Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-06-10

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merely an experiment.
went there for two reaSons-to be rid
for awhile of their incessant attempts
to hasten my marriage with Bayard and
because I suddenly realized l knew
nothing about my fathers estate and
found 1 was to know nothing for an
other year; that is, until, under his
will. come into my fortune. | want
ed to know about our girls, to be sure
they We're given a fair chance, earned
enough to live decently and other
things about their lives you can imag-
ine"
81 think I understand" said P. Syb-
arite gravely.
81 had warned them more than once
I'd run away if they didn't let me
alone. And finally l kept my word and
ran away, took my room in Thirty
eighth street and before long secured
work in my own store.
"At first l was sure they'd identify
me Immediately, but somehow no one
seemed TO suspect me. and l stayed on.
keeping my eyes open and collecting
evidence of a system of mismanage-
ment and oppression.
lit wasn't until tonight Bayard found
out where I was living. as you saw.
At first / refused to return home. but
he declared my disappearance was Gre
ating n scandal
He insisted that these stories could
only be refuted If I'd come home for
few days and show myself at this
dance tonight
"I've finished with the Shaynons for
good and all. | never liked either OF
them. never understood what father
saw I'm old Mr.. Shaynon to make him
trust him the way he did. And now
after what has happened I shall stop
at the Plaza tonight-they know me
there-and telephone for my things.
II Mr.. Shaynon objects III see If the
law won't relieve me of his guardian
ship"
IF you'll take FOOLS advice you'll
90 that whether or no. It wouldn't be
the first time Brian Shaynon ruined
friend. There was once a family in
this town by the name of Sybarite-
the family OF a rich and successful
man. associated with Brian Shaynon
in business way. I'm what's left of
It, thanks to my fathers faith in old
Brian's integrity"
"Oh. I'm sorry
Don't be. please. What I've en-
dured has done me no harm. and to
night has seen the turn OF my for
tunes or else I'm hopelessly deluded
THE public disavowal OF your en-
gaGement to Bayard Will be likely to
bring the Shaynons' affairs to crisis
I firmly believe they're hard pressed
for money. That's why they were in
such a hurry for your marriage.
Even If Bsyard We're free-as his
father believes him to be-why need
the old man have been so,unreasonable |
when all the delay you ask is another |
twelvemonth? Believe me. he had |
some excellent reason for his anxiety |
II the old villain isn't foment- |
ing some especially foul villainy. why |
need he sneak from here tonight to the |
lowest dive in town to meet and con-
fer with gang leader and murderer |
such as Red November
What are you talking about now"
demanded the bewildered girl.
can hour or so ago / met old Brian
coming out of dive known as Dutch
House, the worst in town. It's been
'uzzling me ever since-an appoint
nent of some sort he made with No
'ember just as l hove within ear
hot. 'Two-thiry.' he said, and No
'ember repeated the hour and prom
sed to be on the job. thirty
What can it mean? It's later than that
low, but. mark my words. something's
.oing TO happen this afternoon or to-
morrow or some time soon, at half past
o'clock"
Perhaps you're right" said the girl
oubtfully.
Miss Blessington." said p. SybariteI
axi at midnight / had SIS In all the
Torld. This minute. as / stand. I'm
7orth $4,000. I'd give every cent OF
Tor some reliable assurance that
'rtan Shaynon and his SOP mean you
o harm"
Surprised and impressed by his un
'onted seriousness. the girl indistInct-
shrank back against the balustrade
'ir. Sybarite''- she murmured. wide
red.
Now" said the little man, with a
risker accent by your leave we will
et back to what we were discussing
our welfare
MIR. Sybarite." the girl interrupted
npetuously. whatever happens
ant you 10 know that l at least un.
'rstand you and that TO me you'll nj
avs be my standard or a gentleman.
ave and true and kind
And now" he broke of sharply. "all
e pretty people are going home. and
u must too. May | venture one stepI