Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-20
CHAPTER XII-Continued.

| Crawford had been listening with an
| impatience that was not the less burning
because 1t was concealed. He seized upon
Mallorys announcement as pretext TO
rise and bring the interview to a speedy
end.
Congratulations. old man. he said.
going over and wringing his hand with
show of the heartiest cordially. I'VE
must have drink on that"
He took down a decanter and a couple
of glasses from the top of the bookcase
and poured out a stiff drink of whisky
| fer each of them.
To the future Mrs. Mallory he said.
raising his glass.
ITO Patsy" echoed Mallory. with fer
vor bcatific expression on his face.
Here's hoping you're happy"
! Happy. It's a cinch.'
| Now. how about this McGovern," said
Crawford. Lets get down to business
don't want to seem rude or to hurry
you. old man. but have an awful lot to
do tonight. and 1 know you are anxious
| to get away. Perhaps you would like to
put 1t off till tomorrow? How about see
ing me at my office and having bit Of
| lunch with me?"
But Mallory had other plans for the
morrow. He had made up his mind TO
spend the day with Patsy. and he did not
want business to interfere with the few
| hours of pleasure to which he had been
looking forward all winter.
Thanks he replied. Il could hardly
do that. 1 may have to start back 10
| Maple Grove on an early train. But the
business won't take lonG. I'll be through
in a few minutes. l wanted to tell you
that 1 guess I've landed McGovern.'
That's good!''
Yes, it means big thing for the
stable When the wise ones find out that
al foC4 t,o nil of he a
pays a good stiff figure for Lady
Belle. it will give the string a good
boost. an we ought to get fancy prices. "
What are you holding Lady Belle at?''
Five thousand. I done a tall stunt of
hagglin' with him. He was around to see
me tonight before dinner. / told him to
call you up He'd run up a telephone
bill of So tryin' to get you to take four
He's a gabby old guy. but don't let him
wear you out. He'll pay the figure
Il like your nerve. sicking him at me-
Had to get rid of him somehow. I
one Of them chaps hard to head off once
you get 'em goin'. You know.
Yes I know said Crawford. pointed
ly. wishing Mallory would take the hint
and go.
Just then the telephone in the hall rang
| and Rogers appeared.
Telephone, SIR" he announced to Craw-
ford.
I'll bet that's McGovern now" said
| Mallory, with grin.
Crawford laughed resignedly and went
out slamming the door. Mallory helped
| himself to cigar from box on the
| table, cut the end off and looked in the
| mirror with a satisfied wink at himself
| as he lighted the weed. The door beside
| the bookcase had opened noiseiessly. 1t
| was being quickly shut as he gazed into
| the mirror. and he saw the reflection of
| a woman's beautiful bare arm Dan
| hut he A look
of comprehension spread over his face.
"Gee-willikins-I, seer' he muttered.
| Guess I'M buttin' in on somethin.'
| He closed one eye and screwed up the
corresponding corner of his mouth with a
comical knowing grima &c at himself in
the glass. 1t lasted until the match.
! burning low. scorched his fingers and
caused him to drop the charred wood.
and his features to comfort themselves
| into an expression of lively, passing pain.
It's for YOU" announced Crawford, re-
entering the room.
Now. see here. That amt fair pro-
| tested Mallory. I've had more'n my
share of McGovern."
1T isn't McGovern. It's some one at
the Long Acre Theater." he told him,
| holding the door.
| THE theater-wonder what's up?" he
muttered.
| Crawford closed the door and ran over
| to the bedroom.
Has he gomez" asked Nora, VINO was
| pale and trembling.
| Not yet. but he will leave in a min
| ute" he whispered.
He doesn't suspect I'm here?"
| ''Of course not. How could he?"
Il don't know, but wish l were home.
Now. now. Don't get ratified he said,
patting her cheek and closing the door.
Mallory came back laughing.
1T was O'Brien.' he explained. He
says they can't find their girls on the
stage. an Mrs. O'Brien's in the lobby in
sis;in' that some ones kidnapped her dar-
| Inns. Amt that rich! They don't recog-
| nize 'em in their stage get-up. l bet the
| old mans got his hands full. an / better
get a move on. Where's my hat? I'll
| call you up in the mornin' before l leave.
What's the quickest way DOWNTOWN
You had better take the subway at
! Seth street and get off at Times Square.
advised Crawford. handing the hat to
| him.
| "An right. thanks. Good night
GOOD night.
The men shook hands. and Crawford
| went to the front door to let his visitor
out.
| The elevator was just descending.
Good night" called Crawford again
| in tones of great cordially. but as he
| slammed the door. after assuring HIM
| self that the trainer was we'll on his way
| to the street. he added. soto voce:
II hope you'll break your COMPOUNDED
neck as you go down the subway stairs.
| Lott