The Delta independent., 1914-09-25

"Chap whose boat chartered in
Portland-sheer luck on my part: he's
one of the salt of the arth. First,
something must be done for the boy.
You've got influence of some sort in
New Bedford. surely?"
Digby reflected: Some There's
George Blaine, justice of the peace"
1.-THE very man. Telegraph him in
| Barcus' interests Immediately. And
telegraph Barcus as well-send him
a hundred for expenses. and tell him
| to Join me here in New York as quick
as he can!"
"Your friends address," Digby in
| quired, mildly ironic as he sat down
at the desk and fumbled with the sup
ply Of stationery.
New Bedford jail. OF course!" Alan
chuckled-but cut his laugh in two as
something fluttered from the pack of
envelopes which Digby had disturbed
and fell to the floor between the two
men.
Face up, it grinned sardonic mock
cry of Alan's confidence: it was a trey
of hearts.
With an ashen face and a trembling
hand, Digby stopped to pick the
damned thing up; but Alan was be-
forehand with him, and got his fingers
first upon the card
Now will you believer" Digby de-
manded huskily.
"In what? A simple coincidence? ?"
Alan flouted. Not l.. Who knows I'm
| in New York-or that the Arthur Law
renee for whom your agent engaged
these rooms was Alan Law. No, my
friend: it's bit too thick for me- Take
my word for it, this is nothing more
nor less than souvenir of a poker
party held by yesterdays tenant of
this suite."s
"Perhaps-perhaps!" Digby assent
ed, stroking tremulous lips. But I'm
afraid for you. my boy. Who knows
that Trine's spies were not watching
my man when he made this reserva-
ton? Who knows but that Arthur
Lawrence was too thin a disguise for
Alan Law? l tell you. I'm frightened
to the marrow of my old bonesl Do
i me this favor at least. my boy: now
that you've been warned, whether by
accident or design-we won't argue
that-do leave town-go incognito to
some quiet place near by and wait
there for the sailing of the next trans
atlantic steamer. Oh. surely you can't
deny me this one wish Of my fond old
heart, my boy!"
With a gesture OF unfeigned affec-
tion Alan dropped a hand on Digby's
shoulder.
There's nothing on earth / would
not do for you." he said: you've been
father and mother to me ever since
can remember, even II we were sepa-
rated, most Of the time. by three thou
sand miles Of salt water. But this
thing-I can't do 1t. even for you.
can't do 1t even for myself Rose
Trine 10 here in New York. In the
hands and at the mercy Of her father
and sister: and you may Judge what
their mercy will be when you learn
| all that she has done for me- won't
go and can't go until nnd her and
take her with me. And that is final"
Then Digby struck In. grasping
wildly at straw Of hope. Il have your
word you'll go. providing / fnd and re-
store Rose to you"
you have my word to that. unques-
tionably. Bring Rose to me- and I'll
gladly shake the dust OF New York
| from my shoes. and never return till
Trine is put away comfortably in his
| grave"
1T shall be DONE" Digby promised.
1T must!"
You believe that?"
'In twelve hours Rose shall be re-
stored to you"
''Will you make n book on it? I'll
bet you something happens-and hope
lose into the bargain. II you believe
you can carry out your promise, wire
the White Star line to reserve the
best available suite on the Oceanic.
sailing tomorrow morning at ten
and make arrangements for a mar
riage before the boat sails"
'I1l go you." Digby agreed: land II
fail, l forfeit the cost Of the reser-
walton. But about this marriage"
He hesitated.
you'll have to have q license in
this state-and can't get one except
by applying in person with your BRIDE
to-be. There won't be time"
"Then we'll marry in Jersey!" Alan
insisted. dig up some clergyman over!
there. II you don't know one your
self" .
"oh. I'm well acquainted with the
very mani"