The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-09-05

you're very good,'' she answered
"but I'm all right now. was badly
frightened. It was wonderful. your
saving me-" She followed the others
graceful motion as she placed her bur
den on the table, and in doing so gazed
squarely at a photograph of Roy Glen
lister.
"Ohr' Helen exclaimed and then
paused as it flashed over her who this
girl was She looked at her quickly.
Yes, probably men would consider the
woman beautiful, with that smile.
The revelation came with shock, and
she arose, trying to mask her con-
fusion.
THANK you so much for your kind
ness. I'm quite myself now and l
must 60"
Her change OF face could not escape
the quick perceptions of one schooled
by experience in the Sights Of her sex
Times without number Cherry Malotte
had marked that subtle, scornful
change in other women, and reviled
herself for needing 1t. But in some
way this girls manner hurt her worst
OF all. She betrayed no sign, however,
save a widening OF the eyes and GER
tain flxity of smile as she answered:
II wish you would stay until you are
rested, Miss She paused with out
stretched hand.
Chester. My name is Helen Chester.
I'm Judge Stillman's niece" hurried
the other, In embarrassment.
II
fered hand and her face grew hard and
| hateful
"Oh! So you are Miss Chester-and
I-saved your She laughed harshly.
| Helen strove for calmness. I'm sor-
ry you feel that way" she said coolly.
81 appreciate your service to me-" She
moved toward the door.
! wait a moment 1 want to talk to
/ you" Then, as Helen paid no heed,
the woman burst out bitterly: "Oh,
don't be afraid! know you are COM
hitting an objectionable sin by talk
! ing to me, but no one will see you. and
in your code the crime lies in being
discovered. Therefore, you're quite
safe. That's what makes me an out
cest-I was found out l want you TO
know, however, that, bad as am, I'm
better than you, for Pm loyal to those
that like me, and l don't betray my
friends"
IL don't pretend to- understand you,''
said Helen coldly.
''Oh. yes, you do! Don't assume such
innocence. OF course it's your role. but
you can't play it with me-" She STEP
ped in front Of her visitor, placing her
back against the door, while her face
was bitter and hooking. The little
service l did you just now entities me
to privilege, suppose. and I'm going
to take advantage of it TO tell you how
badly your mask fits. Dreadfully rude
of me, isn't II? You're in with asfine
lot Of crooks, and l admire the way
you've done your share Of the dirty
work, but when you assume these
scandalized, supervirtuous airs it Of
| tends me-
LET me outp'
i've done bad things" Cherry con
| tinued unheedingly. "but I was forced
Into them usually, and never deliber.
ately tried to wreck a mans life just
for his money"
what do you mean by saying that l
have betrayed my friends and wrecked
anybody's life?" Helen demanded hot
ly.
Bah! I had you sized up at the
start, but Roy couldn't see it. Then
Strive told me what l hadn't guessed
A bottle Of wine, woman, and that
fool will tell all he knows. It's a great
game McNamara's playing, and he did
well to get you in on it, for you're
clever, your nerve is good and your
makeup is great for the part l ought
to know. for I've turned a few tricks
myself You'll pardon this little burst
Of feeling professional pique. I'm
jealous of your ability, that's all. How
ever, now that you realize we're In the
same class, don't look down on me
hereafter" She opened the door and
bowed her guest out with elaborate
mockery.
Helen was too bewildered and hu
inflated to make much out of this
vicious and incoherent attack except
the fact that Cherry Malotte accused
her of a part in this conspiracy which
every one seemed to believe existed
Here again was that hint of corrup
ton which she encountered on al
sides. This might be merely a WON
ans jealousy, and yet she said Struv,
had told her all about it-that bot
tie OF wine and a pretty face would
make the lawyer disclose everything
She could believe 1t from what sh,
knew and had heard of him. TIL,
. feeling that she was cropping in tn,
dark. that she was wrapped in mys
terious wool of secrecy, came over he
again as it had so often of late
Strive talked to that other woman
why wouldn't he talk to her? Sh,
paused. changing her direction to
ward Front street, revolving rapid!
In her mind as she went her course o
/ Cborrr MolOffa "a