The Monticellonian., 1915-06-10

nelp the Betgfans and we nave Splen- did backing. Just let me show you some of the names on our commit tee"
 She handed Elaine a list.
 I've just been sent to see if I can not persuade you to join the commit tee and attend meeting at Mrs. Riv- erton's,' she went on.
 'Why-er." considered Elaine, thoughtfully, "er-yes. It must be all right with such people in it"
 Gan you go down with me now ?'
 Just as well as later" agreed Elaine
 They went out together, and as they were leaving the house a man who had been lettering outside looked at Elaine, then fixedly at her compan- ion
 No sooner had they gone than he sped off to a car waiting around the corner. In the dark depths was a sin ister figure, the master criminal him self. The watcher had been an en- issary of the Clutching Hand
 Chief" he whispered eagerly, you know Adventurous Mary? Well, she's got Elaine Dodge in tow!"
 The deucei" cried Clutching Hand Then we must teach Mary Carson, or whoever she is working for les son. No one shall interfere with our affairs Follow themi"
 
 Elaine and Mary had gone down. town, talking imatedly-walking down the avenue toward Mrs, Riving tons apartment.
 Meanwhile, Wong Sin. still in his l Chinese costume, was explaining to another male servant just what he wished done, pointing out the dagger on the wall and placing the bladder under his jacket A box of opium was on the table, and he was giv- ing most explicit directions. It was into such a web that Elaine was be- ing unwittinly led by Mary.
 Entering the hallway of the apart ment, Mary rang the bell.
 The servant opened the door and Elaine and Mary entered. lie closed the door and almost before they knew it was gone into the back room.
 Elaine gazed about it in trepdiation. But before she could say anything, Mary, with great show of surprise. exclaimed. Why, I must have made mistake This isn't Mrs Riving- tons apartment. How stupid of me-
 They looked at each other a mo ment. Then each laughed nervously, as together they started to go out of the door It was locked,
 Quickly they ran to another door. It was locked also.
 Just then the Chinaman entered and stood moment gazing at them. They turned and Elaine recoiled from him. Wong bowed
 "Oh, sir" cried Mary, we've made mistake Can't you tell us how to get out 2"
 No spoke Englis," he said, gid ing out again from the room and closing the door
 Elaine and Mary looked about in despair
 What shall we do?. asked Elaine
 Mary said nothing. but with a hasty glance discovered on the wall the knife which Wong had already told her about She took it from it's scab- bard As she did so the Chinaman re- turned with tray on which were queer drinks and glasses.
 At the sight of Mary with the knife he scowled blackly, laid down the tray. and took few steps in her di- rection. She brandished the knife threateningly; then, as if her nerve failed her, tainted, letting the knife fall carefully on the floor so that it struck on the handle, and not on the blade.
 Wong quickly caught her as she fainted and carrying her out of the room, banged shut the door. Elaine followed in a moment. Loyalty to pro- tect her supposed friend, but found that the door had snap lock on the other side.
 She looked about wildly, and in moment Wong reappeared As he ad- vanced slowly and insinuatingly. she drew back. pleading. But her words fell on seemingly deaf ears.
 She had picked up the knife which Mary had dropped, and when at last Wong maneuvered to get her cornered and was about to seize her, she nerved herself up and stabbed at him reso- lutely
 Wong staggered back-and fell.
 As he did so, he pressed the bladder which he had already placed under his coat. A dark red fluid, like blood, oozed out all over him and ran in pool on the floor.
 Elaine. too herror-stricken at what had happened even to scream, dropped the knife and bent over him. He did not move. She rose quickly and ran through the now open door As she did so, Wong seemed suddenly to come to life He raised himself and looked after her, then with a subtle smile sank back into his former assumed posture on the floor.
 When Elaine reached the other room she found Mary there with the Chi nese servant who was giving her a glass of water. At the sight of her, the servant paused. then withdrew in, to another room farther back Mary, now apparently recovering from her faintness, smiled wanly at Elaine
 Its all right, she murmured. He Is Chinese prince who thought We were callers.
 At the reassuring nod of Mary to- ward the front room, Elaine was over come.