The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-27

light rolQ thelr own story.
 That ought to answer your rav- ings," was Legar's quiet-toned con- ment to his bewildered lieutenant, and then he added maliciously, there will be some uninvited guests at the next seance of your high priestess friend, and somehow I have a feeling that she and Red are going to join those departed spirits inside of the next twenty-four hours"
 The unsuspecting object of Legar's levity, with her features still heavily shrouded as on the preceding night, stepped out of the sagging doorway of a weather stained old barn which clung dizzily to the brink of a pre- cipitous and rock-toothed ravine. As she approached the formal Italian garden centered about musically cascading fountain she perceived a golden-haired girl seated on one of the rustic benches.
 Presently an elderly, white-haired man, whose deep-lined face and trou- bled eyes bore mute witness of past mental strife, came slowly down the graveled walk and stopped beside the disconsolate figure on the rustic
 
 tremulous shoulder, the newcomer spoke in comforting tones.
 You mustn't take this so to heart, Margory-if Davy could speak from the grave he would tell you to be brave for his sake-and as for the Laughing Mask-that unmitigated scoundrel and hypocrite isn't worth one of your tears"
 The reply trembling on Margory's lips remained unspoken, for at that moment a young woman whose fea- lures were hidden by heavy folds of black yelling stepped out from be- hind a vine-covered trellis.
 You are doing the Laughing Mask a grave injustice, Enoch Golden," she cried in a clear and ringing voice, 'and even now if you and your daughter will accompany me but a short distance I will place in your hands indisputable proof of what I say"
 A suddenly reanimated Margory sprang to her feet. She turned to the unknown intruder and cried impetu- ously: Can you really show that the Laughing Mask was innocent of all those terrible charges? If you can, please, please take us quickly to where you have tlre proof"
 Wait, Nargory," cautioned the ex- perience- -saddened banker. First let this yelled person tell us who she is and where she wants to take us. This may be one of Legar's tricks, for all we know"
 Still questioning the outcome of d11Nf millionaire finally yielded to Mar gory's earnest importuning, and, fol- lowing the ck-garbed figure of their swiftly moving guide, they pres ently stood before the dilapidated old building tottering on the brink of the Iavine. At that moment a thick-set, fiat-footed individual shuff1ed into view along the dusty road, the visor of his cap pulled low over his malev- olent blue-jowled face and his beefy fists jerking uneasily as he walked. The woman in black turned to her companions, and, indicating this un- gainly figure, spoke rapidly
 T have every reason to believe that man has kept faith with me, and if I am right I shall be able in few min- utes to place in your hands the proof of which I spoke. But if there should be treachery, I wish to face it alone. You will find that the harness-room in the loft of the barn has strong door with heavy bolts. Please wait for me there, and at the first sound of trou- ble, barricade yourselves until help comes from the house.
 This sounds like trap" he said with emphatic disapproval. Come, Margory, come back to the house at Once."
 So far everything had gone in ac- cordance with the carefully laid plans of the muffled strategist. and with feeling that victory was within her reach, she quickly approached Red Eagan, who was waiting near by with undisguised impatie1ce.
 Sure, I got what yer lookin' fer, lady," he answered in reply to her look of Interrogation, "but between them spirits an cramp in me mitt I've had one 'ell of a night" { Reaching into an inner pocket he drew out grimy ink-splashed paper.
 "This ere dockyment will put tn bug on that Iron Claw gorilla all right. Now, if yer ready t come across wid-''
 The gunman's words were suddenly clipped short by the sharp crack of a pistol. A look of surprised consterna- tion came into Red Eagan's face for a moment he swayed unsteadily on his feet-then slowly crumpled into heap of inanimate clay. Into the startled vision of his companion came black limousine furiously racing along the highway, the evil face of Legar plainly discernible as he leaned far out from the swaying vehicle, emptying his automatic in their direction. There was not a moment to lose. Snatching the criIn- son-stained paper from under the limp body of the slain gunman, the woman ran swiftly toward the old barn, reaching that sanctuary just as Legar and his confederates swarmed out of the limousine in hot pursuit Through the sagging portals and up the rickety stairs she darted, the wolfish pack close at her heels. For a brief instant she surveyed her sur roundings. Behind the heavy oaken door of the harness-room she knew Margery and her father had taken refuge in accordance with her in- structions, and she must in no way jeopardize their safety.
 Close by a broken window, over-