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THE COLBORNE EXPRESS, COLBORNE, ONT., MAY 5, 1938 Of Special Interest to Women Readers THE AVENGER by Walter Forder Synopsis The story opens with a scene in ar American music hall. "MYSTICUS" a British artiste with a great gift foi stage "magic," has finished his turn >ung who in which he has got hirr Mysticus offers to take '-'in home to terrupted by th entry of three men, who, producing pistols, demand that the younger man come away with er intervenes, with the result that both are shot and left for dead. Several years < lapse, and the scene is changed to an old nous:?, Owl's Croft, on the East Coast of England. It has been bequeathed by an eccentric man to his nephew, FRANK DIG BY, who, on taking possession of the neglected place, is almost scared out of his wits by what seem to be psychic happe: ings. Digby enlists the help of MAXTON HUNTT 1, who has a reputation for private inv ;stigation, and the two take up residence at Owl's Croft, where they are atten ' by an elderly couple, MR. and MRS. BARLOW. The couple are un-..'-factory, but Digby finds that other servants he engages refuse to stay. On the first evening of Hunter's able noises and ringing of bells, and uncanny things hsppen to an ancient picture of a priest. Presently, footsteps are heard outside the library CHAPTER IV As the two men stood within that darkened old room there came again the creaking peal of the deep throated bell far away in the kitchens. "There, Hunter, that's the sort of ■ thing that goes on here. There's the old bell-pull by the side of the fire- Digbj indicated a broad band of em broidered silk- which terminated in a rusty old ring. "You mean that the bell now ringing in the kitchen is connected to that bell-rope?" "I mean just the opposite, Hunter. It is not connected, and yet it is ringing as you hear. Say what you like, it's uncanny." / "Queer, certainly, but I find no room for introduction of the occult, and 1 must have a little time to investigate before I agree to your suggestion. In any case, what does the fellow in the picture need that he shouldering?" "It's the anniversary of 'is death, sir," Mrs. Barlow hushed her voice to a respectful tone. "And 'e always calls those who are in the 'ouse to see the death ring round 'is neck." Hunter strode forward towards the high, old mantel-shelf, over which the portrait hung. He Was Beheaded Underneath it, whilst he peered upwards at the grimed old canvas, he demanded, "Well -- what's the yarn, Digby ?" "It is supposed--" "Supposed, sir! It's certain. I've seen it and so 'as my 'usband!" The hollow voice of Mrs. Barlow had now-advanced to the door - of the room, around which she peered fearfully. "I say it is said," continued Digby. "for I have never seen it myself, that this picture lives for a fraction of second every year upon the annive sary of the subject's impending death upon the block. He was beheaded, I told you, and the picture in so horrible way suggests that grim penalty." Hunter, fascinated, stared at the canvas, and as his eyes studied the picture a thin crimson line began to make itself visicie around the sc.i neck of the man. Broader and wider it became i it circled the neck just above an : abethan ruff. "H'h! Very interesting," cbse: Hunter. "Some horrible theatrica wheeze; a conjuring trick! Here, givt me a hand up." As he spoke he clambered upon tht tall mantel-shelf, employing a:i old But what h The Hall l he would h rried i for Mr: Barlow, uttering a chilling shri rushed into the room with a cry of •'There--there--outside in the hall--: 'E's there!" Hunter jumped "-.'om his niche be neath the painting, and faced about to the door of the library. Digby stood with the cowering woman behind him Thus they remained for some tense and thrilling seconds, listening to the steady tramping of someone or some" thing in the hall outside. Stealthy feet ware walking, furtively and shuffling, and with their straining ears they cc Id detect a recurrent squeak, squeak of shoes. "At least," -"id Hunter, Imly, "this is the first ghost I ever heard of who wore squeaky shoes." Steadily and without halting the footsteps approached, first crossing the floor of the hall, then nearer, then muffled by a tug or carpet, until finally thry drew near to the door itself. Mrs. Barlow shivered back, but Hun ter moved a step forward and thrust his right hand into his jacket pocket. There was something reassuring in th; p- 3ence of a good automatic in his grasp. CHAPTER V The Mysterious Mr. Cranston A shadow darkened the doorway of the library and a figure came into view. Tall, with sloping shoulders and arms a-swing like an ape's, long and lean, with scraggy neck. "Guy Cranston!" breathed Digby. "I appear to have disturbed Vou'." The voice was fittingly like its owner, rasping and mincing in its peculiar diction. "1 rang the bell, but no one appears to have heard it. I apologise, my dear Digby. for taking such liber ties, but I had no idea you were enter-taining a guest." As he spoke he craned his vulture-like neck forward and displayed his waxen face with a wrinkled smile. I "My friend and neighbour, Mr. fuy Cranston. This gentleman is a friend from London, Mr. Hunter," said Digby, in a relieved and matter of fact tone. "Hunter, Hunter?" croaked the tesque man at the door. "Not Hunter, the criminologi. ?" "That is so," answered Digby.' "Delighted, sir, delighted I meet the solver of so many myst« Here you are well placed, Mr. Hui for if ever there were mysteries ing solution assuredly they a Owl's Croft." He laughed harshly, giving himself a queer twist upwi as though to stretch, sent the bones of his body cracking. "Lor, sir, don't do it!" gulped Mrs. Barlow. "That cracking of yours sets my teeth on edge." Hunter took In the quaint make-up of the mysterious visitor and mentally assessed him as something more than a crank. What fascinated him the queer article he gripped, a faded eld thing; a green umbrella. (To Be Continued) A Simple Diet Is Their Recipe WAKE UP LIKE A CAVE MAN Keep your liver healthy and youU feel great every morning. When you wake up feeling "rotten" your liver is out of order. Your liver clears the blood of poisons, separates the nourishing part of your food from the waste. Supplies energy to muscles, tissuesand glands --gives out bile, the body's * jtive, helps stomach, kidneys and in-:s to work properly, A mere bowel movement isn't enough. "Fruit-a-tives" made from fruits and herbs, will strengthen and build up your liver like nothing else will. You'll be amazed how well you are every morning. Try Fruit-a-tives. All druggists. FRUiTATIYESrKs jasative When Mr. and Mrs. James West of Midland, Hampshire, England, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary recently, they advocated plain living as a means of reaching a ripe old age. Mr. West who is 98 years old started work as a bird scarer in the "Hungry Forties" when his usual breakfast was an apple and a piece of bread. This picture shows the couple as they celebrated their 75th anniversary. About 100 of their children descendants are still living. They had 14 children and are proud of the fact that no serious quarrel has marked their lives. Variety In Year BREAKFASTS The housewife who can prepare a *reakfast that pleases her family and at the same time nourishes them, is tu be envied. Most women find breakfast a problem. It comes at a time when appetities are temperamental and digestion sluggish. Breakfast can start the day right or wrong, it all depends on the planning. It should be a fairly light meal --one that is easy and quick to eat, yet tasty, and contains plenty bf healthful nourishment. It should not require any elaborate preparation. A sense of being at peace with the world when everything runs smoothly and easily should be inspired and this cannot be if there is a clatter of pots and Packaged cereals are a big help. They can be served in hot or cold weather and with fresh or canned fruit. Bran muffins are a delightful addition to the breakfast table. They can be made days ahead of time and heated in a double boiler over hot water or toasted just before serving. For the adults, be particular about the coffee you serve. It should be fresh, properly ground for the type of coffee-maker you use and of the right strength and don't skimp oi cream. Hot chocolate is a good er for the youngsters who i school. Vary breakfast by starting off with pineapple juice, orange juice, tomat juice or grapefruit juice, stewed c fresh fruits when they are in seasoi This can be followed with cereal c eggs, sausages, fish cakes or creai chipped beef on toast. Toast, c French toast can be served som mornings and bran muffins on other; Fluffy Omelet 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca SA teaspoon salt % teaspoon pepper m cup milk 1 tablespoon butter 4 egg yolks, beaten until thick and Runner and Mats in Two Colors in Laura Wheeler Jiffy Crochet JIFFY CROCHET PATTERN 1757 loi- n-coloured Beautiful Spy Queen Arrested In Paris -- Suspected of Passing Vital Information Out of The Country-Paris was excited by news of the arrest of the beautiful young "queen" of an alleged spy ring which has jeopardized the safety of the Southern frontier. Idol of the dance halls and bars of the Riviera, "La Belle Tatiana," as was known, is said to have organized a chain of spies whose activities may have the gravest repercus- Her real name is Tataina Vassilew. le is the wife of a soldier in the French army, but she is said to be friendly with a young Persian. ispecting leakage bf vital information, French Secret Service agents, iter weeks of intensive inquiry, ar-ested a young soldier who had just completed his military service in the little town of Graulmet. Documents Found They had learned that a foreign apnl hud made him an ojfer for a '.loedment concerning the defence of the south-eastern region and a plan of mobilization. The accused man declaied that a former secretary of the War Minis- try, Marcel Oustric, had the decu-ments. Search of Oustric's home revealed 143 documents, including fortification plans and charts, says B.U.P. • Then the police turned their attention to Toulouse, where the beautiful 23-year-old brunette was reported to be staying with Amumirian, the Persian, but the "birds" had They were later arrested in the Latin quarter of Paris, and it is reported that more vital documents were found in their possession. Duck Eggs Must Be Boiled Well Don't fry duck eggs. Boil them -- and b( ' them ell. That is the warning given to purchasers of duck eggs in France and Germany. In Germany shopkeepers are pel'ed by law to tell every customer to give duck eggs a long boiling, to tamp on each shell the instruction 'To be boiled," and to display a poser i the subject for the information of customers. Reason is that French and German lilical men take a more serious ew of the dangers of due); eggs than do our own, because of a dangerous bacillus which they tiy lurks in even .he cleanest .joking etg. Periodically me reads of inquests on people who lave fallen victims to the bacillus. 4 egg whites, stiffly beaten Combine quick-cooking tapioca, salt, pepper, and milk in top of double boiler. Place over rapidly boiling water, bring to scalding point (allow 3 to 5 minutes) and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add butter. Remove from boiling water; let cool slightly while beating eggs. Add egg yolks and mix well. Fold in egg whites. Pour into hot, buttered 10-inch frying- pan. Cook over low flame 3 minutes. Then bake in moderate oven (350 deg. F.) 15 minutes. Omelet is sufficiently cooked when a knife inserted comes out clean. Fold carefully and serve on a hot platter. Serves 6. Bran Muffins 1 cup sifted flour 4 teaspoons baking powder M teaspoon salt 1 egg well beaten 2 tablespoons sugar \i cup milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup bran flakes Sift flour once, measure, add baking powder and salt and sift again. Combine egg and sugar. Add flour, alternately with milk, a small amount time. Beat after each addition until smooth. Add butter and bran flakes. Pour into greased muffin pans, filling them two-thirds full. Bake in hot oven (450 deg. F.) 25 lutes. Makes 12 medium sized muffins. French Toast 1 egg slightly beaten V2 cup milk 3 slices bread (?i inch thick) cut in triangles M teaspoon salt Combine egg, milk, and salt. Dip slices of bread in mixture and fry in deep fat (390 deg. F.) 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on glazed paper. (Slices may also be sauteed in hot fat on griddle). Ser with maple syrup or jam. Makes triangles. Get out that large crochet hook--use four strands of string and crochet these jiffy mats or a runner. They're smart for Summe:. entertaining Pattern 1757 contains directions for making the mat shown and a runner] illustrations of mat and of stitches; material needed; photograph of thi doily. Send 20 cents in coins (stamps cannot be accepted) for this pattern ti Wilson Needlecraft Dept., 73 West Adelaide St., Toronto. Write plainly Pattern Number, your Name and Address. Envoy hall, A bit of wine, a spice of wit, A house with lawns enclosing it, A living river by the door, A nightingale in the sycamore! -- Robert Louis Steven! WEAK AND NERVOUS? MOST some period of their lives need a I. like Dr. Pierce's _ Favorite Prescription. The young woman who suffers from monthly pains, the expectant mother who has no appetite, and ' -l-'r.l' ' the Believes Women Less Susceptible To Manly Charms -- Dr. Peter Sandiford States Men More Easily Influenced In Criticizing Teaching. TORONTO. -- However susceptible to manly charms women appear to be, it seems they are not influenced by them nearly as -auch as men are influenced by female charms. It has all been worked out scientifically by Dr. Peter Sandiford, Department of Education Rerearch, College of Education, who before the Training Section of the Ontario Educational Association convention in Toronto, showed by carefully worked out charts the part played by sex when en and women critics judge men and omen student teachers. Are Better Critics His findings were: (a) Both men and women critics give significantly higher practice teaching marks to women students than to men students, (b) Men students obtained significantly higher marks' from men critics than from women criticc, while on the agevare women students "obtained equally high marks from critics of both sexes. "It seems that women critics are not so overcome by admiration for the opposite sex as to give them higher marks," said Dr. Sandiford. "Men critics, however, cannot claim to be so free <rom influence; it is probably that they are more lenient with women student-teachers." Women Own Most Of U. S. Wealth Women, "in pocket or in prospect," are the owners of 70 per cent, of the wealth in the United States, according to Dr. William E. Weid, presidenl of Wells College, New York. In an address to the Wells College Eastern Alumnae Association, he asserted that 50 per cent, of the stockholders in the United States are women, and that they own 44 per cent, of the public utilities of the United States. Every coin minted in Venezuell ears the profile of Simon Bolivar. Extreme cold is capab.'o of causing n to crumble to dust. lYour Child Don't let constipation dull that happy smile. Give Stcedman's Powders, the mild, gende laxative specially made foe babies and growing children. For more than 100 years Mothers everywhere have trusted Steedman'stokeepchildrenhealth-f ully regular from infancy to early teens, FREE Sample and Booklet "Hints to Mothers" on request. Write John Steedman & Co., Dept. lu 442 St. Gabriel Street, Montreal. 67N c^STEBDMAN*S POWDERS Look for the double EE symbol an each package. Behind this cigarette tobacco is 80 years' experience -- secret of a flavour and a smoothness that will delight you. Try it for a real smoking treat. TUCKETTS FINE CUT