The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-02-15
TheSpOilers.
NJ REX E. BEACH.
Copyright 1905, by Rex h Beach.
CONTINUED from last issue.)

"Walt n moment. / want to tax 10
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 ore 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
cast-I was found out. ! want you to
know, how ever. that, bad as | am. I'm
better than you. for I'm loyal TO those
that like me, and don't betray my
| friends"
Il don't pretend.to understand you,
said Helen coldly.
"Oh. yes. you do! Don't assume such
Innocence or course it's your role. but
you can't play 1t with me-" She step
ped in front of her visitor, placing her
back against the door, while her face
was bitter and pocklng. The little
service 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 it? You're in with fine
lot of crooks, and | admire the way
you've done your share of the dirty
work. but when you assume these
scandalized. supervrtuous airs it Of
tends me"
let me out"
"I've done bad things" Cherry con-
tinued unheedingly. but | was forced
into them usually. and | never deliher-
ately tried to wreck n mans life just
for his. money"
What do You mean by saying that |
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 II. Then
Strive told me what | hadn't guessed.
A bottle Of wine, woman, and that
fool will tell all he knows. It's great
game McNamara's playing. and he did
well to get you in ON 1t, for you're
clever, your nerve is good. and your
makeup is great for the part. ought
to know. for I've turned 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 10 make much out of this
vicious and incoherent attack except
the fact that Cherry Malotte accused
her of part In this conspiracy which
every. one seemed to believe existed.
Here again was that hint of corrup-
ton which she encountered on all
sides. This might be merely a wom-
ans jealousy. and yet she said Strive
had told her all about it-that a bot
tie OF wine and n pretty face would
make the lawyer disclose everything.
She could believe it from what she
knew and had heard of him. The
feeling that she was cropping in the
lark. that she was wrapped in n mys-
FERROUS wool of secrecy, came over her
again as 1t had so often of late. IL
Strive talked TO that other woman,
why wouldn't he talk to her? She
paused. changing her direction to-
ward Front street, revolving rapidly
In her mind as she went her course OF
action. Cherry Malotte believed her
to be an actress. Very well. she would
prove her judgment right.
She found Strive busy in his private
office, but he leaped to his feet on her
entrance and came forward, offering
her chair.
Good morning, Miss Helen. You
have a fine color, considering THE night
you passed. The judge told me all
about the affair. and let me state that
you're the pluckiest girl know"