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CHAPTER XVII—Continued. I flinched when Miss Agatha said flat. 1 object less to that, David, —18— impatiently: than to the knowledge tt.U he is By VIRGINIA VALE (Rrleasrd Western Annie returned and announced “Can’t you do it?” laughing at us now. 1 never have toy Newspaper Union.I Senator Groesbeck. She rolled forward to take the liked to be laughed at It’s been my that beloved I Heavens, our as- “Alone?" Miss Agatha asked and key. It turned as she moved and legs, suppose. Rememberbook of childhood brains should be as as your the wistfulness in her voice hurt I pulled the door open before her sembled good we And a Men,” Louisa me. "Then I’ll see him in the liv- advancing chair. his. If only could flaw, days, “Litt^p by a weakness.” Alcott? ing room, Annie.” “There it is,” Miss Agatha said, May Well, imagine The maid pushed the wheel chair "over—” She drank again and then went what it might be like with the down desk and on: the hall. I sat at the Her voice died. The harsh sound addition of two new charac- strove to set down on paper, after radiates from Lyon of her indrawn breath set my neck Everything to a Miss my own ters, wit, Major Burdle, Agatha’s prescription, to prickling. The light of the ceil- Ferriter, but none of it reaches back outline of the Morello mystery. I him." fast-talking, amiable swin- ing bulb poured into the maw of the to found it hard, for each item bore In- dler who sacrifices storeroom. It shone upon something A thought pricked me and some every- numerable streamers of surmise at Miss Agatha's feet at which she of the jumble ol fact fell into co- thing for the love of his and suspicion. I do not know how NEW YEAR PARTIES MUST HAVE PLENTY OF ZIP stared, at which I gaped, first stu- herent pattern. son, and Willie the had been standing in (See Recipes Below) adopted long Allegra pidly, then in frantic disbelief. I “That’s why,” I blurted, “Lyon when I looked Fox, “a lovable, the doorway up. tried to kill that's amusing bent forward. me; why my infor- still •living corpse’.” according to I rose clumsily. She was in room was searched. He thought I “Careful.” Miss Agatha warned mation from RKO. When you’ve fin- pale but she seemed more tired now had found that knife. His own fin- a dry whisper. “Don’t touch it” ished this little to was a picture puzzle, go than angry. There droop to must be on it" gerprints see the shoulders I cursed picture. her and myself won’t Miss CHAPTER XVIII “They be,” Agatha It's been turned out as adult en- for feeling pitiful. She said at last: Household News We were still for promised grimly. tertainment, yet it’s still a story for as “You make it just as hard pos- a said: Wind boomed in the elevator shaft moment. Then she young folks. Kay Francis, George sible. don’t you?” and I heard the whine and catch of “Day after tomorrow is Grove’s Bancroft and Jack Oakie head the A few hours earlier she had point- a car shifting gears in the street. birthday.” cast, which includes Jimmy Lyfon, ed out the that between abyss lay un- was of senti- /^mnar' The rest of my mind had stalled Her voice so bare Richard Nichols, Sammy McKim her and me. I sworn then nev- B) had der its sudden load. Close to my ment that it was piteous. The day and Elsie, the glamour cow. er to strive to rebridge it. Sense ear Miss Agatha’s breath came and when Grove attained his inheritance, -*- still assured me that it was best tor went quickly. So we remained for the day toward which, all his life, Ruth Hussey’s work in Metro’s her to remain on her side and I on th>. /iW. a palsied instant, watching the ob- she had steered her foster son, •‘Flight Command," with Robert mine. Hunger for her, desire to ject on the storeroom floor. would find him in disgrace and dan- Celebrating the advent of a new moderate oven (350 degrees) for 35 Taylor, and in “The aid her were checked by memory of It lay just within the ventilation ger, unless— year is excuse enough for a party to 40 minutes. Philadelphia Story,” my recent, adolescent idiocy. It space at the iron door’s base—a bi- I jumped at the telephone’s ring. in any crowd. Whether it’s young- Mixed Salad. with Katharine Hep- hurts to have even a silly dream zarre item for a spinster’s store- Could Shannon have arrived so sters or the "oldsters” that gather (Serves 10 to 12) burn, James Stew- kicked apart. I said: room, yet, in itself, nothing to wake soon? to see the old year out, the new 1 large head lettuce art and Cary Grant, “I beg your pardon.” dread. It was a knife with a black “Answer it,” Miss Agatha bade year in, the party must have plenty 2 cups carrots (shredded) have won her a new “You heard me.” leather handle and a worn gray and her voice quavered a little. of novelty and "get-up-and-go”— 3 cups red skinned apples (diced) long-term contract. I made no She went reply. on, blade, streaked with what might I obeyed and was ashamed of my new games, new 2 cups red grapes (halved and Incidentally, "Phil- like a child a lesson: new re- is reciting own agitation. music, seeded) adelphia Story” “If I’ve I’m sor- A 3 the that misjudged you, Jerry Cochrane drawled: freshments, too, tablespoons onion (minced) picture ry.” and something to S French dressing Cary Grant made “Dave, I want to see you. I’ve “Miss I told her, “I mis- drink is a leaves of lettuce, wash for the Red Cross— Paget,” got hold of something a bit interest- re-<^ Separate am even sorrier." quirementl and dry Tear into he accepted the as- judged you—and ing, my laddie. Where can you meet ‘j thoroughly. a toast I with the ”1 came in here,” she told me, “to me?” ' Drink pieces. Place in large salad bowl Ruth Hussey sigrinnent because I to the new year l with carrots, apples, grapes and on- idea of turning over apologize Agatha thought He slipped away from further should.” with a piping hot ion. Add French dressing and mix his salary to them—$125,000. questions. It was too important to } She have been to punch; while the ^ very lightly, forks for the -*- might talking discuss over the house using telephone, Bitter words the butler. There was no call for winds of winter mixing. were said in Holly- he said, and for like reason I fore- her to me in 1 was howl and sheets of snow against French wood recently when various produc- put my place. bore to tell what we had found. At fling Dressing. there already and had sworn not to the windows, a hot, tangy drink will (Makes 1% cups) ers needed stunt women and found last I clapped my hand over the leave it I said: cheer your guests (both young and V4 clove garlic that 14 of the best had been cor- again. mouthpiece and said to Miss Aga- (grated) to me about the old!) and it starts them on the 4 ralled by Paramount for "Las Vegas “That seems tha: lumps sugar worst reason in the world.” homeward trip warmed from within. 1 tablespoon salt Nights," which already had Phil Re- “It’s Cochrane. He sounds so Again she apparently hoped for “Hawaiian Hot Cup” is a drink 1 tablespoon paprika gan, Lillian Cornell and Tommy sleepy, I know he’s excited. May band. something in my face that was not that is new as the brand new year. 1 cup salad oil Dorsey and his he come here?" there. She muttered: Serve it steaming hot in small cups, V4 cup lemon juice or vinegar The maddening part of it was that At once she refused and to “You make it hard.” then, with and of the demoiselles weren’t very crisp crackers wedges Grate garlic on lump sugar. Com- daring my amazement, gave way before She was just a kid after all. Which cheese to accompany it. bine with remaining ingredients, scheduled to do stunts, Just to dance my arguments. I pleaded that it Was still another reason why things Hot Cider and Holiday into fruit and shake until with cowboys and drink cold tea, might be important before Shannon Spiced pour jar, should stay as they were. So 1 Mulled Juice, served with well blended. that would screen as Scotch and came, to learn what Cochrane had Grape said: Cookies or make soda. discovered. I said we needed the Ginger Doughnuts, Hot Spiced Cider. “You said that before — which and refreshments -*- alliance of mind. Miss simple satisfying (Serves 20 to 25) we started.” Jerry’s quick leaves us just where for a and Carole Landis is beginning to think consented at last: crowd, crisp, buttery pop- 1 gallon cider want to leave it Agatha “Do you there?” corn or salted nuts to nib- there’s something about her that are good 2 cups brown sug- she asked and I forced "Have him come, David. You’re makes directly, my- ble on while the entertainment is scenario __ very stubborn and I—I imagine I’m ar self to answer: under writers want to see old.” way. 3 sticks cinnamon not?” getting •how near can “Why If like to start the 12 they I bade Cochrane hasten and you’d evening whole cloves i There was a stir in the hall and hung come to killing her with a buffet meal, here’s a menu 2 teaspoons all-1 the sound of voices. I did not know up as Miss Agatha said: In her last three you and your guests will like. spice berries whether I was relieved or desolate “Allegra, my dear, will you tell pictures she has Tuna Curry on Chinese Noodles Combine ingre- when she left. Senator Groesbeck, the hall force that Mr. Cochrane is been (1) chased by “I came in here,” she told me, Mixed Salad With French dients in sauce to be admitted?” Dressing now sleek and pompous, passed the “to a prehistoric mam- apologize.” Hot French or Italian Bread pan. Simmer for doorway. Miss Agatha trundled her- The fur collar of the girl’s cloak moth, <2) scheduled Orange Ginger Bread 10 to 15 minutes. self into the room. have been rust We both knew softened her face and the February to climb a flagpole With Whipped Cream Strain and serve hot in small cups. “What was Allegra doing in here?” whence it had come. wind had lent it color. Her aunt on top of a sky- Coffee Holiday Mulled Grape Juice. she asked. It was the knife that had hung in told her dryly and briefly of our scraper, and (3) re- Tuna Curry. (Serves 10 to 12) “Apologizing,” I said. the sheath they had found on Black- discovery. Allegra glanced past me quested to get (Serves 10 to 12) at the swathed on the desk. 5Mt cups grape juice with a She gave me one of the looks that beard’s murdered body. It had been weapon chummy Carole Landls 6 tablespoons butter 2(6 cups water made me feel she was counting my driven into its owner’s heart. It Then a thought startled her. cage-full of lions. M cup flour Va cup sugar vertebrae and then said, “Hah!” in had uttered the flat sound of smit- “Agatha. You've sent for the po- In her newest one, "Topper Re- 1 teaspoon curry powder Va teaspoon salt an odd tone. Thereafter, her mind ten metal when it had fallen dur- lice. And no one knows whose fin- turns,” she is the target for a fall- 1 teaspoon salt 12 whole cloves dwelt on other matters. ing my struggle in the basement, to gerprints may be on that knife. ing 250-pound chandelier. Plenty of 1 quart milk 2 sticks cinnamon “I wish,” she complained, “that lodge inside the door of the Paget Even—” precautions were taken when it was 3 cups tuna (coarsely flaked) Vi teaspoon orange rind (grated) I hadn’t so respectable an attorney. storeroom. “Even Grove’s,” her aunt com- shot—after all, there’s just one cup mushrooms Vi teaspoon lemon rind (grated) I need a scoundrel who’ll help an I bent over it again. Miss Aga- pleted in a level voice. “Yes. my Carole Landis. Then, too, the chan- Mushroom liquor Combine ingredients in sauce pan idiot who won’t help himself.” tha made no further protest as I dear. I’m not a Roman matron, but delier cost $800. A retake was just 6 hard cooked eggs (sliced) Bring slowly to a boil. Strain. Serve “As bad as that?” I asked. picked it up by its point, swathed it I have a respect for law. If they out of the question. Melt butter, add flour and season- hot. She nodded and lighted a ciga- loosely in my handkerchief, and are there—” -*- ings, and stir until smooth. Add Hawaiian Hot Cup. rette. rose. Her eyes met mine and asked had to- Crosby's brother Bob, well Allegra stepped quickly milk and (Serves 10 to Bing she “is gradually cook, stirring 12) “Grove,” said, being held a question. I feared to answer. I ward the desk. I knew her pur- known on the radio, makes his constantly, until sauce is smooth 2 cups kumquats as a material witness. He still won’t heard myself say: and moved between her and movie debut in "Let's Make Music,” pose and thick. Add (sliced) so to take him remaining ingredi- talk, they’re going “We had better go upstairs.” the knife. 1 which, oddly enough, is a musical Serve hot on Chinese 1 If ents. noodles, cup sugar before the grand jury presently. She nodded. I placed the hand- aren’t I 1 comedy. There are four musical “They your brother’s,” and if with shred- 5 canned un- doesn’t talk he’ll be in- desired, sprinkle cups he then, Kerchief-wrapped knife in her lap told her. “He was here when numbers that may turn into hit that ded, salted almonds. sweetened Ha- dicted.” and trundled her to the elevator was lost.” songs, and Jean Rogers, Elizabeth knife waiian Her brisk voice was armor on Orange Gingerbread. pineap- that, shaft. We were silent our up- her but her Risdon and Joyce Compton are in Anger lighted eyes (Serves ple juice I know, hid great distress. She ward journey. In the work-room, I 15) the cast. face went white. 4 tablespoons of brooded a minute, while I groped for picked up the muffled weapon care- % cup shortening -*- New Year “If you think,” she said in a taut 1 lime juice Begins words and then asked: and laid it on the desk. Then cup sugar If know of a waltz that fully voice, “I'm to let brother’s you Wayne “Where’s the going my 4 rind 2 tablespoons of typewriter?” I faced Miss Agatha. teaspoons orange (grated) King doesn’t know you're one in a life be juggled about because a spy lemon juice More Than Once, “You said,” I told her, “that it It was hard to ask the question. 2 eggs (beaten) million. Fourteen he has hoodwinked an old woman—” years ago in the storeroom.” 3 Vt cups flour Place sliced kumquats in bowl was The knife had killed; it might kill started his library of waltz music; or didn’t it?” Miss Agatha's quiet speech stilled 1 soda and mix well with the sugar. Let Believe It Not! “Why you get again. It was the link between the teaspoon then he became known as “The her. stand for 1 hour. Heat pineapple “Miss Agatha,” I asked, “can you murdered and the murderer. My 2Vi teaspoons baking powder Waltz King,” and the demand for me “I’m not too old, Allegra,” she salt piping hot but do not boil. New Year's isn’t New imagine Higgins letting rum- voice was hoarse: Vi teaspoon juice waltz music began to exceed the day always a said, “to be obeyed in my own 1 cinnamon Pour over sugar and kumquats and Year’s The actual date varies mage through basement storeroom “What shall we do, now?” teaspoon on hand. Since then he’s day. Add supply a writ of a ha- house. Will you tell the hall force 2 stir until sugar is dissolved. among the Chinese, Jews, without mandamus, She blinked. Her speech was calm teaspoons ginger been collecting what has grown into Egyptians, and a to admit Mr. Cochrane, or shall I?” 1 lime and lemon juice, and serve at Romans and Mohammedans from beas corpus strong-arm as her face: teaspoon nutmeg probably the largest library of waltz I saw what was The molasses once. 6 to March 1. squad?” ‘‘I think we had better telephone coming. girl's 1 cup music in the His re- September Western Union.) country. The lines of in her face seemed to break apart into 1 sour milk (Released by Newspaper worry face Captain Shannon.” cup search staff includes three men in January 1 was designated to be and she chuckled. quivering fragments. Her voice slackened I said: Cream shortening and add sugar Chicago; two in New York; and one New Year’s day when Julius Caesar an shook with ghastly mirth. “No,” she admitted. “I’m old “There may be no one’s finger- gradually. Add orange rind, and in South America. established the Julian calendar in but “I won’t. It can’t be fool, David, just the least bit prints on that knife. There may be happening. beaten eggs Mix well. Sift to- HOUSEHOLD HINTS -*- 40 B. C. However, the calendar bedeviled We'll down to- It’s a hideous—” today. go —anybody’s.” funny, gether the flour, soda, baking pow- The Pittsburgh Symphony men year thus established was 11 min- her I said gether. I could not speak nephew’s sharply. der, salt and spices. Add to first were rather startled when they utes longer than the astronomical I trundled her into the hall and When cooking oatmeal, commeal, name, but she understood. “Get hold of yourself. You aren’t mixture alternately with milk and learned that they were to play "Mel- year. rang for the elevator. She said noth- “Call she rice or anything likely to stick to Captain Shannon,” said, lone Paget.” molasses. Place batter in 2 greased ancholy Baby” on that recent Mu- To correct this discrepancy. Pope till the car appeared, but the and there was a in throat me the pan, just before serving remove ing lump my She looked at like someone 8-inch square pans and bake in a sical Americana program. By the III 10 in cover and let Gregory suppressed days grim lines had deepened again on as I 1 Then she a frapi the fire, tightly obeyed. spoke only briefly, just waked. drew deep way, the song was written by Ed 1852 by ordering that Cctober 5 be her face and I knew she was eating the Homicide Bureau chief and stand five minutes. The steam will asking unsteady breath went to the Burnett back in 1910 when he was called October 15. England and its her heart out for her nephew. Hoyt to come at once with a her Have You Made Your New loosen the mixture from the bottom fingerprint telephone to do aunt’s bidding. waiting for his sweetheart to arrive colonies, however, did not adopt this took us down. I could see his ears man; then up on his further she turned and Year’s Resolutions? and the pan will be easy to wash. hung Thereafter, looked on a train that was 18 hours late. new calendar until 1752. For almost for tidings, but we did not The receiver clattered • * • pricked questioning. at me again. I hope that in your list of reso- And "If 1 Forget You,” which Helen three centuries, therefore. New I had Miss speak. propelled Agatha as my shaking hand restored it. “Thank she said. "That’s lutions for the new there butter for cov- you,” year, Try peanut frosting Jepson sang on that same pro- Year’s was celebrated twice every basement hall. A wan into the light Miss Agatha said: the first time—” are a few food white or cakes. Add concerning good ering spies gram, was inspired by an editorial year—both times on January 1. burned there and the air was heavy “We both need a drink,” and rang “Forget it,” I told her. and interesting meals. For in- one-third of a cup of peanut butter in the New York Times; Irving New Year’s never fell on the with the familiar smell of lime and Annie. same for She drew up a chair beside Miss stance, why not resolve to serve to your regular uncooked white saw the which be- Caesar editorial, two in succession in coal and for the I nursed the I would day years old gas cabbage Hig- liquor willing- Agatha. Their hands joined. The a home-made hot bread once a frosting. Blend In the peanut but- with a from the gan quotation China. The new on the dinners, past and present. have Miss year began gins' ly gulped. Agatha sipped girl bent over and kissed the still week? And resolve to keep the ter well before icing the cake. Dec- Psalms—"If I forget thee, O Jeru- her first moon after the sun entered the Miss Agatha dug in handbag hers and at last spoke part of her old face. So we waited for Shannon cookie filled to the orated with a few roasted its family jar peanut*. salem, let my right hand forget This a from a » * * sign Aquarius. date varied and chose key ring. thought aloud: while the crumpled mound of hand- brim? And resolve to try at least wrote the cunning—”—and song. from January 21 to February 18. Along one side of the basement "This was what you heard fall, kerchief on the desk kept us still. one new cake or pie a week? may be used for hold- Pineapples -*- Jewish New Year’s, when translated hall was a series of iron doors, with that night in the basement, but how It was Cochrane who arrived first. To make it easy, and to ing salads or dessert*. Use pine- keep ODDS AND ENDS—The into dates of the ven- don’t see—” University Gregorian calendar, gaps at lintel and threshold for —why—I His chubby face, his mild prosaic y»ur own interest alive, send for of uniform size. Cut them apples has engaged Rudy Vallee varies from 0 to voice ran down. of California September Octo- tilation. They guarded the cubbies Her I said fee- air loosened the atmosphere. He my cook book “Better in halves lengthwise and a Baking." using for a series of lectures before the radio ber 4. that served as attics for tenants of bly: bowed and acknowledged Miss Aga- You’ll find it’s fun to try the fork, scrape out the pulp. (It may class—he'll give practical advice on Mohammedans celebrated Muhar- the Morello. It was against one of “Unless it is a maniac—” tha’s introduction to her niece so recipes for Mountain Muffins, be used later.) Wash and chill the broadcasting and radio showmanship or New on these that I had reeled during my Uncertainty left her. She gave a easily that I think the girl was partly Honey Drop Biscuits, Hot Cinna- cases. Stuff them with fruit, melon Kenny Raker has flown back and ram, Year’s, February dark smile. across the so us- 10 last But it wasn’t the be- struggle with the intruder. I crooked reassured. Then he beamed at me. mon Rolls, and Boston Brown balls or berries. forth country often, year. • • # at that he declares he’s of 1940 for it was thought, as I fumbled with the lock, “Who had designs on Higgins?” “This is in confidence,” he said, Bread. And the family will bless ually night, ginning them; the more and seen less than how brief a scoffed. travelled any- first of 1359. Because the Mo- space by actual meas- she “David, Lyon Ferri- including the whole room in his you when you serve them Lemon Try making edible place cards for day body else Mary Martin would like hammedan is urement, yet how long ago, that had ter is no maniac. He is amazingly smile. “This, my lad, is banner-line Silver Pie! children’s A one calendar arranged dif- Sunnj parties. simple to leave that air show so that she can been. Perhaps if I had been less clever. I told you that this morn- if we can to use it. Did be made out ferently from ours, the new year stuff, get To get the cook book, just send may by cutting cards concentrate on motion picture work clumsy that night, I might have end- see the does not always fall on the same ing.” you Sphere this morning, 10 cents in coin to “Better Bak- of cooking dough 1 by 2 inches in Rill Stern, director of “Sports ed the mystery. I might have saved “But Lyon,” I pointed out, “was of Bake them and has been date according to the calendar in any you?” care of Eleanor 919 size. carefully then Newsreel of the Air,” offered much ing,” Howe, innocent folk danger and dis- in your flat when—” I shook head. I felt the the name of each on a in a radio announc- use by the Christian nations. my sting North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, write guest lecturing post tress. The smell and gloom of the She did not let me finish. voice as she course, u in Allegra's answered: Illinois. his card with thin icing squeezed ing by prominent university. Happy New Year! When will YOU allied themselves with “I I she said. “But He’ll accept if he can time. basement know, know,” “We read the Press.” through a pastry tube. find celebrate? memory to tighten mv nerves so that he did it. He killed the visitor to his /TO HE CONTINUED)