The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-02-10
CHAPTER XVIII
(COntinued)

SF1AF i En- ANllll
(Continued)
The moment Maddox heard the
elevator gates close below he has
tened Ainslee into the corridor,
waited at the head of the staircase
until the car passer them on its
fight toward the upper stories, and
then moved rapidly and quietly
with his companion down the mar
BILE. steps and reached the street
without attracting attention. Once
there, he breathed more freely. The
story of the nights madness could
remain secret.
Ainslee ate what was placed be-
fore her at the restaurant and lis
tened to Maddox's CHEEKY talk with
steadily increasing interest. Little
by little the scene which she had
been through and the experiences
she had suffered grew less real,
less fearsome, until nothing remain
ed but glad sense of dangers
passed and feeling of new born
confidence and hope.
II caught you anticipating one Of
my pet moves, which prided my
self was absolutely original de-
clared Maddox. II don't know
when the idea of getting Lorimer
away from Nugent's influence &C.
Cured to you," he continued rapid
ly, watching her closely, but it
must have come to us about the
same. time. It's a clear case Of
mental telepathy. However, the
scheme is good, no matter who
thought of it first, but l want you
TO let me try 1t alone. I've an
Y other and better role for you. You
remember Harmony Frayer?"
Harmony Frayer!" she repeat
ed. "Of course I remember her.
Why do you ask"
Because her name is the Sesame
we have been seeking for the door
of our difficulties. She absolutely
controls Mr.. Prayer. He simply
worships her, and l don't believe
he could deny her anything. This
Placento suit, moreover, Is In her
name. Mr.. Prayer merely insti-
tuted it as her guardian. Now, If
you appeal directly to her she can
accomplish our end. She's fond Of
you already. know that, and a
word or two will make her your
most loyal friend. When can you
call on herr"
Tomorrow, II necessary; but"
but what? There mustn't be
any butts" he insisted. earnestly.
Wouldn't the word or two with
Miss Prayer have more weight if
you spoke them?"
The question sounded innocent,
but Maddox felt his cheeks sudden
ly flushing.
mo, I'm afraid not" he ans
wered, gravely.
Il thought perhaps"
NO"
I'm sorry"
He knew her meaning. but the
words also told him he was no
longer thinking solely of herself
and that he had succeeded in guild
ing her safely back to her natural
self.
ut is understood, then, you'll
see Miss Prayer tomorrow" he con.
tinued.
II couldn't go tonight, could IL"
y Maddox glanced at his watch.
ut isn't late" he admitted: Its
only quarter past eight; but
there's no hurry, and | think you
would stand a better chance OF
finding her alone in the afternoon"
I'll go back to the hotel at once,
then" she assented. I'm really
very tired
Maddox left her at the hotel ele-
vator and returned to his rooms.
On his table lay a note from Har-
mony. He opened 1t and found
an invitation to a dinner for the
following week--a birthday dinner,
she explained.
Maddox started as he read the
words, dropped the letter and pull
ed out his note book. 1t opened
at the page on which was written
Retained in the action of Har-
many Prayer, an infant, etc, VS..
The Placento Co. and others"
The date was more than year
and a half old. Harmony was at
that time over 10, and her birthday
came next week. Then next week
she would be of age and in control
of the Placento litigation, and Mr.
Prayer would cease to block the
way--Ainslee was no longer in dan
ger!
Maddox glanced at his watch and
then hurriedly left the building. He
had suddenly determined to answer
Harmony's invitation in person.
CuADTER wy