Part 6 (1/2)

”hello?”

”Is that Mr Wynn?” responded a soft, rich, fe ”Oh, it is you, Maurice; I'et no answer You won't knoho it is speaking; it is I, Anne Pendennis!”

CHAPTER VI

”MURDER MOST FOUL”

”I' Cross station; can you hear me?” the voice continued ”I've had a letter froo to hilanced at the clock, which showed a quarter to nine

”I'll be with you in fivein the last ith iot to hustle!”

I put up the receiver and dashed back into my bedroom, where my cold bath, fortunately, stood ready Within fivedown the stairs, as if a sheriff and posse were after me, while Mrs Jenkins leaned over the hand-rail and watched me, evidently under the impression that I was the victim of sudden dementia

There was not a cab to be seen, of course; there never is one in West, and I raced the whole way to Charing Cross on foot; tore into the station, and made for the platforitated official tried to stop me at the barrier

”Too late, sir, train's off; here--stand away--stand away there!”

He yelled afterthe platfored the porters who started forward to interceptout of the

”Where are you going?” I gasped, running alongside

”Berlin Mary has the address!” Anne called ”Oh, Maurice, let go; you'll be killed!”

A dozen hands grasped me and held me back by main force

”See you--Tuesday!” I cried, and she waved her hand as if she understood

”It's--all right--you fellows--I wasn't trying--to board--the car--” I said in jerks, as I got rasped the situation, for they grinned and cleared off, as Mary walked up to me

”Well, I must say you ran it pretty fine, Maurice,” she reht you look! Why, you haven't shaved this ; and your tie's all crooked!”

I put my hand up toetically ”It's exactly fifteen and a half ot out of bed; and I ran the whole way!”

”You look like it, you disreputable young

”Well, you'd better co tackle to make yourself presentable”

She ave me the facts of Anne's hasty departure as we drove rapidly along the quiet, clean-washed, sunny streets

”The letter caet it till she ca, about three”