The Washington herald., 1912-07-14
CHAPTER xv1I-continued.

SSAk44 = &A4s - SSAeAAe
There was an instant's silence buz
zing noise-then a mans voice. Sorry
sir" he said, "our operator cannot re.
member the exact number that wa:
speaking to you. 1t was house il
Red Lion Square, though. She is SURF
of that
How many subscribers have yot
there" Deane asked swiftly.
'Twenty-four or FIVE, SIR the mar
answered. Sorry we can't help yot
further"
Deane left the Office in such hurr,
that whole crop of fresh rumors were
started. He drove as swiftly as hi.
electric brougham could take him tc
the corner of Red Lion Square. All the
time with a telephone directory on his
knee, he was copying out addresses. He
entered Red Lion Square on foot, witt
the paper in his hand. There were
twenty-eight addresses. He had no idea
where to begin.
Seven or eight were the addresses OF
business firms. He struck these out
Then he tried the others. One after
the other he interviewed all sorts OF
people unsuccessfully He was receiv-
ed everywhere with suspicion. Most OF
the houses were converted flats or cheap
lodging-houses. Half-dressed women
leered at him over the banisters; shah
by men of all ages were slavishly anx-
ious to earn tip. Gradually he was
forced to realize that his was mad
almost hopeless search. People stood
at their doors and watched him, jeering.
Women hung out of the windows,
shouting coarse invitations or derisive
comments upon his perseverance. His
nerves were all on edge, his blood was
hot with anger Somewhere within a
few hundred, perhaps a few yards OF
him, this girl was in the hands of per-
sons who meant i'll to her. The terror
IN her voice was no ordinary fear. She
was face to face with the worst that
could happen.
He reached the last house on the list.
II was on the further side of the
square. and one of the most respectable
in appearance. Contrary to what was
apparently the usual custom. the front
door was closed. and most of the blinds
drawn. There was no sign of life about
the place when he rang the bell. Yet
after scarcely a moments delay the
door was thrown open, and "a neatly
dressed parlor maid answered his sum-
mons.
Deane adopted new tactics. He drew
sovereign from his waistcoat pocket,
and held it between his fingers. You
are on the telephone. | believe, he
said, number oIoS. Some one rang
me up from here about an hour or so
ago. | recognized the voice, but the
message was indistinct. Will YOU tell
Miss Rowan that | am here"
The girl shook her head. There
is no one of that name living here, sir, ="
she answered.
"A rather pale young lady, tall and
slim. who has Just arrived" Deane per-
sisted. Il am anxious to find her quick
ly. Can't you help me-"
He pulled out handful of gold. and
the girl looked at it with covetous eyes.
She sighed as she once more shoow her
head.
There is no one here of that name,
sir" she said-''no young lady at all,
in fact"
You are quite sure?" Deane asked,
with a sinking heart.
Quite, sir" the girl answered con-
fidently.
She made a movement as though TO
close the door. 1t is possible that
Deane would have taken the hint and
departed. but for that last searching
look which he threw at her He
thrust his boot against the door, and re-
suned his place on the inner side of
the thpeshold. From there he looked
at her once more. He was right. There
were traces of powder on her cheeks
and her eyebrows were certainly not
natural. Underneath ther trim black skirt
he had caught a glimpse OF brown
open-worked stockings, and tan shoes
with a large bow and high heels. In
stinctively he felt that no ordinary ser
want would have been allowed TO go
about like this.
Il should like to see your mistress
before | CO." Deane said firmly. please
go and tell her. i will not detain her
more than a few moments"
She's not in," the girl answered,
with a distinct change of manner.
Please don't stay about here or | shall
get into trouble"
Il am sorry" Deane answered, but
If she is not in, am going to wait for
her"
He was in the hall nova miserable,
untidy place with a broken-down mir
ror and hat-rack as sole furniture, and
covered with a much soiled oilcloth.
The stairs were right ahead of him, and
Deane looked up He looked into a
woman's face as she. leaned over the
well of the banisters, looking down.
and came down.
Deane rose up to meet her. She was
dressed in black. was very pale, with
large earrings-pretty IN a way, and
certainly not of formidable appearance
You wished to see me?" she asked,
a little hesitatingly, as she reached the
bottom stair. Il thought / heard you