Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-12
CHAPTER v1r-tcontInued,.

CHAPTER vI1-CContinucd).
"Stay where you are!" the holder or
the weapon commanded.
She halted. gazing despairngly at hcr
goal but two short feet away.
'Tll get It! Don't shoot" painted the
stocfy fellow. evidently not wanting to
make A disturbance that might be heard
outside.
Bv a lucky twist he reached Ruther-
ford's pocket. Craig writhed about until
he had forced the mans hand out: then
he plunged his own In, and Eraspcd the
necklace. Across the floor he sent II spin
ming, In the hope that his assailanl would
dart after n. and give him chance TO
attack at better advantage
The necklace slid across to spot near
where Mrs. Talcott stood. She made
fent of SELLING it. The other man dartcd
toward her, and pushed her violently
tipon the desk but as she fell she man
aged to push the jewels with her foot
back under the rear part of the desk. The
man tried vainly to reach them, and
swore sayagely under his breath.
The girl lay so iuerty across the desk
that Craig was afraid she was hurt. She
made no movement to seize the tele-
phone. but turned her head slightly
toward the stairs, as If she were listen
ing intently.
Suddenly voice that fairly roared it's
vigorous shout came 10 the man under
floor.
"Comingl Coming" the great voice
shouted. Hands up. you towards! We've
got you this time"
Trapped Trapped like rats, Caught
like rats in a trap another voice shout
ed in triumph.
It was Mr.. Henry Talcott and some
companion. in the nick Of time. Ruther-
ford. suddenly released, looked toward
the door, expecting to see that strange
N Nyb kpn q
ground once before, now come rushing IN
with this welcome aid
His stocky assaiIant had sprung up like
n creature at bay, and also gazed AT the
door The other fellow had crawled so
hastily out from under the desk that the
revolver slipped out of his hands. This
Mrs. Talcott promptly seized, and fired
twice, Just above their heads. The two
men fed wildly, fairly falling down the
stairs in their eagerness to escape. y
moment later the front door slammed
after them
Rutherford had followed them to the
head of the stairs. but saw no need Of
further action. now that they were gone.
He looked around the hall for the rescu-
ing party; but neither sight nor sound
of human being met his gaze, after the
front door slammed
why, where are they?' he asked, re-
turning to the study.
Gone, as you saw" she answered
at mean Mr.. Talcott and the others?''
''Slnce they have frightened the thieves
away, what does it matter?' she asked,
lie looked at her pale, determined face,
and knew that he had all the eNpana-
tion she intended to give. 1t was a
strange game she was playing a Inys-
terry that was deeper and more extensive
In its ramifoations than he had
dreamed.
NO it doesn't natter he replied, bit
terly ~ am to be used as pawn, IT
Raema-hut truStedi
She fell upon her knees suddenly, and
Craig wondered what this extraordinary
action might signify. Another moment
and he was enlightened, as she drew the
glitterinG strand from its nook under the
desk Her slender fingers had easily
reached what the detective had failed to
get
Here" she said, simply rising and
giving him the Jewels, and this"
She had drawn forth the blue buckle
and laid :t in his open hand beside the
necklace.
'.NNilI you take care of it for me-" she
said wistfully "lt may mean more TO
me than my own life You see how !
He held the warm metal close in his
hand: and now It seemed to him far more
valuable than the cold cleaning stones
by it's side.
mo one in the world knows you have
it-no one but you-and mel" she almost
whispered.
II shall care for it and guard it-with
my life, If necessary" he said, pressing
The bit of blue steel TO his lips.
And. Mr. Rutherford-I-I think
ought to tell YOU one more thing. My
name is not Talcott really"
She paused, as IL silently pondering
whether or not she had said too much a
light famed up in Rutherford's face
''You are not Mrs. TalCott?" he cried.
mo, my name is Ballantyne."
And Mr. Talcott?"
Ills name is Balantyne. too-but he
is-just my father!
Miss Ballantynew he repeated the
name softly. as though trying TO get
used TO H. Miss Ballantyne! like that
name How much better IL sounds than
Mrs. Talcou!
MADEMoISELLE ARANY CALLS
Three hours yater. Rutherford was
seated comfortably in one Of the big
leather Rrmchairs, at the BarTisters'
club. on Hth street. He was chatting
with an old-time friend and schoolmate
a man with round clean-shaven, ruddy
cheeks, and shrewd bright eyes, who
seemed immensely interested In his con
yersation.
Monty Brookheld was an assistant dis
triet attorney, Just now In the exact
storm-eentre OF one OF those police IN
vestigations which seem to stir up New
York periodically. But, busy or not
ne always presented an appearance ol
unruffled calm, and always had time e
serve a friend-especlally when thai
friend was Craig Rutherford.
The latter came to the point OF his
interview IN simple but astounding fash
fon Thrusting one hand into side
pocket he drew forth and exposed it'
contents on the table In front or Brook
neld
Great Noses" exclaimed the attor'
Al han a
live snake instead of strand OF iasn
ing diamonds. Where did you stea
thatg"
Then, his surprise giving way to eau
tion. ne dropped his plump hand over th'
gems and east a quick glance arounc
the room 10 see II they were observed.
s.Why what's the natter" ask Craig.
RESORTS
A.I.ne,r cir. n d