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TEA SERIAL STORY MURDER IN CONVOY BY A. W. O'BRIEN CHAPTER 1 "I regret to state, Gentlemen," aid the commodore presiding at Troopship Convoy MX Conference, "thai, the British Intelligence has obtained positive information that a. Nazi agent will be among, the 10,000 troops sailing with us to- morrow ..." Across the expanse of mahogany table the Sea DORS' bronzed faces failed to register any emotion. Only by their neglected cigar ashes and strained postures could you detect the suppressed excite- ment among the gathering of Ca- nadian and British naval officers. Theh- goldbraided sleeves revealed three held the rank of captain. The speaker and one other were "Wavy Navy" men admirals of 1914-18, who bad taken voluntary demotion to commodore rank in order to serve again. "This Nazi agent," the marble- faced commodore continued in a dull monotone, "is reported to be a member of one of the units. It is obviously Impractical at this late date to start an investigation of the 20,000 soldiers, so he'll have to come along. His mission is pofi- libly designed as a suk-ide chore most likely to get Information to the enemy in some fashion that will bring about an attack on the convoy. * "Sinking a troopship under full naval guard would undoubtedly please Mr. 'Hitler no end. Tour alertness at all times during the voyage should prevent any uch unfortunate occurrence. Now . . ." the commodore fingered a sheaf of papers. "Now I have a surprise for you. there la lying in the basin a large merchant ship convoy waiting to all. It will start at dawn. The 11 troopships will leave oh a separate ctiedule later In the day and Join the merchant men at a rendezvous as provided in your Sealed Orders and then take up Formation L . ." - There was a murmur of protest. These Sea Dogs knew the perils of this unprecedented move fast ocean greyhounds and ponderous freighters milling around perhaps hi a heavy sea. The commodore tot the kettle boil before resum- ing: "It's unprecedented and the Navy realizes th task lying ahead but It to all part of a plan the nature ISSUE 13 '42 of which I am not at liberty to di- vulge. I shall now usher in the captains of the merchantmen sail- ing with you for the purpose of discussing convoy details." The gold-braided officers rose a a group of weather-beaten skip- pers, many fidgeting in unaccus- tomed storched collars and wearing shiny blue serge suits, entered the board room. Shyly they took the places offered them, and you could sense the common bond between these humble rulers of the plodding freighters and the neatly groomed commanders of the sleek warships. They were cooperating factors in keeping the Atlantic lifeline open. The skippers to whom adventure had long since become routine found supreme satisfaction in every cargo delivered. The naval officers, they knew, stood ready to die in their defense. A lieutenant- commander called the roll In crisp tones: "Master Lowestoft, Landover Castle . . Master Peterson, Maid- stone . . .Master Tangmere, Dover Queen . . Master Samuels, Chel- tenham Maid" . . . and as he did so, each Master replied- "Aye, aye, Sir!" Pour mimeographed sheets were passed to each man in the room. They curried the names of the vessels, the time schedule of leav- ing the basin, the time gap that would result If any ship failed to follow Its preceding ship sharp on the minute, the course to be fol- lowed after passing the submarine gate, when the joint convoy would form and what signal code was to be followed In zlg-zaggtng across the ocean. "The freighters take the outer lanes," the commodore stated in discussing the items, "to provide added protection for the liners. In return you will be protected by the heaviest naval escort in his- tory!" The commander of the Atlantic Coast was then called upon to de- scribe the protective measures un- der in* Jurisdiction ... the flights ot Stranraer flying boats that would be combing the Inlets while the minesweepers worked ahead of the convoy out of the harbor . . . the R. C. A. F. bomber-reconnais- sance planes flying almost to mid- ocean as an anti-sub measure. He concluded by introducing Captain Leedacouirt, V.C., who would com- mand the escorting warships. . * . .M.I.I '.,i Leedscourt was amazing- ly mi like a naval hero who had won the Victoria Cross In 1917 for sink- Ing an enemy battleship in its home harbor by tying a torpedo to the side of a motorboa.t and enter- Ing under cover of darkness. Only about 43, he wore old-fashoned "sideboards" down each cheek. He flipped a white silk handkerchief from one sleeve and coughed into it lightly before arising to begin semi-aipologetically : "It will be my job, gentlemen, to protect, you If attacked . . ." Without employing a single ex- cess word he outlined a plan of action "that has already met with considerable success." He explained that If attacked by surface craft be "would hit with the full force at uiy command while you must follow your Sealed Orders." "And now you are asked to lis- ten more closely this is an im portant command to all Cargo carrying ships in the convoy as <k "She was irritable and cranky too! She didn't know that too much tea and coffee was giving her caffeine nerves . . . until someone suggested switching to Postum. That spelled my doom." Mt . T>N . Co fc eNervM If you Milf. i ham jangled nerves and t". , I upKt tnd Irrinbil try drinking Pontum in plc of Ma uid coltce. Deli. ion-, and conomical, it has no c(lin til-, i on the hraft or nervat. Get Pojtum from your grocer. FOCTUM WU a* Ui troopship*. If uu H> | more of you iiimilii be attacked by a submarine, all other vessel* must proceed at full speed AWAY from the torpedoed ship or ships, leaving the survivors to their fate temporarily at least. The pur- pose U to curtail loss to an abso- lute minimum. Stationary ships would provide too good a target for even the poorest of U-boat marksmen." The commodore tugged at Capt Leedscourt's sleeve. They whisper- ed together for a few seconds be- fore the captain spoke again: "I have Just beeu reminded, gen- tlemen, that one of you ship mas- ters commands a trawler . ." He looked around the room. A deep voice boomed from the far corner: ' "Aye, sir, I command the Locli Lomond." The -Scot's rich burr seemed to please the captain. "My compliments, sir, to your- self and the good Loch Lomond. I'm sure any vessel bearing so stout a name would relish the task I have in mind. Would you volun- teer to sail at the extreme rear of the convoy and pause to pick up any survivors In case of emerg- ency? It is barely possible that a .submarine would risk staying be- hind long enough to attack a traw- ler that and the lowness of your vessel in the water would mak the target a poor one for him. However, it is entirely voluntary and I cannot . . ." The old tar was on his feet, beaming like a harvest moon: "On behalf of the Loch Lomond, air, I accept the post. She'i always happy to help out the Navy!" * * Tie room echoed with deep- throated, good-natured laughter. The friendly rivalry between the two services was never so superb- ly evident. The captain flashed a mile at the commodoru. "And the Navy is grateful," ills tone sobered. "In conclusion, I must point out to you that should your vessel or vessels be over- taken by serious engine trouble, or should faulty navigation, or bad weather cause you to lag behind the convoy, you must proceed as beat you can to whatever port you may choose. The escort's duty It PERT HOME OR SPORT FROCK By Anne Adams Make yourself a whole ward- robe of smart home or sports frocks from this one pattern 4006 by Anne Adams. It slips on and off easily, irons easily, stitches up quickly! Sec the clever front buttoning, the com- fortable collarless neckline* and set-in belt . . . Soft gathers be- low the yoke add just the right amount of "action ease." Make one up in a strawberry print to wear about the house and auoUu'r, using bright color contrast, for an active sports frock. White pique with red pockets, yoke and belt would be so vivacious use the square neckline shown. Gathers instead of darts above thu waist are optional, also long sleeves. . . Let the Sewing Instructor help you if you're not expert with your needle. Pattern 4006 is available in misses' and women's sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42. Size 16 takes 3Vfe yarda 35-inch fabric. Send twenty cents (20c) in coins (stamps cannot be accepted) for this Anne Adams pattern to Room 421, 73 Adelaide St. West, Toronto. Write plainly size, name, address and stylo luimbor. ie ivm.mi with the main convoy ml stragglers cannot be given pro- tection. "Somewhere around mid-ocean, a heavy ecort from the Koyal Navy in i-.n.iiiu accompanied by an air- craft carrier, will meet the con- voy. They will relieve the Royal Canadian Navy escort as well a* some of the Royal Navy ships as- signed to special duties from that point." The commodore took over. "Tbere is only one more matter to brine before this conference. You are under strlcteet secrecy orders in being informed that we have good reason to believe a very forceful attempt is to be made by the <*nemy at^iome time during this crossing to attack the convoy end particularly the troopship*. "I cannot divulge any further de- tails but the Information is suffi- ciently urgent to prompt an order from the Admiralty that all freigh- ter captains be given full oppor- tunity to withdraw from the con- voy without any reflection upon themselves. If they remain they must do so under complete auth- ority of the escort command and be prepared to sacrifice themselves, it need be, for the safety of the troopships, if any desire, to with- draw, please do so now." He looked around the room. No on moved. A salty smile wrinkled the captain's "sideboards": "In which circumstanottt gentle- men, I find nothing further to oc- cupy this conference's atUntlon other than the happier business of Joining la a toast to our sate pas- sage together. If you will all step Into the lounge, you will find the essential liquids awaiting your pleasure." (Continued next weeR.) TABLE TALKS By SADIE B. CHAMBERS MAPLE SYRUP TRIFLES Brigbt gunny days, moderately cold at night, then gradually mild- erall thin is synonymous with maple syrup days. After a long and monotonous winter nothing is quite o refreshing M maple syrup and Um many appetizing dishes It uggesU. Homemade bread and butter or rolls, accompanied by maple syrup ! not bad fare and is an excellent way to introduce this favorite Canadian spring delicacy. Prob- ably the next thing which comas to oar minds i* pancaxus and wattles. As a request for waffle* has been waiting for sometime, we will Civ* H here. WHOLE WHEAT WAFFLES % cup whole wheat tlour % cup sifted white flour (ppstry) * teaspoon salt t teaspoons baking powder t egg yolks t egg whites stiffly beaten 14 cup milk % cup cream 4 tablespoons melted butter Twice sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Then mix thoroughly with the whole wheat flour. Beat egg yolks well, mix with the milk and add to dry in- gradients. After mixing thorough- ly add the melted butter; mix again and fold in egg white* stiff- ly beaten. Bake on hot waffle Iron which has been oiled with olive oil. MAPLE SYRUP SAUCE Of course plain raapli-. syrup erved with these well-buttered wattles Is always a relish, but for variety hers is your requested sauce. Two-thirds cup maple syrup, I'.i cuiw brown sugar, one-third cup wator, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 tea- spoon vanilla, (> tablespoons heavy cream. Boil first four ingredients until sauce is a heavy syrup. Cool; add vanilla nnd cream. WHIPPED CREAM SAUCE Another very delectable sauce is whipped cream to which has been added grated niaplu syrup. This also makes u splendid addition to cake icing. MAPLE BAVARIAN 1 tablespoon granulated gelatine V* cup cold water 1 cup milk 2 egg yolks >4 teaspoon salt. % cup maple syrup % cup chopped nut meats 1 cup heavy cream Soften tho gelatine in the cold water. Scald the milk over hot water and add a small auiouut of it slowly ID the egg yolks. Return to the milk remaining in the double toiler and cook until the mixture coals the spoon. In the meantime! stir in the salt and maple syrup. Cool, and when mix- ture begins to thicken fold iu the nutmeats and the cream, whipped. Place in individual molds and chill thoroughly. Midi li:niilii-i i Welcome* lit . -..nm letter* from Inlerentvil rcndr. She ! pIcilMCll tl> !* i-iv. MlltfKCmiun* loplm for -her volumu, and ! even reuily (a llen (o your "pet DeevcH." n.-iim-MN for recipe* or pedal IIM-IMIS nrc In order. Addrean your i. 1 1. -IN to "Mlu Smile B. i hum bcro, 7!l \Vet Adelaide Street, To- ronto." Send Blamped aelf-nddreniird envelope If you wlh reply. Sutihfy those active appetites with good steaming-hot soup and a generous plateful of Christie's Premium Soda Crackers! They're always dependably fresh and so crisp and tasty. At your grocer's, salted or plain. Get the econ- omical 2-pound package. Serve with soups, salads, spreads any food or beverage. Christie's PREMIUM SODA CRACKERS Value Of Service Teach Our Youth Students of Appieby College Urged To Plan Lives of Usefulness "This world's problems will never be solved by taking the atti- tude, 'Every man for himsalf," J. M. Macdonnell, chairman of the board of trustees of Queen's Uni- versity, and president of the Na- tional Trust company, declared in Oakville last week. He was addressing the boys of Appieby college on "Responsibilities and Privileges of Democracy." (Appie- by is a private school, situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, near Oakville.) "Not only during the war, but when peace comes, we shall have such formidable problems that only by a vast deal of public spir- ited devotion to the common good shall we come through," Dr. Mac- donnell said. "We have allowed ourselves to regard the state not u something we work for, but as something we should get some- thing from. That must all be hanged." The speaker's advice to the stu- dents was to study the lives of the world's great leaders past and present. "You boys are be- ing taught while still young what democracy really means, a thing many older-folks still don't know," he stated. "You have the advan- tage of living at a residential school with its own community life resembling the larger life outside. Some of you already ex- Made In Japan We've heard from a naval of- ficer who got promoted recently, which necessitated a re-shuffling of his insignia. When his stars were removed, he found, on the back of each, a label reading "Made in Japan". He sent ont to us, for evidence. You can come and look at it, but we wouldn't part with it for any- thing. New Yorker. Greatest Producer The gross value of all com- modities produced on Canadian farms in 1941 is estimated at $1,- 375,066,000 highest since 1929 compared with $1,259,377,000 in 1940. Eire will permit the entry into the country of only 80,000 haU, hoods, shapes and caps for women HIM girls between January 1 and June 30 of this year. TASTY ALL-BRAN BACON MUFFINS Meals, like women, need glamour even in wartime! For dull meals the miracle worker is a batch of sweet-smelling, golden brown home made muffins. Made with bran they contribute to tho clay's vitamin and mineral score. But when chopped bacon is added to tha ingredients they have a flavor and a taste that are unforgettable. The recipe., is simple . . . just follow it and success is yours! All-Bran Bacon Muffin* 2 tablespoons shortening 'A cup. sugar 1 egg- 1 cup All-Bran cup crisp, % cup milk 1 cup flour ' teaspoon salt 2Vfe teaspoons liakinsj powder diced bacon Cream shortening and sugar thoroughly; add VKK and beat well. Stir in All-Bran and milk; let soak until most of moisture is taken up. Sift flour with salt and baking powder; add to first iflixturo and stir only until flour disappears. Kill jci' e si -'<l muffin pans two- thirds full and bake in moderately hot oven (400"F.) about 30 min- utes. Yield: 8 large muffins (3 inches in diameter) or 12 small muf- fins (2 1 4 inches in diameter). Note: When sour milk or butter milk is used instead of sweet milk, reduce baking powder to one teaspoon and add 'i teaspoon soda. Industrial casualties are just as serious as killed ami wounded soldiers, sailors and fliers. BRITAIN'S FIGHTING PLANES AND WARSHIPS" \ On :ll I r-:-l I \ i- V \ IO" mounts. I'lli-ll n II ll ,i dCN'ri|tt ion of i In \Vnr machine port rn> oil. Every tru CcModrcm wiW prize them -B...ort" Bomtar . ._ -MMhon" ftombw. Tmrwk" /llbtwr. "LvMndw" -Sk..i." Div* Bombmr . -'Sundilnd" Flyini Boat M.IH.S. "RoAwy" . "Hd" .< "W.rjftt." . "R.pul" Alfc Royal" . ^KlBf e*rga V" . H.M.C.S. "Sagucruiy" M.M. ttbinrlit . Mtf TrOo Bart and many ottw* Kor ;in h pifture cleired, send a cumplute "CROWN BRAND" label, with your name nnd address and tha name of the picture you want written on the back. Address Dopt. .1.12. The Cnnndn Starch Compnn.v L.td.. 4!) Wellington St. !.. Toronto. CROWN BRAND SYRUP The Syrup with the Delicious Flavour