THE CHINA MAIL, SATURDAY,' JANUARY 20, 1951.
11
BEGINNING TODAY-NEW
SERIAL THRILLER BY
MILDRED SNOW GLEASON
Blind Voyage
EDDY RAYNOR, "Don't be an Idiot!"
her
T
self
tell
acted
CABIN NO
Teddy Dr Smitling resumed his have dinner together the fol- aided-who picked them out?" machine he had made might be dark
but hair snapped,
she looked place behind his desk.
lowing evening.
"Your father and Mr turned to wicked uses. I be- "Briefly, the situation 15 Teddy, on reaching home, Albright were constantly tousled, came into pleased.
on lleve that the unknown sponsor Aunt Ekic War
beaming this," he began precisely, "The was met by the maid in
the the lookout breakfast the
for cases that the of this cruise is an ex-mcm- "We're glad to see you, Hugo cruise of the Golden Gull, front hall,
society might beneft, and also ber who wants for some evil room yawning like a small
don't mind Theodora.
"There's a Mr Graham here received Sit though publicly advertised, wili kitten and blinking a little down and us about your be more or less exclusive. That to see you, miss. I told him you the various members. The mem- ex-members."
suggestions from the purpose, to bring together the is, we are not accepting appli- were out, but he insisted on bers in the strong May sunlight
He settled into a chair and, cations indiscriminately,
as agents under "I'm not an ex-member!" ! The waiting. And he looked all orders-they that poured through the
were given soon, he and Teddy were re cruise is being privately spon- right, so I"
as Teddy pointed out. "Neither is miniscing and comparing notes sored by a man who wishes to
signments windows of the apartment.
and received ta- Hugo Albright, the young man "You know you shouldn't let structions as to how to proceed. who was with ma at Dr Smit- "Good morning, Aunt on what they had been doing make his passenger list selec- strangers In, Mary," Teddy Then,
since they had last seen each tive."
they turned in reports. ting's office today." Elsie."
rebuked other.
I was Agent No. L" her Removing
bat, she
"Who were some of the other moved to the living-room door- members?" way. She paused there in sur- prise.
had Her visitor, who risen at her appearance, the
she had same man going into Dr Smitting's office.
table.
"Who is this man?"
Hugo
The neat, smartly dress-
the It was during a lull in ed older woman, already conversation that his eye hap- demanded. seated at the table, looked poned to fall on the cruise ad-
vertisement half affectionately, half re- place
placed prouchfully, at her sleepy and untidy niece, at the un- combed curls, at the belt of housecoat trailing on the floor behind her.
"Theodora, couldn't you least use a comb before break- fast?"
"I don't know." that Teddy had "You don't know!" exclaim- the on
living-room ed Teddy
"No he prefers to
her
at
"Um, yes-perhaps," the girl murmured.
remain
seen
"We were unknown to can another except by number. Was and we did not meet. We dealt and directly with say your father and Mr Albright At least, that was the way your Kather
wished things to be though there may have been some who came, in time, to know one another."
Teddy hesitated, then moved
into the
TOOM! The
traordinary
up
to
ibe
make 11-
*2
"No but you are the chi}- dren of the founders of aroused your interest in some society. I gather that Sitting special way. But I believe that "I say!" he exclaimed. "Have unknown for the precent. He
the name, the Golden Gull, was you been getting those things, has dealt with me through his too-with the queer letter from bank, a reputable house which
given to the yacht and played a fellow named Smitting?" vouches for
in an advertisement of the Smitling him."
cruise for the definite purpose named the bank, and produced
the attention of some papers to back up his slowly
of attracting statements. "He engaged me to stranger bowed, "Miss Raynor "It all sounds a bit too ex- ex-members of the society and
causing them he been after you?"
Teddy's eyes widened. "Has organise the cruise."
most peculiar way of de- His voice was quiet, cultured. claimed Teddy.
my name is Denis Graham.
to be true!" ex- quiries. It may interest you to ing business!" snorted Hugo.
know that only certain per- "It was extraordinary," Gra- "I'm sorry to have more or less "Yes!" Hugo drow from his "But you still haven't told me
sons are being accepted but it ham agreod. "It was fantastic forced
way in, pocket
bright yellow en- why you had the audacity 10
Others passengers. that I but it was a gloriously good that the bookings are full." volope and handed to her. allude to
really was important father in your my "Here! Read this!"
don't scold adventure!" last letter."
you. Please "This man was an old friend your mald." Teddy opened the letter and
of your father's, cald Dr Smit- He was very attractive, Ted- Icad:
"Also of Miss
dy decided.
"But what has all this to do Raynor's Mr
You ting. Albright:
father.
I received instructions,
"That's quite all right," she with Dr Smitting's cruise?" Miss have ignored my previous let for that reason to try in par sald, taking a chair. "What can Graham became very solemn. If you will call at my ters, but let me urge Rayr.or:
you fleular to interest you two in
I do for you?
"Miss Raynor, I'm convinced office any day between nine and again to consider taking this
He wants
He said slowly, "I'm afraid that there is more than mere very flve you will learn something cruise. Your father, if he were the cruise.
have
in the you you
are going to think me coincideence in the fact that the of the alive, would wish It.
If you much to concerning the cruise
very impertinent, but I must name of the yacht, the Golden Golden Gull that would greatly will get in touch with me, party," interest you
Sin shall explain personally. cerely, John Smitung.
Then her blue eyes became wide awake as she suddenly glanced at the mall beside her
friend again!" Shc laughed and held up a bright yellow envelope.
platey
"Listen to this one, Auntie." She read aloud: "Dear
"Humph" said Aunt Elsie, "Just an ordinary advertising trick!"
Teddy glanced at the clipping. It was an advertisement similar to others she had received:
THE GOLDEN GULL CALLS YOU!
De Luxe Three-Week Cruise Aboard Luxurious Motor Yacht.
Every Day a Surprise! Sailing June 13th From New York,
"Dear
"How
extra
sald Teddy, "I mean the reference
to
your father" "Yes," said Hugo.
"That's
"This gets
and queeter what got me. I'd thrown away not introduce himself and tell queerer," said Hugo. "Why the other letters. But the per- us openly that he wants us as sonal touch in this one made
оп guests me sit up and take notice. In fact, I even had a detective agency here in New York get the low-down on Smit
-er-paying cruise?"
bis
Dr Smitting shrugged. gather he is rather an eccen- tric person."
SEC
Tisk
עננה
are fold
**But how does the sponsor of the cruise know whom he
bers
wants it, as you say, the mem- of the society were known to one another?”
"My explanation," sald is that this person Graham, -whoever he may
be-got access in some way to your
father's papers and got hold of of the members.
a secret list
that. Miss Raynor are Gull, is the same as the name you thinking of joining the of your father's secret society. I said, you know, that cruise of the Golden Gull?" ... Shortly before his death, he Katber
Dr Smitting tell you disbanded the organisation be of double-crossing him."
that?"
"Did
cause he suspected some agent "No. He did not mention you, or agents of double-crossing **Then..
him and he feared that the
01
at
for her.
Two
A
your
suspected some agent
(TO BE CONTINUED ON MONDAY)
of her sons
won the
.
V.C.
MOTHER who was the Zeebrugge Mole in the England died last week heroic St George's Day raid of
1918.
"I recognised you coming out of his office and put two and two together." Graham smiled faintly. "You must realise, course, that the society pages "What did they find
have made you very well "Apparently he runs a bona-
known." Ade, perfectly reputable travel Teddy suddenly laughed. Teddy dismissed this last bureau, The only odd thing "Hugo, it may simply be some- Impatiently. “And if I am con-
is one's idea of a lark...Dr Smit- sidering the cruise, what " they found out about him that he's a retired doctor- ting, who are some of the "What business ta mean, it
seems queer that other people he has asked you mine?" bo Anished physician
would give up his to contact?"
"That is a difficult question& mother who passed to He died on the Mole, making profession to Tun a. Iravel
to answer."
her sons the traditions of fast the ship Iris II., which was burcau. What has he been Smitting smited smugly. "One writing to you?"
big shot John Carper,
"I should think it might bel" our island story, the virtue, carrying the storming party. It Teddy described the peculiar millionaire. I'm pleased to say
Teddy said bluntly. "But 1 the strength, and the was his 31st birthday. letters she had been receiving. I've already succeeded in book- have no reason for not admit-
ting that I may take the courage. Then she asked: "Are you, ing hun. Also Cell Stoddard thinking of and his wife." Any chance, "Hello!"
she
exclaimed. taking the cruise?" "Here's note from Hugo Albright.
You remember Hugo, don't you Auntie?"
"Johnson
For details, write to John
Smitting, Fifth Ave.,
New York City.
Terky, with a shrug, laid the clipping aside and started opening the rest of her mail. by
A
021
"I might have a vacation
most
the
"America's
famous playboy," murmured Teddy, "Hugo, it sounds rather intri-
guing
"It sounds to me like a mat ter for the police! Hugo cut in bluntly.
coming to me about that time. At any rate, while I'm here. I thought I'd call on Smitting and sco what he has to say. means, Mr curiosity is piqued."
Albright's boy? That rod-headed monkey who used to get you into all kinds Dd mischief when Fl were children
read through the note. Teddy "He's here from Chicago business wants to
come and see me. Gosh! I haven't seen him since he went away to college. He was still as fresh paint then. Unicss ho's changed, I don't know whether
and 1 want to see him or not."
"Theodora, you must! John- jiffy!" son Albright was your father's best
What has
as
"All right!" she said sudden- 13. 111 go with you! I'm in- trigued, toot Let's morning! Can you?"
"Fine!" said Hugo,
head
cruise."
"Don't." Teddy stared at him. He had spoken so emphatically that it was almost ridiculous.
Grief and pride
James won an MC. before he died of wounds In 1917.
One returned
Mrs Amy Bradford. ved most of her B1 years in the hardy
There was left only Thomas. North, in County Durham,
Her four sons absorbed her For him, a D.S.O. for gallantry In France and a return to a new, character, her personality.
They grow up in the spacious postwar world, to a life spent service. days towards the end of the largely in the public reign of enother English in 100 he became Sir Thomas, mother, Queen Victoria.
The son's story is told in the "I am afraid I don't under-
50-copy Gamesmen all, they lived the Bradford Book-a "Go to the police, by all
stand
carefree life of the young and
record produced by Mr Albright," suld
Graham Jeaned forward, healthy through the carly years friends. Smiting, quite unrulled,
But no one thought of record-" "Miss Raynor, did your father of the 20th century. rose. "Come along,
Ing the story of the woman get out of ever tell you that he was the this here.
head of a secret society-tho
whose English spirit went to Until the Kaiser's Order of the Golden Gull?” Just a
war war in the persons of her boys. moment, old hot-
Thomas, the eldest, reported to
Sho was born in 1859, sald Teddy, startled.his regiment, the Durham Light daughter of a Kentish farmer. "No," turned to Dr Teddy Teddy jumped up. "I'll go Smitting. "How much does "Did-did σου know
change. Be with you in a this cruise cost?"
my Infantry; James and Roland, the A 25 she
she married a Durham father?"
youngest, joined him. George colliery owner. After 28 years' "Yes-and He gave her some figures,
I've decided to chose the Navy, entirely divp.
"Hmm..
marriage and matherhood she For Mrs Bradford those four was widowed. un.....rather expensive! tell you what I know about Hugo proved of Teddy's and Huro's However....I think it over." activities in connection
with war
ears, were years of grieft decision.
At 91 she went to the theatre "Do, Miss Raynor. Do?"
that secret society, now dis and prkie.
at Folicestone. Her grandson, has some sort of
them Smitting bowod
out, banded, for I believe it has Roland won repiled Teddy, and Teddy left the apartment, with a smile that was a little bearing
an early M.C. actor George Bradford, was job out there," repil
"Mr Albright
on this cruise being His qualities earned him to keep Aunt Elsie was still protesting too ingratiating.
a playing in Dear Miss Phoebe. organised by Dr Smitting.” brigadier-generalship at 25. At She wanted Dad and me posted on his but Teddy just laughed at her
to see how he He paused and Teddy walted 25 he won a V.C. on the Somme, looked in uniform. doings, but I've lost track of as she kissed her good-bye.
A year him since
later he was killed, Mr Albright died-- John
curiously for him to go on. Smitting's travel
Sald Sir Thomas last night: "Your
father," he resumed, fronically, by a stray German "Neither Well, rl be bureau proved to be a Daki, then
small,
her her spirit nor behind As they passed through the "was a romantic adventurer shall deop
the battle health ever failed her until she curious, anyway, to see what unpretentious suite of offices, he's like
but the reception room was at- outer office, 171011 entered to the core. The Order of the line.
became ill last week-end. She the 'him sooner
For George - the She
perfectly Golden Gul was the result of than tractively furnished, and there from
family's enjoyed every minute of hör As a lleut-com- she expected. She and her was an air of dignity
distinguished his adventurous spirit. He and second V.C. about taflared, rather bad
breakfast the place. finished aunt
looking man of about forty. At his friend, Johnson Albright, mander he was the first man on -{London Ezyhén Service) ATK moved into the living A low minutes
he hesitated founded the mclety and direct- later they right of Toddy,
ed its operations." ber middle-aged speak, and it seemed to
face that
come an add expression
friend!
bean doing
Oh, be
and
in Chicago?"
now.
BOW
used
Aunt Elsie
When, half an hour later, he
Jona
મ
bril-
room when the maid appeared, were ushered into an inner as though he were going to do you know all this?"
office. A Innky
"Because man, with a cadaverous
I was one of the and shiny bald head, rose from into his eyes. Then he passed charter members.”
on toward the reception desk. "What was the object of this "There's a young man to see his desk to greet them,
"Ah, Miss Raynor......and
Hugo,
said Toddy, as they mysterious society?"! you, Miss Theodora, Aa Mr
Mr Albright," he said slikily, went down in : the elevator, Teddy.. Albright."
"Tell him I can't seo him!" "I am delighted to see you! "need you have been quite so Teddy sald indignantly. "Tell But I am a bit surprised that rude to Dr Smitting?"
you come together?
Sbe broke off, gaping. Hugo Afbright had como walking unceremoniously into the room. "Hello, Theodoral How do
you do. Miss Rarnot?"
dish hair, Huro stood grinning in with my friend, Miss Ray- ought to steer
them impishly.
see your 10, to learn the reason for the thing.".
"Well, Harol
Teddy said squrtically.
most unbusinemlike and
clear of tho
+
...."Ita
to
asked
don't like "him," paid Hugo. "And I hope you didn't mean what you said about con- usual charity in unusual ways, purpose was to do un- aldering this crazy cruise:"
"Oh, but I did! I haven't any justice. A great deal of purely right wrongs and actilevé "I'm in town on business," plans for June, and my curio-
"And I've alty is aroused."
Anabelal assistance was given A tall young man, with red- Hugo said curtly:
taken the opportunity to come So is mine--but I think we money had nothing to do with where needed, but frequently
the case. Those aided come from every walk of life-rich manners kaven't improved!" conventional letters' you kovo "Well, let's forget it now and and poor. Help of all ports Ted was given to those worthy of Hugo, a twinkle in his eye, been writing to both of us in bave ecmo lunch," sald
crudso
it who were in difficulty of one regard to this
you'ro ty,
Over the luncheon table, in kind or another. Often
nearby restaurant,
they source of the assistance was the recipients, I know Theadora wouldn't see air....if you will picars bo dy made no protest when Hugo and often ald was rendered in
held her hand. explain be mo unicas and I simply acoted, I shall try to
strange, fairy-tale ways, Thi couldn't wall to see what the satisfactorily.
They lingered a long time appealed to Jour father's JERTE baro, dene to the little "Picano do" bald Hugo. "I'm over the meal, corning rchic romantic nature." ghi 1 tax is her first dance." particularly interested in know- tant to part. It was well post It sounds 1the Father" He turned toward : Todor, ina just why you referred to the idle, of the afternoon Teddy murmured. But how "She's quite a young lady now my father in the lost letter you when they finally separated, was all this accomplished? And after making an engagement, so who sound the persons to be «Jan't, “she'r And weyli prettyli wrote me **
was bowing over. Aunt she's menlika?". Dr· Smit- a
Hand,
"Forgive me Mins Raynor,
for bursting like this, but ting looked pained, "My dear talked of themselves, and Ted- unknown
10
the
when its.
e,"
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