Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-16
FATHER AND DAUGHTER.

FATHER AND DAUGHIBh.
"wi,l you be seated sir?" asked Ruther-
ford, Indicating chair. and at the same
time acknowledging the girls presence.
He was plainly surprised at the Identity
Of his visitors and could not conceal the
fact.
mfr Rutherford, I wish to apologize.
first of all for this informal visit" said
Ballantyne with the quiet self-possession
of man of the world.
Rutherford bowed He was at COM
plete loss to place this man, who gave
every appearance OF being gentleman,
but one whose actions left him open to
suspicion at every turn. If he had moth
ing to conceal, why had he behaved so
mystcriously in the 10th street house
shouting out his warnings, but never
putting i'm an appearance to make his
threats good? And II he were not the
diamond smugGler, why was he calling
today, unless II were to reclaim the gems
which the girl had insisted upon restor-
ing to Rutherford himself? AS he thought
It over, he had been more and more con-
vinCed that the girl was being made
the innocent tool Of wide-reaching
plot. How else could bc explain those
clandestne visits to IIcldcrman?
Miss Ballantyne was plainly embar'
rassed.
Are We quite alonc?" she asked
glancing toward the door
only my man out there" replied
Craig, determined to put all the eNplana-
tions upon their shoulders.
would you-would you mind closing
the door?' the girl faltercd "It's-its
very important that we should not be
overheard"
"Oh. I'm callous now" replied Craig,
with glance toward The elder man.
Mike wouldn't understand-and I'm
used to being overheard"
The blood rushed up Miss Ballantynes
throat and into her checks The pearls
above the edge of her low-cut gown
cleaned white against the rosy flesh. She
seemed almost ready to cry. but after a
second her trembling lips suddenly
curved into a smile. She also had re-
called that first voice of warning sound
ing UP from the lower hall.
Mr. Balantyne glanced from one to the
other, Ill at ease and evidently under
standing nothing of this contretemps.
Rutherford had already repented of his
brusqucness. Somehow. It required only
look from this charming young woman
to max" him obedient to her every whim.
lie crossed the room closed the door.
and came back to a chair facing his
guests.
What can I do for you, Mr.. Ballan-
tync?' he asked. purposely using the
mans right name.
It appeared TO pass unnotcd by the
man addressed.
Mr.. Rutherford he began, hcsitating-
ly, "it may seem strange to YOU that
Snou!d seek Il laNOf from comparative
stranger
He paused. as If at loss how to pro-
ceed, and Craig could not forbear a home
thrust.
I'm always glad to he of service ]
hope. even to strangers-but / do OBJ
ject to being made a party to crooked
schcmes!"
Crooked schemes!" exclaimed both Wis.
tors in q breath.
'I call smuggling about the crcokedest
business in which a man can enGaGe"
assorted Rutherford. And ! want to saw,
once for all, that am tired of being used
in any such wav!"
"NIr. Rutherford!" protested Bailan-
tyne. with the controlled ire of an as
tonished gentleman.
'I tell you I'm tired Of this suhterfuGe
Your whole scheme is exposed. Yor over
reached yourself when you put that thing
In my pocket"
moment OF strained silence ersued in
which the two men Glared Mt each other.
each without waverinC. Miss Pa'lartyne
spranG from her chair. ns II to prevent
them from assailinE each other bodily
why you don't think We were SNUG.
Cling that old steel buckle. do you?" she
cried
CONTINUED TOMORROW