Putnam patriot., 1914-03-27
WIT HIN THELAW By MARVIN DANA
 FROM THE PLAY OF
 BAYARD WELLER
Copyright, 1913. by the H. K. Fly
 company.

with which General Hastings was to he compensated. along with the return of his letters. for his payment of $l0.- poo to Miss Agnes Lynch
 Mary spoke crispiy to Agnes. And now you must get ready. You are to be at Harris office with this document at 1 o'clock. and remember that you are to let the lawyer manage every thing
 q don't see the use of all this mon- key business" she protested. "All l want is the coin.''
 eIisten, Agnes. The last time you tried to make a man give up part of his money it resulted in your going to prison for two years
 "But that was so exciting"
 And this way is so safe." Mary re- joined sharply Besides. my dear. you would not get the money. My way will. Your way was blackmail. Mine is not Understand?'
 "Oh. surer' Aggie replied grimly. on her way to the door.
 "Mr Griggs." Fannie announced There was a smile on the face of the maid. which was explained minute later. when the visitor was shown into the drawing room, for his presence was of an elegance so extraordinary as to attract attention anywhere-and mirth as well from ribald observers.
 Meantime Carson had explained to Mary
 Its English Eddie. You met him once. wonder what he wants? Prob ably got a trick for me. We often used to work together
 Nothing without my consent" Mary warned
 "Oh. no, no. sure notv' Carson agreed
 Further discussion was cut short by the appearance of English Eddie him. self tall, handsome man in the early thirties, who paused just within the doorway and delivered to Mary bow that was the perfection of elegance. Mary made no effort to restrain the smile cause by the costume of MT. GrlgES. let tHelt was ho 'ioio''N of the canons of good taste, except in the aggregate. From spats to hat, from walking coat to gloves, every thing was perfect of it's kind. Only there was an overelaboration. so that the ensemble was famboyant. And the mans manners precisely harmoniz- ed with his clothes. whereby the whole effect was emphasized and rendered bizarre Carson took one amazed look and then rocked with laughter
 Griggs regarded his former associate reproachfully for a moment and then grinned in frank sympathy.
 From your costume" Mary sug- gested "one might judge that this is purely a social call Is it?"
 Well, not exactly" Griggs answered with smile
 "So fancied." his hostess replied. "So, sit down, please, and tell us all about it
 English Eddie wasted no time.
 Now, look here," he said rapidly, Eve got the greatest game in the world. Two years ago set of Gothic tapestries worth $300.0OO and set of Fragonard panels worth nearly as much more were plucked from cha teau in France and smuggled into this country"
 Are them things really worth that muchY' Carson exclaimed.
 Sometimes more." Mary answered. Morgan has set of Gothic tapestries worth half million dollars"
 Griggs went on with his account.
 About month ago the things l was telling you of were hung in the l1b- rary of millionaire In this city" He hitched his chair a little closer to the desk and leaned forward, lowering his voice almost to a whisper as he stated his plan.
 Let's go after them They were smuggled, mind you, and no matter what happens he can't squeal. What do you say?"
 Carson shot a piercing glance at Mary
 Its up to her." he said. Griggs re garded Mary eagerly as she sat with eyes downcast.
 Mary shook her head decisively. Its out of our line," she declared.
 "l don't see any easier way to get half million" Griggs said aggressive ly.
 If 1t were fifty millions it would make no difference. It's against the law"
 "Oh, know all that, of course" Griggs returned impatiently. But 1T you cam
 My friends and I never do anything that's illegal Thank you for coming to us. Mfr. Griggs. but we can't go in, and there's an end of the natter
 But wait a minute" English Eddie expostulated. You see. this chap GIL der is"-
 "Gilder?" Mary exclaimed question ingly.
 Yes. You know who he is-the dry goods man"
 Mary. however. had regained her self control and her voice was tran gull again as she replied:
 Il know; but. just the same, it's file gal. and I won't touch it Thats all there is to it."
 But half millionr' Griggs exclaim- ed disconsolately. There's . stake worth playing for. Think of it! He turned pleadingly to Carson. "Half million, Joei'
 The telephone rang, and Mary ex- tused herself The instant she was out of the room Griggs turned to Gar son anxio1sly