The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-09-30

pocket you forget that you cannot dismiss
ms by word I am legally In control here.
am sorry that you have made me recall this
fact to you"
Florence began 10 cry softly.
II am sorry, very sorry" said the butler,
torn between the desire to comfort her and
the law that he had laid down for himself.
!" It IL very gloomy today, snn perhaps we
ara all q little depressed by it. am sorry"
20, realize, Jones, that all this uncnding
mystery and secrecy have a set purpose at
back. Only. 1t does just seem AZ should
% mad sometimes with waiting and wonder
ing
And II the truth must be told, Il h the
same with me. We have to wait for them to
strike. Shall I get you something new TO
read? am going down TO the drug store and
they have circulating library" 81
" Get me anything you please. But I'd feea
better with q little sunshine"
That's universal replied Jones, going into
tho hail for his hat. 5ee - s-r
Had the telephone rung again 1T that mo-
ment it il quite probable that the day would
have come to . close as the day before had.
monotonously. But the ring came five min
" Is this the Hargreave placer"
Yes" said Florence. Who is it7"
This is Miss Hargreave talkinsr'
yes"
" This 10 DR.. Morse. am at the Queen
hotel. Mr.. Norton has been badly hurt and
he wants you and Mr.. Jones to come at once.
We cannot tell just now how serious the I'm
jury is. He il just conscioua Shall 1 tell
him you win come immediately?'
Yes, yes!"
Florence snapped the receiver on the hook.
She wanted to fly, fly. He was hurt. How,
when. where?
Susan! Susan 7" she called
What is 1t, TlorenceT' asked Susan, run
ming into the room.
" Jim is badly hurt. He wants me to come
thing all day long" Florence struck the
maids bell. my wraps. You Will 60 with
me. Susan"
Where, Min Florence?" asked the maid.
alive to her duty.
"Where? What is that to your" demanded
Florence, who did not know that this maid
was q detective.
Why not wait till Mr.. Jones returnsT'
she suggested patiently.
And let the man I love dep vehemently-
At least you will leave word where you
are going, Miss Florence"
g The Queen hotel And IL you ray another
word III discharge you. Come, Susan"
There happened to be taxicab conveniently
near Gas Vroon took care there should be),
and Florence Mt once engaged 1t. She did not
sc. the man hiding in the bushes. The two
young women stepped into the taxicab and
were driven of. They had been gone less
tnan Eve minutes when Jones returned with
his purchase, to find the house empty Of its
most valuable asset. He was furious, not only
n. the maid, who, he realized, was virtually
helpless, but at his own negligence
In the midst of his violent harangue the ben
sounded. In his bones he knew what was
going to be found there. 1t was letter ON
thu back of which was drawn the fatal black
mask. With shaking fingers he tore open the
envelope and read the contents Florence
is now in our power. Only the surrender of
the million win save her. Our agent viii call
In an hour FOR an answer.
"THE BLACK HUNDRED"
Al a matter Of fact, they had wanted Jones
almost as badly AZ Florence, but her desire
for book-some popular story Of the day
had saved MIN from the net The letter had
been written against this possibility.
Jones became cool, now that he knew just
what danger to face The Queen hotel meant
asehins. Florsnee woald not be tatea there