THE METAL BOX
By THOMAS COBB.
(Author of False Pretences," Mrs. Pomeroy's Reputation, de.)·
CHAPTER XVI. THE INDIGNATION OF THERESA.
At twelve o'clock on Tuesday, Theresa Feversham was in tears,
look more than seventeen. The front room was furnished in a heavy, old-fashioned style, and the luncheon things were still on the table.
"Good Lord, Theresa!" exclaim- cd Everard, rising abruptly from an casy chair, obviously astounded. "What the dickens is up?"
a painful ordeal for Foster. The instant she saw his face, she know something had gone wrong,
"I guessed you might feel inter- though she little imagined what. She had been talking to Elias ested to hear," see retorted, "that Feversham and one of his friends Dr. Markwell took the box of jewels when Foster reached the hotel, and to your people yesterday afternoon. alone with him ten minutes later, You're not going to deny that you after her uncle had gone out, she knew they were insured?"
He made a valiant effort to carry was asked whether they could not
it off bravely, and appearances were talk in some less public place.
Going to the bureau, not without were in his favour. His brilliantly a sense of embarrassment, she ask-red hair gave him almost distinc use of ation, and a natural tendency to ed for the temporary private room, and was conducted swagger suited the occasion,
"What's the good," he cried with to ono by a dapper page, on the
a laugh, "if you know?" first floor; a slip of a room, adjoin-
"You lied to me," she persisted. There ing the drawing-room. without beating about the bush, "You allowed me to help in what Foster told her what had taken was actually a crime. You never place the previous day at Park intended to give the wretched things back to Lady Parkinson!"
"Oh, come, old thing, what's the His statement was accepted with- out demur. She made no attempt of piling it up?" he asked
"Sit down and have a cigarette." to question that Lady Parkinson's
"You have robbed me of every jewels had been insured, but cover shred of self-respect," she retorted. ing her face with her hands, broke "And why didn't you tell me you Into rare tears. Watching her palpitating body, he felt more dis-had seen Miss Croom?
"What had that to do with it?
Lane.
tressed than even before, longing Ant may look at a king, you more than anything to take her in know."
his arms.
How many times did you go to "So it comes to this," she cried,
Crescent?" demanded lowering her hands presently. "In-Baynton Theresa. stead of helping Everard to per- form a righteous action, I was! actually assisting in the meanest
of frauds."
"But you had no auspicion” "How do you know?" she de- manded, flinging out her arms in: desperation. "How do you know I wasn't as bad na Everard? That I wasn't in the-the swindle?"
"Because I happen to know you said Foster, but sho laughed in
17
"Only once," he answered, more rarely. "I never went near the bally place again.".
"Did you say what the box con-
tained ?"
he had grown Croom's name was
1 suddenly occured to her that nervous since Miss is face looked paler, and taking mentioned. out a folded handkerchief, he seem- ed to be surreptitiously wiping his palme
4:
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.
BRITISH FILMS FOR
!“QUOTA.”
CHARLIE CHAPLIN GOING
TO LONDON.
AMERICA'S NEW MOVE.
FRIDAY, MARCH 16, · 1928.
WILL DISPUTE,
JUDGE CRITICISES INSURANCE COMPANY'S DOCUMENT.
A testamentary document stated to have been issued by an Insur- ance company was severely critia- ed in the Trobate Division during the hearing of an action coacern- ing the estate of Mrs. Susanna Sprengel, widow, of Cartergate, rimsby, who died on December 25, 1926, leaving $1,100,
According to a cablogram re- ceived from Mr. A. E. Bundy, the chairman of British Instructional, who is at present in New York,. it has now ceased to be "merely a The plaintiffs, Mr. Percy Emil rumour" that Charlie Chaplin will Sprengel and Mrs. Olga Clemen- shortly go to England to make a tine Lee, of Rowland-road, Burns- British picture. Before he sailed, ley, son and daughter of the testa Mr. Bundy was already conducting trix, propounded a will of Febru negotiations to this end with Mr.ary 25, 1920," which was opposed Chaplin. The probability is that by the defendant, Alwine Susanna these are now on the verge of com- Meany, of Deansgrove, Great Grimsby, on the ground that it was pletion:
America Is already taking revoked by a later document. energetic steps to deal with the Mr. Tyndale, for the plaintiffs, situation created by the "queta." and that it was clear from the Mr. Bundy states that he has now will of February, 1920, what were agreed to terms by which British the intentions of the testa Instructional, in addition to its trix, but contained in a printed own enterprises, will make films at its new studios in Welwyn Garden document, which was found after City for a leading American com- her death, were words which ought"
Fox's never to have been there. pany-understood to be these films being, of course, eligible for the "quota" of British films.
"It is a wicked document," said counsel. "It is dated February, 1923, and although dealing only National Quality.
with a little burial money, it Although the capital behind these contains a clause whereby testa- pictures, will be American, it is trix revoked all previous teata- suggested that they will stimulate mentary dispositions. Clearly tos- a healthy rivalry on the part of tatrix never intended to revoke her British-financed "quote" Alms, and will of 1920, but the revocation ment, secure at the same time Increase employ-clause was never brought to her
American technical notice." co-operation, and open the door to the American market. course, that there are other points It has to be admitted, of of view, and that the American capital might have its effect upon the national quality of the pictures themselves, So far, however, as British Instructional is concerned, Mr. Bruce Woolfe, the managing director, may be trusted to see to it that every film made at Welwyn is genuinely British in spirit aa
well as in cast and authorship,
Replying to Mr. Justice Hill, counsel said that the document
pany. was issued by an insurance com-
Mr. Justice Hill-It is, very un- business-like, and I hope the insur- ance company will not pursue the policy of supplying this form of will, which, although dealing only with insurance matters, contains words. of general revocation. It is. most misleading and may lead to all sorts of complications.
Defendant did not contest the The cable from Mr. Bundy also action further, and after formal states that "the film industry in proof of the execution of the will America is expecting the extension of protective measures in other of February 25, 1920, his Lordship countries," and is "inclined to meet pronounced in favour of this will. Empire markets from England."
The "Falklands" film, which was presented for a special season at the Cameo, New York; was, adds Mr. Bundy, "highly commended by BCOITI.
You thought you knew me be turned, "I said I was a pal of Hill-dreds were unable to obtain ad- "If you want to know," he r" On the opening night "hun- fore," she insisted. "How can you yard's, that I had run up against mittance." tell? I may have been aiding and him in New York, and been asked abetting him. You can't feel perto get the box and post it to him. fectly certain. It's inevitable there should be a doubt in your mind. there. But the old woman wasn't The suspicion is bound to occur to you. You will ask yourself-is she what I thought that odious morning at Treadwell Mansion? After all, you will tell yourself, I've only her own word."
"That stands before everything," Foster assured her. "Your word is indisputable, but, frankly," he added, "I don't trust l'arkinson an inch. He went to Baynton Crescent on the Blonday before tho. murder. How do I know he wasn't there on the actual night?"
"You're you're never insinuat- ing that-that he killed Miss
taking any, and if she hadn't been done in a few days later, I should simply have turned it up.
"Everard," said Theresa, "where you that Thursday evening?" "I dined at the Criterion,' answered promptly.
"What time did you leave there," "A little after nine -" "Where did you go afterwards?" Theresa demanded.
"Hungtingtower."
1
DR. MARIE STOPES.
LEGAL DIFFICULTY FOLLOWS LIBEL ACTION.
The libel action brought by Mr. Messrs. Welsh Pearson state that Gwynne, Editor of the Morning they signed contract with Post, against Dr. Marie Stopes Famous-Lasky for the distribution was mentioned to Mr. Justice of three British feature-films to be Avory in the King's Bench Division. Mr. Gwynng was awarded £200 produced in 1928. This arrange- hement followed upon the recent com-dumages and costs against Dr. piction of "Huntingtower," with Marle Stopes for libel contained in Sir Harry Lauder as the grocera letter which she wrote to the hero. Sir Harry will play the Duke of Northumberland, and principal part also In one of the complaining that an advertisement the withdrawn from had been three forthcoming films.
Among "quota" pictures already Morning Post.
Mr. O'Connor, representing Mr. acquired by Famous-Lasky are n series of two-reel pictures based Gwynne, said that difficulty had upon the "Sexton Blake" detective arisen in regard to drawing up stories, upon which Mr. George the form of judgment. The de
was Gued' as Maric Banfield, of British Filmcraft Pro-fendant ductions, is now preparing to start Carmichael Stopes, by which name Mr. George A. Cooper to direct entored an appearance as Marie Burton will play the namepart,
Ho hesitated now. "To the Alhambra," he said at Inst.
}
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JURIES REFUSE. DUTY.
MUTE OF MALICE IN THE DUBLIN COURT.
Two juries figured in remarkable incidents at the Central Criminal Court, Dublin, recently..
When two young men, Sean Rug-
"Did you meet anybody you knew?"
"Look here, Theresa," he ex- Croom?" she cried, with an exclaimed, what the deuce are you pression of consternation.
"There's a case for inquiry, any driving at? Do you think I killed work. Mr. Bonfield has engaged the was generally known. She sell and Michael Price, were charged
how," anid Foster. "I see now that I ought to have told Pow about the
the woman?"
"Dr. Markwell may," she answer- ed significantly, and saw his excess
of excitement.
nume
Theresa stood with her Up drawn/Che police will soon be able to observation as possible smallpox Roe.
contents of the box at once. Know- ing what I do now about Parkin- son, how can I keep quiet any longer? And even if I do it's pro-; bable Monica Railton won't." in between her small, even teeth. She ought not, Foster told himself, to be mixed up in auch a squalid affair. The part did not suit her. Her low, wide forehead was full of wrinkles us she looked up into his
face.
she
"Why should he? sald Everard. "I wasn't near Haverstock Hill." "No doubt," murmured Theresa, satisfy themselves you were not,"
"The police!" shouted Everard, suddenly losing his self-control.
"I have not the slightest doubt," she said, "that Dr. Markweli in- tends to go to Scotland Yard:"
"Damn him, her mustn't.' sold. Everard insisted. "Theresa; you'll "Dr. Markwell," "Everard had nothing to do with have to put a stopper on that. Do Miss Croom's death. He behaved you hear? Whatever you do, you abominably. I shall never forgive mustn't let him"
him. But he's not capable of striking a woman, to say nothing of murdering her."
"How can I prevent him?" she naked, "even if I were willing to try 7"
Foster felt that she wished him to go. She would feel embarrassed sake," cried
contacts. It has been discovered that an Italian Iransferred from another institution was suffering from the disease.
LETTER GOLF SOLUTION.
Here is the solution to the .. puzzle on another page.
TIME TURE
Was given
Try Again.
Mr. Justice O'Byrne: What is your difficulty?
the
ROBOTS IN THE OFFICE.
Suppose our business man on holiday wished to send cheques, That problem also is solved. The Protectograph signs cheques for him. One can only hope, that one
TYPEWRITING IN SECRET of the Robots does not make away with one of these cheque machines with the object of taking ita Robot girl out to dinner,
CODE.
MODERN MARVELS.
If a business man attended the
go to the South of France while. these mechanical Robots took over his work.
have
Secret Code Machines. Anybody who wishes to carry While the manager was basking on his correspondence in In- In the sun a machine in his office violable secrecy can buy one of the
ever
It should be mentioned that the cheque signer signs six cheques at a time at the rate of 150 per minute. What glorious over- this séries, and Mr. Langhorne Charlotte Carmichael Stopes, but with having assisted in the forma Business Efficiency Exhibition, Idrafts for the banks!
in an affidavit which she swore her tion of a military force, contrary which opened at the Holland Park
to the law, and with being members Hall on February 15th, and 'de As for tolephone subscribers Marie 48 Carmichael Stopes, and when she of that illegal organisation, they recided to instal at his office all the whose daily grievances in the fused to answer when asked to labour-saving machines to be London area alone would all a of the Holborn Institution at was Marie Carmichael Stopes, and
The inmates, numbering 1,000, gave evidence she said her name plead.
is doubtful book, there is a new hope. The
Post Office A jury was then sworn in to de-found there, It
whether he would require any staff
authorities Shoreditch, are being kept under that she was the wife of Mr. II. Velde whether they were "mute of at all, There would certainly be installed an automatic exchange
Consequently, he now asked his malice or by visitation of God."
phone is worked.” Superintendent Ennia stated he an army of typists and clerks out to show how "the up-to-date tele- This can of work. Lordship to allow that the writ was aware that the men could speak,
Many of the machines are so apparently not be done so success- and, subsequent proceedings might and after a long retirement the jury intelligent that it la possible that fully on the telephones supplied to be amended by substituting such returned with the intimation that formula as he and counsel for they could not agree, and that there the office manager himself might the rank and file of the public. the defendant might agree upon.
was no possibility of agreement. Mr. Melville, K.C., for Dr. Stopes, said there was now no differencé between them if the amendment might stand that Dr. Stopes was sued as Marie Carmichael Stopes, The jury remained silent, and in London would be opening the most ingenious machines wife of Mr. H. V. Roe... It was in were directed by the judge to again day's mail at the rate of 30,000 invented. It has a typewriter at each end with most complicated that form she brought proceedings, retire. Again they reappeared, envelopes per hour.
You foreman said. Meanwhile, if there was any staff machinery in the centre. und judgment in those proceedings and again was entered against her on a "There is no possible chance of left, a time lock would be showing typewrite the message at one end; the times when the office door was it then passes through something former occasion. He understood agreement."
over a million combinations, and there would be no trouble in the Mr. Justice O'Byrne looked at his locked and unlocked."
Another machine writes, adds, appears typewritten at the other Writ Ofoe if that course were watch and said, "It is a very long taken.
day, gentlemen, and I will ask you cross-adds and subtracts, and ond as a maze of letters. No one when the 30,000 letters, after these letter ever appears twice the same to retire again."
When they had disappeared a little flights in mathematics, were in the code, so that it is impos- young man named James Donnelly answered, an addressing machine sible to obtain a key. was indicted; he, too, made no re- would put itself into, action. ply when asked to plead, and a jury prints the letters, fills in the name was sworn to decide the same point and address, signs the letter and BENSON' NOVEL STAGED.
as in the previous case. They, also, addresses the envelope.... returned, saying they could not Eastbourne, Feb. 14.
"Exit the Postage Stamp." agree. "The Luck of the Vails," the
Bave further Donnelly: Tó
"But who would go and buy the and less than a quarter of an hour think you must be the most despic
"Evorard," retorted Theresa, "I
dramatised version of Mr. E, F, trouble, I will plead guilty.
atamps and lick them on?" you "I don't know anything of the Benson's novel, was produced last A juror rose, apparently to ex- Inter, left the hotel.
|--Ong of the greatest triumps for might ask.. She could not rest till she had ably mean persen in all the world. kind," she murmured, dushing night at the Devonshire Park plain.
That MI
Ja easy. "Exit the the British manufacturer is a new "Not a bit," he answered.
vividly. Been Everard, told him he was
Theatre, Eastbourne, and had a
Oath Disregarded. "He'll do anything if only you good reception,
Postage Stamp," says the Neopost. calculating machine that will adi, found out, heard where he had only want to make you see you're
Mr. Justice O'Byrne (sternly):]
change pounds ask him in the right way. What- spent the evening of Thursday, the in it too-up to the neck.""
This is the first of the noted Will you sit down, air? I will dis- The device claims to frank 3,000 subtract, and Tenth. She had declared that he "I will never speak to you again ever it costs, you've got to keep him author's works to be presented on charge you, and in doing so I may letters an hour when operated by sterling into dollars, france and had nothing to do with that as long as I live," she said, but as quiet, Good Lord! Imagine him any stage. It is hero being pro- say that th adopting the attitude hand and 7,000 per hour when lira all at the same time, and
she turned to the door, he darted in the witness box!
How would duced by Mr. Archibald de Bear, which you have taken you have operated by electricity. This is perform algebrafe calculations horrible crime, but nevertheless forward, planting himself against you feel while he gives his account and is having a trial run before acted, and must have acted, in dis not quite such a good average as with a turn of a handle. longed for evidence of his in-
of the nice little game you played, presentation in London.. nocence. She had
regard of the oath you have taken, the latter opener with its 30.000 nover ontered the panels. Cliff Street before, but the matter "My God," he exclaimed, "you and who do you think will belleve
In the cast are Donald Calthrop, in disregard of the law under which per hour, but in defence of the Neopost it must be added that
The Minister of Agriculturo an- was too urgent to permit of must speak to Markwell. Theresa, you had nothing to gain by it?"
"flow" she demanded "could Mr. Felix Aylmer, Mr. Bruco Bel you live,"
Subsequently the jury in the while working it keeps a constant nounces that he proposes to issue ceremony. She understood that I swear I know no more about the
frage, Mr. Patrick Waddington, economy led him to lunch in his old woman's death than you do anyone believe I wanted to gain, Betty Schuster, and Mr. Russell and Price case was request record of the number of letters draft regulations for the purposea.
But all the same, I should find my anything"
of the Fertilisers and Feeding rooms, but if he were not at home self in an infernally awkward bole,
Even better. This appealing Stuffs Act, 1926, dealing with "Oh, well," retorted: Everard, George Hewetson and Lady Treo.ed to return to court. They said and the cost of postage. she would try again during the Innocent men have been convicted half sneering, half laughing, "my afternoon.
man, has a difficult part, but he Ho lodged on a second floor over before to-day. If Markwell goes gratitude, anyhow.
plays it extremely well. An in- regard to what you tell me, I can "The machine is so designed that the manner of mariding parcels, to Scotland Yard, I'm done. Ha a discreet looking chemist's shop mustn't go. You can do what you
teresting feature was that the only come to the conclusion that a neat and conspicuous advertise-limits of variations, and several and on ringing the bell at the like with him There's not
(The characters in this story are special scienco decorations were by some of your body are acting per-ment changeable at will, can be other matters. The intention is to private door, It was opened by a second to be lost. You know the to living persons is intended.j
entirely imaginary and no reference the on, Ian Campbell-Gray, son versely, and in disregard of the oath printed at the same moment as bring the Act into operation on
and law, I now discharge you.. the franking."
July 1. nently dressed girl who did not lighter's gone on you."
of Baroness Gray.
"You'd better-for. your own Everard. "Don't if Elias Faversham should return flatter yourself you wouldn't be to Rad her closeted with himself, ragged in! Markwell, confound and now he held out his hand, leavim, would tell the whole story ing her in the private rooms, with from the first. How you used your a suspicion that her tears would power of fascination to beguile him break forth again the instant she your flat, how many times he was Imagine was alone. At luncheon, Elins there alone with you!
friends, on both aldes, Feversham wondered what in the your world had been happening during niggering over the details. Pic his absence. Her eyes looked red,ture the headlines. What a scoop Elias Feversham's rivals. for her tongue was tied. As soon as he rose from the table, she insist-Trust them to work up the story
for all it's worth." engagement,
of that she had an
T
TARE
TART PART
(To be continued.)
Mr. Justice Avory Very well. His Lordship ordered that each side should pay its own costs in the application.
.
It
When the meaningless array of letters reaches the proper recipf ent, however, who is of course. armed with a similar machine, he types the received message, and it le decoded without the slightest hesitation or error.
Donald Calthrop, as the old mad they were still able to agree
Mr. Justice on Having notice la blazoned on the stand: methods of sampling and analysis,