Putnam patriot., 1914-01-23

would act as you are now?"
 "Yes," said Wanda, thankful to feel her feet planted once more on solid ground, and breathing the more easily for the safer turn the questions were taking.
 And" continued Mark, eff any eth CT woman were in danger you would still oppose us in this way?"
 Yes"
 Then cried Mark in quick triumph. .'you do know who she isl"
 'T-no-I didn't say sol" murmured Wanda, wholly at loss.
 You didn't mean to say so," cor rected Mark; "but you admitted it." T didnt I didnti" confusedly re- iterated Wanda.
 The long strain was telling on her. Her wits, usually so agile, now moved with palpable effort. The quick brain felt like hot lead. Yet she rallied her fagged-out forces, wearily repeating: q didnt!"
 Miss Kelly urged Mark, your name won't appear in this. No one need know it was you who put us on the track"
 "I-wont-telli"
 Then" Mark exclaimed roughly, f'we can do nothing more. Van Dyke, telephone down and see if-Oh, here you are, Neligan! Got that plain clothes man downstairs?"
 Neligan nodded. Meanwhile Tom was whispering frenziedly to Wanda. Tell me the name, dear. I won't tell the others. But 1t may show me a way to help you out. And we're inca horrible fix"
 q know that-ButI won't tell" Tom whirled about on the others.
 Dad Mark" he said. Before you go any further I want you to know i've asked Miss Kelly to be my wife" No, no!" cried Wanda, trying to throw her open hand across his mouth. Don't
 If she consents rushed on Tom, prison or out. I love her. For my sake won't you-?"
 I'm very sorry, Tom,' replied Mark but she's not your wife, yet And she has her release in her own hands. She has only to speak"
 "Dad!" appealed the boy.
 Not on your worthless life,' grow led Blake. That's the very thing she's been working up to all the time l knew it and I've been waiting for this. Her price is my consent. And l won't pay it. That's what I meant when l said the price was too high"
 If you've any influence with her, Tom," remarked his brotheriin-law, you'll use it to make her tell"
 He hasn't any infiuencer" retorted Wanda before Tom could speak 'Ex- cept that his standing by me against you all proves to me I'm doing right. And-edo you think, Jim Blake, that Id marry a son of yours? Not if he was John D. Rockefeller and E. H. Sothern rolled into one. Not till I've squared my account with you.''
 You won't marry a son of Jim Blake's?' echoed Tom. Well, after tonight I'm not Jim Blake's son. Here's where cut loose and"
 "Go as far as you like" vouchsafed his father, outwardly unmoved But the girl tells us or else she goes to jail"
 ''I-won't-telli"
 Mark, ring for the officer
 There he is at the door," answered Robertson as the buzzer sounded. Let him in, Neligan."
 'T-won't-tell,"
 Neligan opened the door. standish stood oD the threshold Tom -.'7 leaned forward pugnaciously, drew back.
 ''come :n. MT. Standish," said Mark. ."I suppose Gregg explained the situa- tion 10 you"
 That is why am here" curtly an- Ewered Standish.
 You know, then" went on Mark, "thAt she is ready to face imprison- mel to shield your
 "That is what MT. Gregg told me. l don't understand"
 Neither do we. But we thought you might feel like saving her from punishment"
 "How?'
 By voting with us on the Mullins bill"
 No"
 You will accept her sacrifice. then?"
 Fl have no alternative"
 Then, before any Of them knew of her presence, Grace was in the room and had caught her husbands arm as