harpo is even greater than usual. He talks—in pantomime only --at great length, and it is a toss- up whether his pantomime or Chi- co's efforts to translate it into words is funnier. - Planned for fall is a household hints program starring Zasu Pitts, if she can ever stop making pictures long enough to ap- pear on an air pro- gram regularly, Putting this pro- gram together is a job for a magician, for while Zasu is al- ways a comedienne to ner peblic, at » she Is jus world's greatest housekeeper and cook. Nobody could write funny lines about Zasu's cook- ing if had sampled it, and her new kitchen which she de- signed herself is a model of inge- nuity, beauty, and efficiency. As you may have read, Zasu has been working on a cook book for the last year or two. 1 Zasu Pitts th av 5 ney ever alfa Lily Pons’ last broadcast of the season before leaving for Hollywood to make “The Girl in the Cage” for RKO was a big night for her. She was elected the best-dressed star of the radio studios, an honor for- merly divided between Helen Jep- son and Gladys Swarthout. Most singers take such honors in their stride, but not the volcanic and ap- preciative Lily. rin Motion picture producers have just about given up hope of interest- ing their public in Shakespeare, but broadcasting companies have decid- ed the bard’s stirring lines are just what the public wants. John Barry- more's NBC program has proved a tremendous success since the first Monday night a few weeks ago version of “Hamlet.” For its com- peting hour, Columbia has signed up an impressive array of talent. Everybody would like to have an employer like Walter Wanger. He have three months a year in which to get away from his job. His hired help are supposed to relax and seek new impressions but Joan Bennett, Sylvia Sidney, and Henry Fonda are all going on the stage Madeleine Charles to France to make a picture, a —_— Any time Henry Fonda and Gary Cooper want to stop acting and open a traveling art ex- hibit, they have plenty of lucrative offers. Both are can- did camera fans, and when they have a few minutes lei- sure between scenes they stroll around whatever studio they are working in and snap pictures of Bs players off guard. : They have some fine Gary Cooper snaps of stars snooz- ing in chairs, of directors watching scenes with obvious disgust, of ro- mantic co-stars glaring at each other between scenes. But they won't sell them! ; ODDS AND ENDS—Shirley Temple is learning to yodel for her next mple “ik jt Li a es. is the time for all smart | nen to come to the aid of | their wardrobes. Sew-Your-Own wants to lend a hand, Milady: | hence today's trio of mid-summer pace makers. At The Left. A trim little reminder that ful groor where, features comfort. Make one ver: N Ow forte fon in cot- ton for all purpose wear, ; of sports silk for dressy occ You'll praise the coc short sleeves and softly rc lar. Milady, you’ making it. In The Center. ave light and the per- t has cos- | i 1 1 cut of its lled col- Yes, you'll enjoy “Favorite Recipe of the Week — HIS is truly an ice cream age, *V was ice OW. can bought, and it can be made at home—in a freezer or in the freez- ing tray of an automatic refrig- erator. As quick as a wink a package of ice cream powder can be turned into luscious dishes of many-flavored ice cream, Here is a basic recipe freezer ice cream-—and with the addition of fresh fruits and ber- ries or sauces, the recipe can be varied in many delicious ways. Freezer Ice Cream. for 1 quar 1 pa age ice cream powder strawberry mapie, or late* flavor) vanilla, choco iemon, Add milk very gradually to ice cream j stirring until dis- solved Pour into freezer can; place in freezer and pack mixture of cracked ice and salt around can (use 8 parts ice to 1 part salt). Turn slowly for 3 minutes, then rapidly and continuously un- til frozen. Makes 1% quarts ice cream. Any of the following may be substituted for milk in this rec- | ipe: 1 quart rich milk or light cream, 1 cup cream and 3 cups milk, .or 2 cups evaporated milk | and 2 cups milk or water. *With chocolate ice cream powder, 3% Cup sugar. owder add and more refinement, Once mopolitan dash, engaging charm. mentary tea table talk with your slender silhouette. sheer chiffon or more fou'll have a hit =) 4 ts) Yur delightfully Make it of At The Right. little lady who likes unusual touches in her frocks will go for this new dress and pantie set. It of mom 's dresses The has the chic plus a little-girl dai more than fetching. W styling makes it easy for even the tiniest girl to get into and it's quite a time saver on ironing day. A splendid idea is to cut this pat- tern twice and be assured of little sister's all mmer chic. The Patterns. 1237 is designed for 36 requires 424 yards of 35 inch material plus % yard contrasting for collar. Pattern 1333 is designed for sizes 36 to 52. Size 38 requires 7% yards of 39 inch material. The dress alone requires 43 yards. To line the jacket requires 2% yards of 3% inch material. Pattern 1322 is designed for sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 years. Size 6 requires 3% yards of 35 inch material plus 5% yards of ribbon for trimming as pictured. Send your order to The Sewing Pattern Dept., 247 W. 3 street, New York, '. Price of patterns, 15 cents each. © Bell Syndicate Pattern sizes 34 to 46. Size WNU Service. Finds Way to Have Young-Looking Skin at 351 p———————] 53 utterly wonderful how quickly this scientific creme takesaway “age-film™ in only 5 mighta! At 30 : 40 even, women now theill to rose-petally soft, smooth, youthfully clear skin! This ( Peacock Bleach Creme acts the only way 10 free skin of dull, ugly, oid-Jooking film of semi-visible dark- ering particies! A revelation for ugly Hack heads, surface pimples, freckles, too! Try itl Get Golden Peacock Bleach Creme at any drug or department store, or send 50c to Golden Peacock lnc., Dept. K-325, Paria, Tenn. Their Time Comes When thieves fall out, men get their own. honest checks MALARIA in three days COLDS first day LIQUID, TABLETS Pompous, self-made man (visit- ing former emPloyer)—You don’t remember me? Well, twenty years ago I was an office-boy here, and you sent me out on a message. Former Employer—Yes, yes— where's the answer? If Not— Old Lady—Does this bus stop at the pier? The Conductor—Well, ma'am, there'll be a terrible splash if it don't. A correspondent says he is al ways interested in what happens to his money after it leaves him, Our trouble is that far too many people are interested in what is going to happen to ours before we even get it. ? 8 athint-Yes. If it’s true, I con- gratulate you; if not, I congratu- late Peggy. In Hote. YORK 7th AVE. at 36th ST, EY ahaa s sans: bo Sad Aa ve
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers