The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-12-07
CHAPTER xV.-(continued.)

CHAPTER xV.-(Continued.)
But Judge Butler has already
youcl,ed for that man." she said quick
ly. so ne must be all right"
Kerr inclined his head to her with
a smile.
Butler is easily taken in," said
Harry calmly. Under the direct, the
insoteut meaning of his look Flora
felt her face grow hot-her hands
cold Harry could sit there taunting
this man, hitting him over another
mans back, and Kerr could not resent
at., He could only sit-his head lit
& canted orward-looking at Harry
Swith the traces of dry smile upon
his lips
She thought the next moment every
thing would be declared. She sprang
up. and. with an impulse for rescue,
went TO the door of the smoking-room.
Judge Butler" she called.
There was a sudden cessation OF
talk: movement of forms dimly seen
in the thick blue element; and then
through wreaths of smoke, the judges
face dawned upon her like sun
through fog.
We'll, well, Miss Flora" he wanted
to kaow, ito what bad action of mine
do I owe this good fortune?"
She retreated, beckoning him to the
midlie of the room. "You owe it to
the bad action of another" she said
gayiy "Your friends are being SIAN
dercd"
Harry made movement as If he
would have stopped her, and the ex-
precision of his face, In its alarm, was
comic. But she paid no heed. She
laid her hand on Harry's arm. "Mr.
Kerr is just about to accuse us OF be-
ing inpostors," she announced. She
had robbed the situation of its peril
BY gayiy turning it exactly inside out.
The judge blinked. puzzled at this
extraordinary statement. Harry was
disconnected; but Kerr showed an as
tuHishment that amazed her-a con-
cera that she could not understand.
He turned at her. Then he laughed
rather shakily as he turned to her
with a mock gallant bow.
IAN women impose upon us, ma
dam And as for Mr.. Cressy"-he
fixed Harry with look-'T could not
accuse him of being an impostor since
we have met in the sacred limits of
81 James"
The two glances that crossed be.
fore Elora's watchful eyes were keen
as thrust and parry of rapiers. Harry
bowed stifiy.
meet, but think ! saw you there
ence-at some embassy ball"
The words rang, to Flora's ears, as
n they had been shouted from the
hcsrsetops In the speaking pause that
Spllowed there was audible an un-
hnswn hortatory voice from the smo-
klng room.
Il tell you it's damn-fool way to
RAnage it! What's the good Of twen-
o. thousand dollars reward?" Flora
elutched nervously at the back of her
chair. She seemed to see the danger
Il discovery piling up above Kerr like
. mountain.
TIE Judge chuckled. you see what
- saved me from. They've been at
4 hammer and tongs all the even
ing Every man in town has his idea
q that subject"
''R0r instance, what is that one?"
Kerr,s casual voice was in contrast to
lis guarded eyes.
The judge looked pleased. "That
enc, Why. that's my own-was, at
Ieast. half an hour ago. You see,
about that twenty y-thousand-dollar
pruposition.-" They moved nearer to
Ain- They stood, the four, around the
red velvetcovered table, like people
waiting to be served. THE trouble is
nlekt here" said the judge emphasiz-
~ with blunt forefinger. "The crook
has a pal. That's probable, isn't it?"
Harry nodded. Flora felt Kerr's
eyos upon her. but she could not look
q him.
-And we see the thing is at dead
1sck. don't we? Well, now" the Judge
vsnl On triumphantly, I'VE know II
~ one person had the whole ring
4 venld be turned In by this time.
~ = the weak spot in the reward