Omaha daily bee., 1911-04-09

to this unknown man? The more quickly
she could get rid OF him the better. she
thought. but she would like 20 clear up this
mystery about Mr.. Hartley.
Il am quite sure that l made no mistake
about the Mr.. Hartley that knew him. '
she began There is no other George
Hartley that is president Of the Hardware
Trust, ] suppose?" Mcbride shook his head
very positively. Then he knows both Mr.
Maxwell and Mr.. Maynard perfectly. He
dined with them several times lately. OF
that am positive
There must be some mistake"
IL cannot see how It is possible Mr..
Maxwell told me the whole story. Mr..
Hartley and Mr. Douglas were at the din
ner-"
But Mr.. Douglas and Mr. Hartley are
not friendly. Mr.. Douglas caught Mr.. Hart
ley I'm some stock transaction last year,
and they have not spoken since"
There! Now 1 know [ am right; be-
cause Mr.. Maxwell told me they had had
some sort Of unpleasant business relations,
but 1t was not known to their host until
they arrived. II was their nagglng at each
other after the dinner that led to the bet,
you know"
What was the bet about? DO you
know"
Il did not understand It exactly. That is.
1 don't remember the details. But some
one was to rob a bank or something, and
then hide. Then Mr.. Hartley and Mr..
Douglas had bet Of some tremendous
amount that the police could not find the
thief"
But did they make the bet or was it
all talk?"
II think they made the bet. 1t was at
DR.. Ramies dinner party, you know"
"Dr. Ramie!" he exclaimed. do you
know il the bet was SCOOP
Yes, l think it was
Then you are right about Mr.. Hartley.
1 made out a check for Or. Ramie for
$4,000 last Monday week. suppose he was
the stakeholder"
But Mr.. Maxwell and Mr.. Maynard were
both at the dinner. What Is MI Hartley )
object in saying he does not know either
Of them?" she asked. They dined to-
sether again after that. why does he deny
the acquaintance? is It because 1 am the
person that wants the Information, L won
derg l suppose he heard my name that
day at the office"
why should the information be con
Helen blushed and looked confused. She
did not like to give form to the thoughts
that was passing through her mind II
Hardy Maxwell were unfaithtul IL II were
his intention never to see her again, per.
haps he had asked his friends But no
She could not think such a thing of him
She looked up at Mcbride, who was evil
IDENTIFY awaiting an answere to his las
question.
You see" she faltered, looking dowr
and turning her face away slightly, 81
think l have right to know what hai
happened to Mr.. Maxwell, because-becaus,
he and -
She stopped and blushed slightly, as 4
unwilling to finish the sentence. 1t wal
quite unnecessary. He OWNED what sh,
was Ioath TO say. She was engaged, and al
those rosy dreams of his were in vain
She read his thoughts, and the uneasines
of a few minutes before returned. If
was not singled out" she demanded. 'wh!
does Mr.. Hartley deny his acquaintanc,
with Mr.. MAXWELL
Perhaps. Mr.. Maxwell is not desirable
person to know"
She drew herself up like flash. "
wish you to understand, sir that Mr.. Max
we'll came here with the best Of introduc
lions, from my uncle, and that shall no
permit you to asperse his character"
II beg your pardon" ne said humbly
seeing his mistake You see-you know.
cannot think Of any other reason Pleas
don't get angry with me. Let me talk tn
matter over with Mr. Hartley l will fin'
out the truth about the matter tomorrow
Then won't you let me call and tell yol
what 1 learn"
Il should much prefer that you woul'
write. l do not like the idea OF your com
ing here when you are not an acquaint
ance."
He did not seem to relish the tone II
which this was said. II conveyed no wisl
that he were an acquaintance. Both stool
for a moment or two looking at nothing
both thinking Of the same thing-som
excuse for another meeting. He to con
tinue the acquaintance, she to gain furthe
information about her absent lover.
Il have IT," he exclaimed, at last, Won
you let me send you tickets for ladies' da!
at the Athletic club? l am one Of the re
ception committee, you know II is on Tues
day afternoon. There might be some mutua
friend there 10 introduce us
81 do not like the idea OF making suCl
an appointment with a stranger" she sal,
hesitatingly, but 1 am really curious T.
hear MT. Hsrtleys explanation"
Il win send the tickets tonight Tn
moment I get home he urged hastily
please try 20 come. l will have news 70
you. We win find him. You know l hav
promised you that" and without trusting
himself TO say anything further. he took hi
leave.
80 .,u,v,v, 80.