Putnam patriot., 1914-08-07

the family of a rich and successful man. associated with Brian Shaynon in a 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
 'aThe public disavowal of your en- gagement to Bayard will be likely to bring the Shaynons' affairs to a crisis. I firmly believe they're hard pressed for money. That's why they were in such a hurry for your marriage
 Even if Bayard were free-as his 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. Finally. if 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 nowg'' demanded the bewildered girl
 An hour or so ago l met old Brian coming out of dive known as Dutch House, the worst in town It's been puzzling me ever since-an appoint ment of some sort he made with No vember just as l hove within ear shot 'Two-thirty,' he said, and No- vember repeated the hour and prom ised to be on the job. 'Two-thirty'- what can it mean? It's later than that now. but, marx my words. something's going to happen this afternoon or to- morrow or some time soon, at half past 2 o'clock '
 "Perhaps you're right" said the girl doubtfully.
 Miss Blessington.' said P Sybarite solemnly, "when you ran off in that taxi at midnight I had S5 in all the world Tbis minute, as l stand, I'm worth S25,00o. I'd give every cent of it for some reliable assurance that Brian Shaynon and his son mean you no harm.
 Surprised and impressed by his un- wonted seriousness. the girl indistinct- ly shrank back against the balustrade.
 "Mr. Sykarite''- she murmured, wide eyed.
 NOW" said the little man. with brisker accent. by your leave we will get back to what we were discussing Your welfare
 MT Sybarite" the girl interrupted impetuously. whatever happens want you to know that I at least un- derstand you and that to me you'll al ways be my standard of gentleman. brave and true and kind.
 And now" he broke off sharply, .all the pretty people are going home, and you must too May venture one step farther? Don't let>Bayard Shaynon"
 q don't mean to- she told him. Knowing what I know, it's impossi- ble."
 You will go to the Plaza?"
 Yes" she replied I've made up my mlnu 10 tndI.
 You have a cab waiting. of course. May call it for you?"
 My own car" she said "The call check is with my wraps. But" she smiled. ''I shall be glad to give it to you to hand to the porter. if you'll be 20 good. and then you may see me to my car"
 ''To do Bayard out of that honorw he said cheerfully. You couldn't in- vent a service to gratify me more hugely"
 She smiled in sympathy.
 But he will be expecting to see you home?"
 No matter if he does, he sha'n't. Resides. he lives in bachelor rooms, within walking distance. I believe.
 Already the vast and shining hall was almost empty: only at the farther wall a handful of guests clustered around the doorway, waiting to take their turn in the crowded cloakrooms. A moment more and the two were close upon the vanguard Of departing guests. anu lue SiIl dIiu t9s foA A0N ttA4N 4NNN'-
 Wait for me in the lobby she said smiling.
 Liberated from the crowded elevator on the tower floor, P. Sybarite found his lackey. resumed hat and coat and waited in the lobby opposite the ele- vators
 At the side street entrance the crush of anteroom and elevators was dupli- cated jamming the doorway and over flowing to the sidewalk while in wait ing for motorcars and carriages.
 But through the Fifth avenue en- trance only the thin stream of those intending to walk was trickling away.
 After a time P. Sybarite discovered Bayard Shaynon not far off like him. self waiting and with vigilant eye reviewing the departing the while he talked in close confidence with one who was a stranger to r. Sybarite.
 When he idly glanced that way second time the younger shaynon was alone and had moved nearer. When eventually Marian appeared he was in stant to her side, forestaliing even the alert fanking movement of P. syba- rite.
 You are quite ready. Marian! Shaynon asked and, familiarity slipping q guiding hand beneath the arm Of the girl. with admirable effrontery- You have your carriage call check ready 7 If you'll let me have it-
 Let's understand one another once and for all time, Bayard. the girl in terrupted. Il don't wish you to take me home prefer to % alone. Is that olnara I dn,l.t ,..ish 10 feel Indebted tO