The Mission of Poubalov — page 39: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CLARA’S SEARCH BEGINS. 35 What with surprise at her uncle’s maneuver in bring- ing the reporter to the breakfast room, and amusement at the courtly yet business-like manners of the “young man,’’ Clara could not have repressed a smile if she had tried; and before she could relpy, Mr. Shaughnessy had whipped his note-book to the top of his hat and written the significant memonic, ‘‘smile.”’ ‘“*T slept quite as usual, thank you,’’ replied Clara. “fT am delighted to hear it,’’ said Shaughnessy; ‘‘health, Miss Hilman, is the greatest pr-rop in time of trouble. Have you any obser-rvation to make upon Mr. Strobel’s absence? Any theor-ry to account for it?’’ ‘‘No theory, Mr. Shaughnessy, though I hope to have one some time later in the day. I should like to have you tell your readers that I have absolute faith in Mr. Strobel, and that I expect any theory as to his disappearanoe to accord with honorable conduct on his part.”’ ‘*Yes, yes,’’ said the reporter, scribbling away for dear life, that he might not lose a word of this important utter- ance. ‘‘Do I understand you to say that you expect to have news of your—Mr. Strobel before the day is over?”’ ‘‘T shall devote all my time to searching for him.”’ “Clara!’’ exclaimd Louise,.while Mr. Pembroke turned away with a despairing shrug. Shaughnessy looked doubtingly at Mr. Pembroke, and then said: ‘‘May I have the honor of calling on you later, then?’’ “T shall be glad at any time,’’ replied Clara, ‘‘to give you any information in my power.”’ Shaughnessy made a note. | ~“T hope you will pardon me seeming imper-rtinence, Miss Hilman,°’ he continued, ‘‘but me city editor com- manded me to obtain photographs of yourself and Mr. Strobel.’’ Louise sighed and looked genuinely alarmed; but Clara thought a moment, and answered that she would loan the reporter pictures if he would be sure to return them unin- jured. (C(O)[AN) Ghoo €55