The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1908-02-07

Solemnly as he turned away. some
thing in the tone alarmed the elder
man. He turned his steps TO follow
/ Dick. and presently they entered the
deserted lobby together
Graham was apparently waiting for
them, for at their approach he led the
way into the empty auditorium. In re-
Spouse to his shouts white curtain
was dropped on the stage. and from
the balcony above came the whirring
noise of the projecting machine.
On the screen. in Pickering letters of
light, appeared a legend announcing
that the dives of New York would be
shown. In moment this gave way to
an interior that fairly represented one
Of the drinking resorts known all over
the country by name and reputation,
or lack of it.
Seated at the tables were gay parties,
and the law Ell gasped as mt the near
est table he perceived a figure so like
his own that it might have been his
twin
Been having a mighty good time in
New York" cluckied lie; as he tura-
Ell to Mr. Hartsel. Il thought you Il
like to see tbs film before Graham
puts ii on next week Wait for the
rest"
is there more:" was the reply, ac-
ccGIlaHied b. a sacp of horror
Loss" said Dick tersely. "You must
have been making night of it,"
In succession ha,f n dozen other pic
lures were shown. in most of which
Mr.. Hartsell's double appeared. AS the
last picture iiicEered ana vanished
from the screen the lawyer turned to
the manager.
IF you run those pictures I'll have
you prosecutedw he cried. Graham
smiled. but it was Dick who spoke.
THAT would be a splendid adver-
tisement." he reminded. Just the way
to invite attention to your good time. >
1T was not my good time" protest
ed IIartsel. with emphasis.
How many people do you suppose
would believe that statement?' said
Dick as his smile broadened. Your
very emphasis would lend color to the
belief that it was you"
"What can | do?' asked Hartsell
hopeessy as the truth of the remark
impressed itself upon him.
You might buy them" suggested
Dick. Il own the only negative and
the only positive made"
name your price" spluttered the
lawyer. It's nothing short of black
mail, but | suppose it is better to sub
nit"
I'm glad to see that you take a SEN
sible view of the matter" said Dick.
Il don't mind admitting that | posed
for the pictures myself. I'm rather
good at amateur acting, and | studied
you for Il week. They will cost your
consent to Rhoda's marriage"
II shall use that explanation when
you show the pictures" said Mr.. Hart
sell as he turned away. You have
overreached yourself and have pro
vided me with defense"
IF you do, shall say that | am
merely doing it to shield my father-in-
law to be-" said Dick. Then every
one will believe that am nobly taking
the blame for your indiscretions. You
know they WILL
Unfortunately for his peace of mind,
Mr.. Hartsell did know that Dicks ex-
PLANTATION would find credence. but he
was not yet willing to give in. Dick
forced an iSsup
Take another look at them,' he
urged. They might help convince you
that, even at the price, they are cheap
that one in the opium den. for in
stance, where you choke over the
smoke from your pipe
Howard Hartsel raised his hand.
Come home to dinner and fix it up
with Rhoaa,' he said weakly. "It's
compromising a felony. but
Dick smiled as he took from the OPP
orator the two tin cases containing the
films.
1T beats the gun method" he wills
pered to himself.