The Washington times., 1909-03-29

ringbon. She had given herself TO him,
believing that ne loved her and without
the slightest suspicion that there was
any Interior motive behind his proposal
Aud here was the scoundrel on the
othel. side OF the partition coolly de-
claring that the idea of marrying this
glorious girl was distasteful to him;
that he was going to we'd her solely for
the purpose Of carrying out the mys-
terious and dastardly enterprise in
which he and his villainous companion
were engaged.
At this narrowing thought Wilbur
found it difficult 10 restrain himself
from rushing out of his place Of con-
eealment, seizing Arthur harrington by
the throat and denouncing him for
cad and rascal
But his desire to hear more-to learn
all he could of the intentions of this
pair of villains. caused him 10 forbear
and to keep his seat.
The italian was speaking again. Will
bur forced himself to sit quietly and
listen.
Does that confounded brother of
yours know of your intention to marry,
my dear friend?'
He does not know that I have al
ready proposed TO the girl and been ac-
cepted by her." was the reply. 4 am
sure though that he suspected 1 intend
to ask her to marry me sooner or
later
Hal fear that fellow! 1t is mighty
strange that he should have employed
her as stenographer in your Office. It
couldn't be a mere coincidence. I Won
der what his game is?'
THE same as ours, Of course re-
piled Arthur Darlington, with a quiet
laugh. ''Of course it wasn't a coinci-
dence which caused my brother to hire
the girl. His motive in doing so was
the same as ours. He is trying to beat
US at our own game, confound him
But I can't understand how he in
tends to accomplish it." persisted the
other. You told me the other day that
he esesn't make love to the girl himself.
You said that he treats her exactly as
he has treated every other young wo-
man who has been employed at your
office in the past. II such is the case.
my dear friend, how does he expect 20
win out?''
Il don't know. I can't tell you what
his plan of campaign is. My beloved
brother has his own peculiar way OF
going ABOUT things; but he is the slick
est and most unscrupuIous fellow
have ever met, and he generally wins
out when he makes UP lis mind to
do so.
He hasn't shown his hand yet-rve
been watching him closely. His rela-
tions with that girl are strictly those
OF employer to employe- He never
talks TO her except on business mat
ters. I can't see how he expects TO
achieve his purpose that way; but
nevertheless I feel positive that he has
something UP his sleeve. and that his
game Is the same as ours regarding
her.
Probably he doesn't believe in hur-
rying matters along. but prefers to
wait for the psychological moment TO
arrive That's my brothers way. He
always thinks that waiting game is
the best"
We'll, look out for him." was the
Italians caution. 'Tf he is as slick
as you say, he may get the best Of
US yet
.-Oh. no. he won't" replied Arthur,
with a confident laugh. L have man
aged to triumph over him this time,
smart as he is. He has made the
mistake of waiting too long. When
he gets ready TO play his hand he viii
find that he is too late. 1 have stolen
a march on him / am going to be
married tonight"
Tonight exclaimed his companion,
excitedly. Good heavens, my dear
friend, you surprise me. This Is in
deed good news! I did not suppose
that you could bring 1t about so
quickly. Why. you have only known
the lady for about two weeks. You
arc a wonder. my boy-a veritahle
wonder Once more congratulate;
you and once more I propose a toast.
'.Iiere is TO my dear friend and CO.
worker, Arthur Barrington-the most
rapid loyemaker the world has ever
seen"
As their glasses clinked Wilbur Leslie
rose TO his feet trembling with rage.
He had heard enough. He could not
wait there 10 listen 10 the rest Of the
converse ton Of the two rascalg.
The details Of their conspiracy no
longer interested him. It was enough
for him 10 learn that only a few hours
interVened between the girl and her
doom
He must act immediately There was
not Il minute 10 be lost
He staggered out Of the cafe like q
drunken man.