The evening world. Newspaper, June 10, 1916, Page 8

Pk SAR RY THE EV SEDEGLEOIGOOISDOGODHOOG: Story No. 12 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HELEN MINTERN Two American girls, Mona Hartley and Mary Burnett, set about punishing the “Wolves of Society” through their check books. This is the story of their twelfth adventure. (Copyright by Kelem Company.) JELP! HELP!” Buch a cry {s associated with @ gloomy alley, or dark country lane at midnight, To connect it with @ taxicab in a crowded city etreet in broad daylight requires an elastic imagination—but to the two young women, who had heard the smothered ory, it was both very real and very poignant. For a moment they stood, dumb with amazo- ment, staring after the curtained motor, from the recesses of which the curious appeai had emanated, Then simultaneously they whirled, and faced each other, asking mutely the same question, It was Mona Hartley who found her voice first. “You heard it, too? A woman's voice! Are we awake, or dreaming?” In answer Mary Burnett caught her companton’s arm, and hurried her toward a tall, serious faced young man. “Mr, Carson!" she cried, “You are just in time! car? A woman js in trouble in that taxi.” Casper Carson, the young millionaire soctal worker and reformor, was a man accustomed to think and act quickly. Without another word he «prang Across the walk, and threw open the door of a dark blue, up-to-date touring car. As Mary and Mona jumped into the machine he threw tn the cluteh For blocks they chased the taxi until It mysteriously and to the disgust of the trio disappeared down a side street, “I took down tho license number, anyway,” said Mary, Later the girls saw the same tax!- cab standing in front of Mme. Sutro's beauty parlors, and while they watched it Daniel Slatern, the political boss of the upper Tenderloin, came out, Then the girls remem- bered that Carson had openly charged that these beauty parlors, under po- litical protection, were often used for kambling dens and other purposes. The girls informed Carson of their diacovery. the discussion that fol- lowed Mona said “I have an idea—which will get us hot only the information of the taxi- cab and its occupants, but which ought to give you just the evidence you want about Mme. Sutro and Sla- tern!” She then unfolded the plan, What do you think of it?” she asked. Carson and Mary agreed and an ap- pointment was made for him to meet Mona the next evening at the Metro- politan Cafe—an establishment fre- quented by actresses, chorus girls and men about town, There was a definite reason behind the dinner appointment of Mona and Carson, ‘The Metropolitan Cafe was one of the establishments most pa- tronized by Slatern, and where his ®ppearance was the signal for every unoccupied waiter in the house -to quicken into activity. Carson led the way through the glaringly lighted doorway, with a mental register of protest at the character of his sur- roundings, but Mona concealed her Where te your a ia With head high and eyes flashing she crossed to an empty taxicab anu jumped tn, leaving Carson staring after her. Slatern nudged his compan® fon, with @ chuckle, and then, rexel. ing down quickly, picked up a sincil face ‘handkerchief from ‘the. walk which Mona had dropped from. het bag. With the handkerchief wae o busine ecard, on the back of which was @ hastily’ scribbled line of we ing. Slatern held it to the Ight and read Itis imperative for me to hay ee “YOU TRAITORS: foursed through the Madame's trim Your report of Sutro's place at once, hesiiaied und then she svepped to the tthe cash it!” On the reverse side telephone on her desk and called @ of the card was the engraved name, Dumber into the transmitter. sep er parson.” Blitern’s eyes “Wait here, please,” she sald, with Kleamod with sudden satisfaction, He @ trifle more cordiality in her ‘voice. thought ho had made a discovery, Mona dropped into a chair, alfecting Lute the next afternoon Mona not to be interested in the conversa: {merged from @ taxicab before Mme, tion over the wire. She could hear # Sutro’s establishment, ascended the mun's Voice through the recelver, and steps, and was ushered by the liveried then the Madaine, lowering her voice, colored attendant at the door into a spoke rapidly and nervously, and evi- handsomely appointed waiting room, dently to such purpose that # mo- In @ moment or two Mme, Sutro ap. ment later she hung back the re- Deared, ceiver with a sigh of relic “You wish to see mo?” “A friend of mine is coming over, Mona nodded. “I wish to see you WhO Would like to hear your story, my very much privately young friend. | 1¢ you can convince jadame Sutro raise im of its truth, perhaps you have 1 am very bus 4 ber eyebrows, oof done no. badly after Ail ; “L faney that m n “Lf don't care for that part of it,” Joined Mona, coldiy. “Howeve once that the “friend” in question Boe Rerted somwalk inaitiocontly tow. ree rel jolgeel ty au eee tae ard the door, sal nterested in is wetting back at Car- arm. DUE theotarcaugibtisr Son ey iniarnin a wediareoace ive sorry, and 1 want to make my promise foelinga cleverly please!" she con- good The two founs’e table in as retired Mona followed hor Ferhat got Just so!" nodded the h tho portieres and Madame, absently, She stepped to down @ narrow corridor, giving into a series of thinly-partitioned booths, in which sho caught glimpses of womon position as possible, and from which forn could command a view of the oor, Slatern had not yet appeared, ¢Qd Mona was beginning to worry the door. “If you don't mind waiting for just a moment, I have an urgent customer waiting outsid fe Ere ci | customers in various stages of “beau. «No . Mona, pleass meer t ras tale foseasion ones tfvings At the end of the corridor ‘she hearatie Gestire etarreciied he political boas sauntered in’ not the Madame opened a door and con- side of the door, and. amiled to here ducted her visitor into a smali room, which evidently a private office ! self. Evidently the Madame arved the purpose of disposed to take any chanc Tho girl strolled to the one oorting 4 very blond, overdressed young woman, who showed obvious bride in her “conquest,” window Slatern ¢ . name ie Jenkins—May Jen- of the room, and parted the curtains, une. and le companton wero began Mona, boldly. aev- It opened of a Fear alley, Just aerous nition, and Mona and Ceeminent po; eral months T have been in the employ from which loomed outlines of a their ‘menu go that sie ee ayed of ( sper Carson, Do you know him?" rear house, fronting on the next aes melee ney could retain haps," was the enigmatic re- block, Tho alley itself was deserted. ion, It_was evident that Sinica And what of It? dropped the curtains and turned recognized Carson, Darting a scowling oc 2 hve been assisting him to gather back to a survey of the room. If the evidence ments like rectly, again Casper Carson had gone without a hitch, his men certain establish. Plans of élance at the young millic p, the aire, the yours!" waid Mona, di. through Political boss whispere« ons paplon, and also directed hav an “You may know, perhaps, een now were assembling for the tion to the other table. Mona and tt ho believes you're running a raid on the Heauty Parle which Carson, however, continued thelr meat S@mbling house, had been agreed upon usk, #8 though unconscious of the scrutiny, Mladame Sutro's That it was a “plan without When Blatern and this companicg "Go on!” ahe either the knowledge or assistance of finally left the cafe, Monaand Carson “Carson his » the district attorney's office, would, of were just behind then - wlio an course, not be known until later—and The two couples reached the walk could muster. “He gives nothing but Carson's wealth and influence were at almost the same moment, Ay the Promixes—and | have broken with SUCh that be would answer any leg door closed Mona broke away from him, and told him he would be sorry MMAuirles, if, Indeed, “any should Ace flushed, »ped, doubl as she Carvon’s arm, and raised her voice 10 Jet me xo! T intend to make hin Made. He know WA BiAtern Wan walk ud sorry! That is why | have Brief orn Rado, Oo) My ute God Wit Govetor ennsi® Fate ll sec Gea Which he Carson, Wad che wrime Carson took a step toward her and Which may be of interest to you tried to regain hold of her arm, But "I don't know what you m k ; she shook him off. Madame Sutro scanned the girl's taco °PUty, Py You are & Ughi-wad, a dingusting shrewdly, and hor manner perceptibly © Ught-wad!" Sho saw that her voice atiffencd. ; had reached the ears of Slatern, and “I méan that you are to be raided at that the other was looking over his almost any hour!" Mona stepped shoulder curiously. "I don't want any closer to the other and spoke the more of your promises! 1am through words almost into her ears, She ~-from this moment feel the thrill of alarm, » aire had been aw n in A spe the district attorney which was en jodical fights with the partment he ord district St than vad nich police de- That euch « rald should 4 without warning from the attorney's offlee was more Probable—and Carson know it would not be a difflenlt task to con- vince Slatern of its genuineness, BLATERN ABOUCTS HELEN MINTERN, a eT ENING ODDO VOHGIAECOE DGFT DHT GPVIGOOIDODAIVOMI CA HHNIOCDHOCOOHANDS ture Theatres EDOOOBDDDHDHODQGHOTDGTVHHOHHETGHHDI|HHODODOOHSGHNGDHHHHIDHHOHOHSHOHSG POTTS IEY ES FTES, TTR WORLD, SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1916, OOo. The Newest Kalem Picture Now Being Presented at the Leading Motion Pic- In_ Greater New York " HE SNARLED, “SO YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD PUT ONE OVER While Mona was busy with these thoughts, the key turned in the door again, and the Madame reappeared, With @ man whom the girl once recognized as Dan Slatern, That he recognized her also und recalled the incident of her quarrel with Carson the previous night was obvious, With @ smile he stepped toward her, 1 understand you bave something to tell me.” Mona met his appraising glance boldly, and repeated the story she had ‘told Madame Sutro, Siatern heard her through without comment. “And when is this raid to take place?” he asked abruptly, atter she had finished, “It is scheduled for’—— The girl's sentence Was interrupted by a sound of @ scuttle outside, and a vigorous hammering at the street door, Sla- tern, With an oath, sprang back into the ‘corridor, followed by Madame Sutro and Mona. Lt was evident that the “raid” was already in progress. laterm turned swiftly to Madame Sutro, and she met his mute question ive has been cleared away,” she said, “I took care of that as soon ag | heard the gitl's sto Slatern sprang through a hidden door, pulling Mona after him, and shutting the concealed door, just as the sounds from the front of the building showed that Madame Sutro had admitted the presumable ofticers of the law. After a reasonable length of time Slatern returned to ascertain if the olficers had gone. In a few moments he was back at Mona's side “They have gone,” he said, “And I rather faney that your friend, Car son, is almost convinced that he was on a blind trail!” He lighted a fresh cigar with a chuckle, At that mo-~ ment a woman's scream rang through the building, to be smothered the next ystant. ‘ ‘Slaten threw away his mAtch with a curse, but Mona pretended to be of anything out of the ordinary, although she was straining her ears in the hope of a repetition of the « It had come apparently from a room below, and there was no doubt that a rough hand had silenced the mouth from which it had burst. Was it the same woman who had © in vain from the covered t c She saw that Siatern was watching her covertiy out of the cor- ner of his eye, and tried to smile, i we be going back?" ahe I jeave from this asked. ‘Or house “Oh, the coast is clear enough new,” said Slatern rather absently, He led the way back through the tunnel, ind again into the Beauty Parlors. Mime, Sutro was pinning on her hat, eviden y preparing to go out for dir ner, Except for the splintered str door, there was no sign of the “rai which had threatened to dis serenity of the plage and th of its occupants, “Tr think w to Miss Jenkins,” said Slatern, Mona the name she had o} urb the liberty Madame 8 Wh you think your services are worth to us?” he asked, plunging his hand into his pocket. © girl made a gesture of protest. Nota dollar! 1 told you I was not doing tt for money-—-but to get back at Carse I rather think he Will be sorry before he is through!" Slatern grunted. “Have tt your woy! But just the same I am not a man to forget favor, Bup) u call at my office n the morning? It Js just possible that we ean be of mu tual benetit to y I'l come," promised Mona, as latern led the way tot) reet door, She smiled a ewell and made her way down the steps and to the street, conscious that Slatern snd Madame sutro were staring at her Mary and Carson w anxtously wa for her when reached her apartment, ‘The two listened in amazement as she told of the exeit- Ing events that had marked her ine troduction to Madame Sutro, and of the success which > far tended her efforts as amateur detec- tv am to sce Slatern in the morn- ing,” she finished, “I have an idea that he 1s going to suggest that I enter his employ in the same capac- ity in which he thinks I worked for you, Mr, Carson.” She was right, When she called on the political bose next day he was plainly much taken not only with the cleverness of his visitor, but with her charms, and made it clear that he considered himself much the gainer and Carson the loser by her change of masters, “You can be of much help to me,” he went on, “As a first step, make with Carson.” Vhy should I do that?” asked Slatern winked, “So that you can me informed of his plans, Don't you see my drift? If you can make him think you are devoted to his re- form plans, you can let me know in advance of anything in the wind,” “Gee, but you are emart!" cried Mona admiringly. “Oh, they will have to get up early to get ahead of Dan Slatern!" admit- ted the Boss, patting his chest. Mona promised to meet him at Madaine Sutro's place for a little in- formal luncheon at noon, and hur- ried back to her apartment, where ehe found Mary waiting for her, "Quick!" she commanded, “The time has come for you to take your part. Are you ready?" fry ime" sald Mary impatiently. A few minutes later the two separ- ted, Mary to repair to a job print er’s, and Mona to make her way leis- urely to Madame Sutro’s, Slatern was punctual, and a few moments after ngon found the trio gathered around a cosy table in Madame Sutr own room, enjoying @ really delicious menu, Slatern was obliged to leave hv riedly before the colored maid served the dessert, but he remained long enough to give further evidence of the high admiration he was begin- ning to have for Mona, In fact, fadamo Sutro, after his departure, patted the girl on the shoulder, and told her confidentially, “If you keep up, déarie, you will have Dan Slatern cating out of your hand!" “Nona laughed, and her confusion was covered by a call for the pro- prictress of the establishment, Mona followed, for she had a very definite idea ag to the identity of the new customer, It was Mary, Mona did not show herself during the interview hat followed—an interview having to do with an appointment for the first of a series of facial massages. Mary took her departure, with a promise to return for her treatment nan hour, As the door closed be- hind her, Mona sprang into the wait- ing room and called to Madame Sutro, Who was that woman?” she de- manded, ‘The Madame gave her a neatly printed card, which Mary had left, and on which Mona read the name “Mrs. Reginald Travers Wentwort She looked up with a gasp. “She is putting one over on you,” she snapped, “Her real name {ts Dorts Greene—and she 1s a detective for Carson." Madame beckoned the girt back to her private office, and got Slatern on the telephone, ‘The Boss swore at this new evidence of Carson's per- and asked to talk to Mona. in you follow the woman and ver what she is up to?” he asked, “Surest thing you know!" Phen do it I'll be there when she comes back!" And Slatern hung back the receiver with a jerk. M hurriedly told Madame Sutro of 8 tern’s Instructions, and made a qui exit, leaving Madame to revolve gloomily the prospect of another Jona found no diMeculty in pteking up Mary's trail, In fact, the other girl was walting for her at a corner drug store, and the two enjoyed a pleasant hour's chat, while waiting for the time of Mary's appointment at the Beauty Pa rlors. THE THIRTEENTH ADVENTURE OF “THE SOCIAL PIRATES” WILL BE PUBLISHED SATURDAY, JUNE 17 a YOU O00 C00; VOODHHDGDONGDD ODIO ON MEI” When the two Mary made her girls separated y back leisurely to Madame "s, aid Mona followed a short distance in her rear to main- tain the deception, Mary found the Proprietress awaiting her with a smiling cordiality, and she was con- ducted at once to one of the private booths, where the Madame insisted on giving her the first treatment with her own hands. Hardly had Mary taken her depart- ure, With a promise to return the next day for another treatment, when Madame Sutro darted again’ to. th telephone, Mona, returning to Slat- ern’s office, reached the desk of the Political boss just as the proprietress called him on the wire. “The new girl is right! That wom- an is a@ detective. I watched her Spying around the place when she thought I was out! What shall I do?” Slatern pondered the question for a moment, “We'll have to get her out of the way! Lf she comes back to- inorrow, we'll take care that she doesn’t leave! He hung back the receiver, and from a drawer of his desk took a small phial of whitish powder, He tapped it with a wink, “This is haladrone,” he explained. “A litde of this will put our friend out of commission more quickly than chloroform Mona shuddered, as she recalled the tales she had heard of the powers of the drug, and realized the effects-—if est hitch occurred in ans, She compressed her | she took They were playing with a desper and cunning foe—one whe would have to fight with his own Weapons if they hoped for success! Carson heard Mona's report of the conversation with a plainly worried air: “I don't like it!” he said em- phatically, "Suppose that something goes wrong “But nothing is going wrong! tested Mona. She brought envelope m her handbag, and dusted a few grains of a whitish powder onto Carsons desk, “Oh, you needn't be afraid of th Phat is nothing mc r! I shall be on morrow at the Sutro p substitute for haladron| Carson brightened, “And T shall make it a point to have the place sur- rounded by men from the district at- oun) tightly a pro- out an with this THEY CARRIED MARY'S LIMP FORM INTO THE SECRET PASSAGE, Plot by George Bronson Howard Novelization by Hugh C. Weir CHODHDOIHHDHGHHOGOOOSDS: y the man, s owe The two staggered back and forth across the room, the girl fighting like a wildcat. A table fell over with a crash, and Slatern tripped against it with an oath. Mona sprang toward the window, seized a heavy water pitcher, and sent it crashing through the As she thrust the police whistle to her lips, from above came the sound of a battering ram against the outside door, and a hoarse command to open in the name of panes. the law. torney’s office—ready for instant ac- tion! ‘There will be no pretence this time! He took a police whistle and a skeleton key from the drawer in his desk, “If there 18 any suggestion of dan- ger, don't wait, but blow this whistle! We'll get into the place if we have to break the building down!” And he looked as though he meant It. Mona reached Madame Sutro's pla ahead of Mary so as to be on hand when her friend arrived. Still keep~ ing up the deception which she had maintained so successfully, she evinced keen interest in the prepara- tions to take care of Mary when the other put in an app nce. So clev- erly did she play her part that she managed to Keep a position in the adjoining room when Mary was final- ly ushered into a compartment for her second “treatment.” Madame Sutro kept in the background, leaving the details of the massage to an at- tendant. Mona watched the attendant through a crack in the partition and saw the other step back to take the prepared drug from a stand in tho rear of the booth. Unconscious of the substitution of the harmless sugar which Mona had managed While waiting Mary's appearance, the attendant carefully dusted the sup- posed drug on a hot towel and heid it over Mary's face. Instantly the girl in th air broke into a fit of Violent sneezing, sinking back finally in a sort of stupor, as she judged would be the case she inhaled the fumes of the drug. Madame Sutro step) softly into the room, fe lowed by Mona. Mary lay | bac ‘ainst the head rest of the chair, rently overcome. ntly Madame Sutro called a male attendant from the gambling house across the alley, and the two carried Mary's limp form into the secret pas- ay, Mona concealing herself hind a curtain in the corner of the m. As the two reappeared the girl concealed spring and stole into the shadowy aperture, holding her breath as she made her y cautiously forward, She reached the exit and passed through into the Other house without discovery, ihe found herself in’ the room where Slatern had inducted her be- fore. Making her way through the doorway, she entered a wide ballw: running the full length of the build ing. She saw a@ stairway at her left leading low, and remembering the shriek she had heard on her previous visit had emanated from tha direc- tion of the basement she picked her way down the stairs until she reached a lower hall At this moment she heard a low ery from a locke nor midway be- fore her. Darting forward, she fun bied at the lock as she heard Mary's voles from within re pressed the “T have found her!" called Mary ex- citedly. “But, oh dear, she is in a stupor and L can't rouse her! The undrels! WV the poor thing Mona glanced around her desper- ly, seeking for some method to pe the door. As her ye fell on the stairway she fell back with a gasp of dismay. Madame Sutro and attendant were halfway down the and escape was impossible! The same instant the proprietress of the beauty parlors caught sight of the girl, and raised her voice in a shrill command. “There is the girl, Sam! Grab her, while IT call Dan!" She darted back up the stairs, « ringing toward M caught her arm in a vise-like grt Mor staggered back the door behind which she had heard Mary's voice swung open, with the ald of the skel- n key from Carson, and Mary rang into the hall, pulling after her at have they done to BODHOODGIDONDOIS DS: ane the fainting form ot a of about twenty, why su hel shy The ultendant, Sum, swore at the sight, and raising nis voice in # call for reintorcenients, thrust Mary back, with her com Mon, aid caught Mona before sne could reach the st ‘s. T'Wo more atte: ants from the upper rooms, appearing at that mo- ment, Mona was hurried Alowa the hall to @ room at the extreme end, and heard ihe door bolted behind her as she Was shoved within, oung woman ed about ner It Was a moment when every second counted, With a wild thought of her police whistle, she darted across to the window, Before ehe could reach it, the door behind her opened in, and Dan Slatern sprang iuto the room “You traitress!” he snarled, “so you thought you co on me! I'l teu trick like that again! Mona struggled in vain to free her- sclf from his embrace, The two stag- d back and forth across the room, girl fighting like a wild cat as saw the desperate odds against A table fell over with a crash, id put one over h you not to try a her. and Slatern tripped against it with an outh, At the opportunity, Mona sprang toward the window, seized a heavy water pitcher from a shelf, and ent it crashing through the panes. There was a shattering of glass, and t | then 4s she thrust the police whistle to her lips, Slatern's arms caught her again, and the struggle commenced ane ut it was of only short duration, } From above there came the sound | of a battering ram against the out- side door, and @ hoarse command to open in the name of the law. Slatern threw Mona from him, and pe le for the door, ‘ta la But he was too called @ sharp voice, and Casper Carson, ¥ at his shoulders, @ drawn revolver, “Where ts Mary? called Mona, akly, * And Mary Daven- Here T am Port, with her hair loosened and her through the eyes glistening, doorway and into the other's arms, ask for her Before Mc Story, howe dragged her and into the back’ into room where she had found the un- ( known girl prisoner of the estab- | lishment. Tha young woman was ith two deputie: faced the Boss with wi Tr, Mary the hall, lying on a rude bed, with the eame Vague stare in her ey “I have heard enough from her to atern to the penitentiary for Said Mary, excitedly, 6 is Helen Mintern in Slatern’s office “Her pher ee red at she h found out too much about his methods and that she was apt to be dangerous—so he ’ Kidnapped her bodily” @® Mona whirled. “Where is Slatern” | she demanded. Casper Carson an- | swered the question, grimly, ae he " Stepped into the room \ “He is on his way to the D istrict Attorney's office with Madaine Sutro and the other occupants of this den! ‘ I congratulate you young women! You have done what [ tried to do for months and couldn't! And now, 4 if you are able, we will take the poor girl you have found to your f apartment until we can discuss’ the situation more thoroughly. 1 don't | Imagine you will be sorry to see the last of this place ‘ In answer Mona stopped and Helen Mintorn tenderly, while Carson sprang to her side te ou are a wonder!" he sald In a low tone “Do you think 60?" demurely. (To Pe Continued) she returned, + | /\ ! ' | ' i? hy \ t a