Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, July 16, 1916, Page 16

oK The Social Pi . o Story NO. 15---BIaCk Maglc | sigh of relief. Mrs. Wallaces hdwed no signs of g ary Burnett suddenly held up a)hesitation, and handed him a package | displeasure at the result. In fact, she warning hand, and tip-toed to the [of bills. y was about to express her approbation # door. The trio behind her stopped “Ten thousand dollars,” said the when suddenly the entrance of the " | their laughter, and looked after her [ Hindoo. “You have done well, my maid interrupted. | | curiously. They, too, had heard the | high priestess!” A | “Mr. Hadj Rulu is in the library,” " | sound of voices, raised in argument, in | Mary’s eyes widened. This was too she announced. the entrance hall of the fashionable |easy! 3 | - Again Mrs. Wallace stiffened, and ‘apartment building, where Mary and | She would have lingered at her post,| Mary saw her hand clench, as though her chum, Mona Hartley, had ‘taken | but she dared not risk discovery. With|in an effort to control her nervous- i a small suite. a final glance at the two figures in ness. Then, as before, she rose ab- ! "“Mary opened the door softly, and |the library, she made her way to the | ruptly from her chair and left the I~pecred out. In the hall were stand- front door, and to the street. The|room. Mary was following when the ing a man and a woman—the former | Situation was progressing wtih a ven-|street door opencd, and there stepped ! especially noticeable because of the |[gcance! With a smile of elation at|into the hall a man, whose every | costume of an East Indian which he |the thought of the startling story she | moyement cried out that he was a | wore, and the tan on his face, suggest- would have for Carson and Grant that plain clothes. detective. ~ The girl | ing a recent return from the tropics. night she hurried back to the Royal-| paused, watching breathlessly as he { His companion was quite obviously a | ton, where Mona was ecagerly await-|also made his way to the library. | ‘woman of wealth and refinement, Her | ing her return. .| Would the presence of the Hindoo be . gown bore all the signs of the expen-| 1, too, have found something|discovered, and, if so, what would be | sive simplicity of a fashionable de- | Which may be of service to us,” said | the result? It was quite evident that i r. Just now her face was un- | Mona after she had heard her friend’s | Hadj Rulu did not care to have his ! ‘naturally white, and she was staring excited narrative, and duly compli-|presence advertised. ! at her escort with wide eyes. mented her on her success. She pro-| The reason for the detective’s pres- | “The East Indian stepped closer to | duced a business card, on which Mary [ ence was explained by his first words. her, and passed his hand swiftly be- [read the professional announcement| “Mr, Wallace reports.that he has | fore her eyes with the gesture of a|°f Hadj Kulu, and an invitation tobeen robbed, and that so far as he fofessional conjuror. The woman | those interested to call at his flat for|knows no person in this house ffened, her breast heaving, her |2dVice as fo business or social per-|knew of the combination of his safe, Hands clenched. The man peered |Plexities. A where the money was placed, except o o her face, shrugged, and, |, "] am going tonight!” announced | himself. It looks like an ‘inside job.' stopping, inserted a key in the door | Mona. “And I think I sce a way|Mrs. Wallace. of the opposite apartment, motioned | Whereby I can co-operate with you,| “I am sure the servants are inno- her to enter. It was not until the | 37d we can work together, . |cent!” said Mrs, Wallace quickly. “I buple had disappeared that Mary| Early that evening the two girls| would stake my life on them.” ed, and then she saw that her |Went over the situation carefully with | “That is generally the kind who will mpanions were gathered about her | Carson and Grant, and Mona outlined | bear watching,” said the detective g ilders. They, too, had witnessed | the scheme which had occurred to her | cynically, "V&hn is the girl who has strange tableau. when she had received the card of cgarge of the cleaning and dusting of “C;n KO“ beat it?” gasped Rodney Hadj Rulu from the janitor, who had | this room?” . Grant, the young newspaper reporter, | been delighted to part with it for a| “That is Hattie, one of our younger £ ho, in company with Casper Carson, | quarter. A J , | maids, who has been with us all her the millionaire philanthropist and so- | Mona was admitted to the Hindoo's | life,” answered Mrs. Wallace. cial worker, had been calling on the | apartments without difficulty, and| The detective surveyed the maid au- . “Was the woman really hyp- |found that she had beeen preceded by | thoritatively and literally barked his o — at least a dozen others, drawn for the | questions at her, as though priding “Carson frowned, as he stepped back | most part from society. Indecd, she|himself on the fear and repulsion itito the livinfi room. * don't like the | recognized several from pictures of [ which the girl exhibited. looks of it,” he said soberly, “There celebrities of the smart set in the| “What did you do with the combi- A something about that fittle scene | newspapers. There was an undercur-| nation of that safe” he demanded. ich—" He stopped, hesitating for | rent of eager anticipation through the | “We know you took it—we know you ‘word, and Mary, motioning the oth- | audience, heighteied by the subdued | took it from the red book there on e hckl stepped softly across the |lights, the general shadowy aspect of | the top of the shelf, where you watch- il until she was just opposite the | the room, the odor of burning incense | ed Mr, Wallace hide it! Now, give us BSF. Koeeling .dow, she peered |and the heavy draperies. The master | the truth! No lies!” h the keyhole. She saw the |of ceremonies had not yet appeared,| The maid cowered back, ready to 00 make more passes in front |¢evidently having learned the value of | hyrst into tears, and Mrs. Wallace ‘the woman, and then, under the |a theatrical entrance. Or was he|jaid a hand encouragingly on her omination of his stronger will, the | waiting for some one who had not yet | shoulder. The detective scowled at n handed him a paper. Then |arrived? ona asked the question|the gesture, and renewed his cross-ex- curious couple lef‘t’ the apart- | When the dodr opened and Mrs. Wal-| ymination, A moment later Mary, with a |lace glided to a seat in the front row | And then suddenly Mary ton key, entered the room and |of chairs, for almost immediately aft- d the paper, which proved to he | ¢rward, flld; Rulu, in white robes and #afe_combination. She copied the | turban, appearcd, bowing solemnly. pures and returned fo her room. The scene that followed was suf- oks like & combination,” said | ficiently impressive from the view- point of the uninitiated. The Hindoo was a past master in the art of trick- ery, and several of the effects he had arranged were managed so adroitly that Mona could readily understand the secret of the sudden vogue he had | attained, The girl watched Mrs, Wal- lace closely, and saw that the woman sat like a person in a trance, with her eyes never leaving the solemn figure | effect of her work, she drew a deep saw a the opposite doorway /s:hisd which she knew the Hindoo was concealed— a lean, brown hand, and in its fingers was the paper which Mrs, Wallace obediently had delivered to her mas- ter in the trance. The next instant the paper was dropped into an apron pocket of the weeping Hattie, with the action. unseen except by the watching girl in the hall. If the detective insisted now on a search, what would be the result? Evi- dently the officer had been disappoint- ed in the result of his fusillade of nt. t is_a combination, stupid!” re- ned Mary. “And that is why the doo wanted it. The poor woman dently comgletely in his power, was probably obeying orders when she came here with him to- oh nodded thoughtfully, “I am ‘to do some investigating,” he d. “First, I am going to see |of the Hindoo. When the seance was | g estio s, for suddenly he dismissed the janitor can tell r:e about | finally ended and the sudience grad- t“e gir?, wi‘:h 5o :3:;,“" tol uu.-:h ious friend. ually” dispersed, Mona lingered be-| jor ™ Mary had just time to dart to the stairs when Hattie dppeared in the hall, weeping, and followed to the upper floor behind her. ary thought swiftly. If the Hindoo had succeeded in slipping the com- bination' into the girl's pocket, why should she not succeed in slipping 1t out of the pocket? On the sudden thought, she called the maid to her, and under the pretense of asking her some questions as to the best hour to call on Mrs. Wallace in future, she managed to reach her Rocket and fasten her fingers on the tell-tale paper. A few minutes later she saw the de- tective depart and hardly waiting un- til he was out of the yard, the Hindoo hurried down the hall, and to the street. The coast was now clear, and descending to the lower corridor, gnikor was quite ready to talk irson showed him a $5 bill, could supply little information t the fact that the occupant of rtment .was a Hindoo, who 3 e name of Hadj Rulu, and had quite a large number of of whom were well dressed who came in private auto- As for the rest of it, the t only one servant, a Hindfo self, paid his rent promptly, little to say to anyone. developed, it was quite as ch coincidence as skill that Mary Mona chanced on the next clue to case. They were passing a fash- ble hair-dressing establishment on hopping tour the next afternoon n a woman emerged from the y, and crossed the walk just of them. It was none other Mrs. Wall ary and Mona watched her u?: _private limousine and dri tever in the world is the mat- cried Mona as Mary suddenly | her arm. ‘have thought of a way ‘heart of my mystery!” response, “l am going to call % allace. this afternoon, and e if she doesn't want to hire my ssional services! I am going to hair dresser and manicurist,” ex- Mary, “one who specializes home treatments to wealthy s later Mary rang the bell ,mllu homtryln:nexphined re of her errand to Mrs. Wal- o agreed to have her begin the next u-z. : was rising when a maid en- and announced, “Mr. Hadj Ru- idently the maid was unfamil- the Hindoo's native prefix, it was apparent also that she was we if not fear of the visitor. At Mrs. Wall y manner van- She fell back in" her chair, her fingers convulsively, her itening. With an effort she self, and followed the maid, fcrfi‘nin; Mary's pres- girl 'G}th behind antil - Mrs. allace had airs, and then followed. | wil ind. a’he Hihdo finally approached her and asked if there was any personal problem concerning which she wished | to consult him. i “I need your help badly!” she said impulsively. “I will be frank with you, Wgen 1 came here I never expected to stay. 1 thought it was all trickery and sham, and now I can see how wrong and unjust I was, and what a wonderful person you really are! “My name is May Allison. Iam an han, and alone in the world except lor my guardidn and his wife, I am afraid that my guardian has taken ad- vantage of that fact, and knowing I am only a woman, and as he thinks helpless, is trying to swindle me.” She reached into her handbag, and drew out a check, which she laid on the table. The Hindoo picked it up, and the girl saw that his eyes glistened when he noted that it was drawn to her order for the sum of $1,000. And then his attitude stiffened. His eyes had fallen on the signature at the bot- tom—"Howard Wallace.” “Ts Mr. Wallace your guardian?” he demanded quickly. Mona nodded. “T am sorry to have to say that he is, and that he is the man to whom I referred. That check represents my uarterly income, It has always been gzo,ooo until now. Mr, Wallace says that my investments have been unfor- tunate, and that my stocks have dropped in value. But it is hard to believe that can be true. Think of it! Only $1,000 when my checks before have always been for just twenty times as much! “Of course you may not be able to help me! Perhaps | am asking too much of youl!” The Hindoo uufirt her hand eager- ly. “Indeed, you have come to Iust l{e right source for assistance, Shall !1 show you how I shall punish this scroundrelly man, who has dared use you so falsely and cruelly?” As Mona nodded curiously, the man stepped back to the teakwood table in the rear of the room, and clapped his hands to summon his servant. The two conferred together in whispers for a moment, and then the servant shed, to reappear a moment later a small wax image which he de- and followed serenely to the walk. The Hindoo had vanished, but the girl was not concerned with him for the present. She realized that she now held the trump card, that Fate had suddenly and unexpectedly given her a lever over the man, which even the other's adroitness could not es- cape. How could she use it to the best advantage, and with the most telling results? At the Royalton she received her answer, To explain the situation which greeted her on her return, however, it is necessary to go back to the morning, and trace the move. ments of Mona when the other left to keep her appointment with Mrs. Wallace. Mona had watched Hadj Rulu de- part on his way to the Wallace home, although the girl of course did not know his destination at the time. She knew only that the Hindoo was gone that his apartment was apparently unguarded, and that the coast “Was clear for an intimate investigation of the mysterious premises. Should she undertake it? Her question w answered by the appearance of C: per Carson, grinning broadly. “I passed that Hindoo chap down- stairs,” he announced, “and he stared at me as though he were making a mental photograph of my handsome features.> Do you suppose that he to reach was the 16 e Wallace entered the library | posited solemnly in the center of the | ynows me?” i ::.(m":;:ervin “?‘l\i;ltchl id the Hindoo gravely,, Mana: iaughed. “He. thinks* he R oy il Al bracesded ito make:h stries . of | 0¥ you. [ He thinks that you are Wallace, the banker.” Carson started. “Where in the world did he get that absurd idea,” “From me,” said the girl sweetly. “You don't object, do you, When I saw him ,and told him my troubles, he asked me to describe the appear- ance of the guardian who had victim- f R ized me. I suspected that he had ard Wallace," said Hadj Rulu gravely. | 00 Tee the real Wallace, and that L i ]} i gt e i;{:':h';loz':::' :l:a::me‘:?teizl;.tfl;: he had timed his visit to the house air] He shall know what it is to mis- | deliberately so as to escape embarags- ;r:“n: c?,‘:,.:&.‘:g)f; e £ i the woman in his power. Therefore, Mary colored and dropped her eyes. | [ {‘\““Nd at a chance, and sketched “When shall I come again?” ‘she |3 hasty word picture of you as my | weird passes directly above the image. For a moment nothing happened, and then Mona gave a low gasp. The image was slowly vanishing before her eyes—vanishing as completely as though it were actually dissolving into thin air. “That is the way I shall treat How- fter her until she outside the library where she could observe what pired in the beyond. The oo had risen from his chair, and over Mrs. Wallace's hand, ened gracefully, and fixed “eyes in a piercing glance on - saw the woman be- to stil n as she had done the ight, and then the Hindoo e &. mysterious passes which made before across her eyes. d only a moment for the ic spell to show. ess increased and ave her address, seeing no|, reason why she should conceal it, and the man bowed her solemnly o the whole, she was very well satisfied with the impression she had made, [apartments as Lland her eyes were shining when she | chological moment. You see, I returned to the flat and told the oth- | to take you there for a seance, and ers of what had happened. o The theft of the Wallace safe was|wrong to me—and atone! i ed sooner than the girl ex-| “Oh. he is, is he?” i was| Mona nodded. "But I don't catch your purpose?” d, the ::eunt at, the Wi the situation was divulged. True to|to make a little informal examination :5‘ ent with Mrs. ‘Wallas e drey and was shown to the bou- | place easily before he gets back doir. When Mary finally stepped leaving the other to study theland it was apparent that the stage |cannot lie. 4 i What do you think?” | ¢ hand steal out from the curtains of | Mary nodded brightly to the butler,] THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: JULY 16, rates - | trappings of the Orient, which had| been used with such effect, had not yet been called into service for the day. The brazier of incense was cold |and dead. The windows had been raised, admitting a generous allow- ance of sunshine into the rooms, and there was little except the heavy hangings to suggest furnishings at all out of the ordinary. Mona stepped first to the table on which had re- posed the waxen image, which had been consigned to thin air at the Hindoo's command. She had a girl- ish curiosity to discover how the trick had been worked. She discov- ered that it was an electric hot-plate device which melted the wax. Mona laugher rather ruefully as she saw the simplicity of the trick, and how easily she had been mystified. Her laugh was suddenly checked by a sound behind them. Whirling, the two saw that a man had risen from a pile of cushions and pillows in the corner of the room, where he had been apparently asleep. It was Hadj Rulu's native servant. For an instant the man stared at them in surprise; then he turned, and made for the door, evidently with the intention of raising an alarm. But Carson was too quick for him, and caught him by the collar before he could make his es- ape. A short struggle ensued, but the other was no match for Carson’s trained muscles, and the young mil- lionaire soon had the man trussed up like a fowl, with a rough, home-made | 838 between his teeth. Brief as was the struggle, However, it had evident- ly raised an alarm, for a heavy knock- ing sounded at the door. “I# you don’t open this door!” call- ed a commanding voice, “I warn you that I'll break it in, you brown faker!” “It is Rodney Grant!” said Mona with a breath of relief. “He must have been at our place, and heard you struggle through the door. He doesn’t know it isn’t locked.” She threw open the door with a| | smiling courtesy, and Grant started with mingled surprise and relief. “I thought-someone was being mur- dered here.” His glance fell on the bound and gagged servant, and he irinned appreciatively. “Good work! re you responsible for this, Carson?” Casper Carson was busy with an- other examination of the table of mys- tery, and suddenly looked up. “I have made another discovery. Hadj Rulu is no more a Hindoo than I am!” He held up a small tin of brown paint, which he had drawn from a hidden drawer in the table. “The fellow is robably an American, born on the Bowery. ‘Won't there be a pretty sen- sation in hifih society when he is shown up?” He broke off, frowning. “What are we going to do with the servant in the meantime?” “I have ‘it,” said Mona quickly. “Rodney Grant can take his place. It| ought to be easy enough for him to dye his face and put on the man's robe and turban.” “I gee this is going to be my busy day,” put in Grant ruefully. “How- ever, I'll do anything to oblige.” He disappeared into an inner room, with the brown paint and the serv- ant’s outer robe and turban, and when ! he returned five minutes later the metamorphosis was startling. “You will do excellently,” nodded Carson. “You missed your calling, old man. You ought to have been an actor.”” He broke off, listening, and glanced at his watch. “It seems to me, Mona, that the sooner we are out of this the better for all concerned unless you want your friend fo sur-| prise us on his premises!” “Are you going to leave me here by myself?” asked Grant, with af- fected alarm. “After you help me lift our prisoner into a closet,” said Carson. ‘Fhe two men raised the servant’s body and carried the man into a recess of the room, where they fancied he could rest for hours without attracting no- tice. Then Carson and Mona stole back to the hall, and across to the irls’ suite. They were just in time, or a moment later Hadj Rulu's grave figure appeared in the corridor, fol- lowed shortly afterward by Mary in the full flush of her excitement after the dramatic happenings at the Wal- lace home. y “How do you llligelk we shall wind it all yp?” she asked, after the trio had exchanged their stories. “It seems to me that the sooner Casper Carson appears on the stage shllace, the banker, the better,” said Mona, rising from her chair, “I'll inform, our Hindoo friend that Wal- lace is coming up at once for a pri- vate seance.” She was back a few moments later with the beaming announcement that Hadj Rulu lus&ected nothing, and would receive Mr. Wallace at any time. “And what do you think?" she gasped. “He thinks Rodney' Grant is really his servant and has arranged with him just. what to do in order to ing questions from the husband of |, M he [ of the apartment of mystery. He is|white face. for her appointment as hair- | gone, and we can go through the|he demanded. tnlp t!\‘e distinguished visitor without de l‘?/l ou are a wonder!” conceded Car- son admiringly. The two made their way back to the Hindoo's flat and Mona pressed the bell, Hadj Rulu himself admitted them and motioned them gravely to chairs. “My young ward has told me so many surprising stories of your pow- rs,” said Carson, taking up his role, “that T have let myself be persuaded to come and see for myself. I should tell you in advance, however, that 1 have absolutely no belief in the so- called occult sciences. If you can convince me, I will take off my hat to you!” he Hindoo bowed. “Mr. .Wal- lace shall be convinced!” he promised. The apartment had been darkened and the incense relighted. Hadj Rulu stepped back to the teakwood table Ipbowed his head for a moment in deep thought. Then he sank into a huge arm chair and his eyes closed. For several moments no one spoke, asked. villain, Evidently my picture must|ang then came the Hindoo's voice “As early as you wish.” have been a _f'nrly accurate one.” | glowly: Mona Evidently,” agreed Carson drily.| " “] 5ee strange things, Mr. Wallace —things which the world knows noth- “That ought to be self-evident.|ing of. I see you in your true char- You are to appear at Hadj Rulu's lcter. I see yzu plun)é:ring and vic- allace at the psy-|timizing a young and helpless girl, am | left in your care. to tak he|ing a large fortune from w is going to make you confess your|was entrusted to you to administer. 1 see you wrest- er, which One-half million dollars'it is,” he an- nounced, mentioning the amount of rpcned 3 n "And that reminds | the fictitious estate which Mona had ce home when | me that right now is an excellent time | told him. Carson sprang to his feet with'a “Are you man or devil?" “I¢ is true!” said Hadj Ruly, accus- The apartment was not . occupied, | ingly, “The spirit signt does not lie, You are a wretch, deserv- i 1916. ing of no mercy!” \He clapped his hands, and Grant stepped forth from the inner room—a silent, witness. “Have pity!” said Carson quaver- ingly, catching the Hindoo treatingly. “I swear [ sl reparation for what I have done! swear that my ward shall in any way!” “How shall you make tl tion?” asked Hadj Rulu, opening his eyes suddenly. “That is simple. and secure the stocks and represent her property, turn them over to her—in ence, if you wish!” “How long will it take?” “Oh, a_mere matter of a few mo- The papers are in my private box at my bank. I can take a taxi- cab. But you will promise, both of ments. you, that if I do this you no exposure?” Mona looked at the Hil Hadj Rulu nodded slightly. “We promise,” she agre ently unnerved at her guardian’s sud- den unmasking and confession. Carson staggered from and Mona and Rodney Grant were left alone with the Hindoo. Rulu turned to the newspaper man and ordered him curily out of the room. For just an instant, Graht hes- itated, and then remembering his sup- posed character, he bowed deeply and obeyed. When he vanished Mona turned to Hadj Rulu impul “How can 1 ever thank began, ever knew.” “I is nothing,” Rulu. protes “Perhaps not—to you. But it means I know what I can do to show my appreciation of Will you accept the manage- ment of my estate? Of course, I can- not go on longer with Mr. Wallace everything to me. you. after what has happened.” Hadj Rulu walked back over the floor, as though de question, “I hardly know what to say. the first place, I very much fear that you may be disappointed, friend. Your guardian may find it to restore what is right-|| impossibl fully yours, and I fear that all T do you may suffer financially.” | “Do you really think so?” asked Mona in dismay. “I'll tell you what I mi |it would help you. When your guar- dian returns with your papers I will buy a half interest in them for cash, I will give you $10,- if you wish it. 000. Of course, my interes be worth so much, but I am willing | to do it if it will be of any you, my little high priestess?” Thank “You “Oh, thank you! Mona, impulsively. and generous as well as shrewd and successfull” When Carson returned bundle of _counterfeit gave Mary ten thousand a: interest. They were leavin when Mrs. Wallace, who moned by a telephone in apartment, was announced. Hadj to witness the unmasking husband, whom I have discovered to my surprise and sorrow is an unmiti- gated scoundrel!” “My husband?” asked Mrs, Wallace “Where is he?” i “There!” cried Hadj Rulu, pointing in bewilderment. to Carson. “But that man is not my husband!” The Hindoo whirled on Mona with a'suddcn suspicion, and saw her grin- nin, The visitor this time was ward angrily. own question, “It means that we have for you your stolen property,” said Mona, stepping forward and extend- ing the bank notes she had just re- ceived. “The person who rol safe is the so-called Hadj ing your wife as a helpless accomplice —That - 'rooms el INANAANNAANANNANANNNANNAN Chicago’'s Famous Novelization by Hugh C. Weir I will go at once and 1 will looking at him admiringly. “You are the most marvelous man I deeds papers, the Hindo accepted them and Rulu frowned for a moment, and then quickly recovered himself. “You are just in time, my dear friend, “%hat does this mean?” he snarled, There came another ring at the bell, Wallace, the banker, in actual fact.| At sight of his wife, he stepped for- “What does this mean” he demand- ed, unconsciously using Hadj Rulu’s —That these fesidential hotels T T R, 7% Plot by George Bronson Howard while she was in a hypnotic trance,) and forced to obey his orders!” | “It is a lie!” screamed the Hindoo. | “Is it?" The question was asked by Mary, who swiftly-opened the door, and stepped into the room just as | Rodney Grant appeared in his real accusing 's arm en- hall make | | character, Mary silently handed the | combination of his safe to Howard | Wa'lace. The banker stared at it in | a daze. “I saw Hadj Rulu force your wife to give this to him,” explained the girl, “and later saw him slip it into the pocket of one of your maids!” She | turned her head and called to a stocky figure in the hall. It was the plain clothes detective, who had been en- trusted with the investigation of the Wallace robbery. “We have two prisoners for you, of- ficer,” said Carson, pleasantly, drag- ging Hadj Rulu's servant from his place of concealment in the closet. | Twenty ntinutes later, Mrs. Wallace |in the apartment of Mary and Mona deposited the bundle of bank notes on | the girls’ library table, “My husband and 1 agree that this | is the least we can do for you!” not suffer his repara- deeds that your pres- will make ndoo, and ed, appar- the room|. But this is too much!” protested Mona, Mrs. Wallace smiled. “Is it? Un-| Hadj : 4 Illess 1 am greatly mistaken, you will need it shortly, Judging from the| glances of Messrs. Carson and Grant, a double wedding is cue to occur be- fore long! Am I wrong?” The girls blushed—and did not re- sively. fuse the generous reward. After all, you?” she it would come in handy. When Mrs. Wallace, had gone Mona happily perched herself on the arm of Mary’s chair and took her companion’s hand. ted Hadj :1: Copyright Kalem Company | thing you are going “There's a whole lot in what Mrs, Wallace said, Mary, do you realize that?” she mused. Mary, whose thoughts apparently had been following the same channel, nodded comprehensively. “I haven't asked you much about Mr. Grant,” Mona went on, “largely because you have avoided questioning me about Casper. But we've never had any secrets from each other. Tell me, has he asked you—" She broke off suddenly, as if she hesitated to speak the words. Mary blushed and nodded. “I promised Rodney that this would be our last adventure. ['ve been telling him that 1 could not consider becom- ing his wife until the mission which you and I set out to accomplish had been performed.” “That's practically what I told Cas- per,” said Mona, blushing. “And he made me promise to give him my an- swer tonight, with no more evasions.” Mary jumped up and clasped Mona in her arms. “And what are you go- ing to telt him?” she exclaimed. Mona hung her head. “The same to tell Mr, Grant,” she smiled. “Surely we have accomplished what we set out to do. | The last note goes into my diary right away. Of course,” she went on, “we won't decline to help any ncedy per- son who calls upon us, but having | helped so many that the law could not aid, it’s high time we thought of shap- ing our own happiness.” “You're right” murmured Mary, “And no one can blame us for buying trousseaus with this latest reward. They cost so confounded much nowa- days.” THE and forth | bating the In At the edge of my young in spite of ght do, if fort, convenience and t may not benefit to Soul” said by the spray from the are noble ’ Five hundred room: 118 and with lors. s his half g the flat was sum- a nearby On Sheridan Road, in Chicago. Delightful of your ing and tennis. The reasonableness domed) service wil Write or wire us recovered bbed your Rulu—us- Ideal summer and winter home Edgewater Beach Hotel in the best residential section of Chicago HIS beautiful structure, designed by Marshall & Fox, architects of the famous Blackstone Hotel, offers com- elsewhere in America. The glass-roofed dining room is cooled Chicago the great summer resort. private baths, and fifty-six private sun par- Thirty minutes from the center of the city lent transportation. Boating, bathing, fish- All the restful quietness of the remote resort, yet within quick and easy reach of the city’s business activities, the theaters and the great shopping centers. prise and a{)peal to you. Surroundings and delight you. Rooms, single or en suite, $2 to $6 per dai. Write us for descriptive bo Long Distance Phone Edgewater 8380 Edgewater Beach Hotel . 8349 Sheridan Road, Chicago. Lake Michigan pleasure unmatched blue lake that makes s—all outside—with the finest boulevard surroundings. Excel- of our rates will sur- European plan, oklet. for reservations Rooms with Bath v m%fifii#hm_ invite the patronage of transient guests— —That you can get hotel ac- 'ness district. commodations in Chicago'sfinest . Most people residence section equal toanyin gtopata p the loop— ily hotel u can engage your American er on vironment of parks, lake shore , or European plan— and boulevards, where even the 5 —T}:t pnfi are lower than granger cannot feel lonely. lown - town more attractive. Address or ph £ th accommmodations— hotl for sompiee mformaion. SouthSide Hotql _—That |2-minute express ser- vice takes you to the center of the theatre, shopping and busi- * leasant, sociable fam- in an exclusive resi- dence neighborhood, in the en- Center ~ would prefer to AANNANANANNNANANNANNNNNANNANNANANANANNANANAANANAN A %% TN LK T4 0 T e o \ i