The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1916-12-28

N/Hl udu NC iplu HVl N'dt' 49,
w II to pu, her on her guard %:
w was it in spirit OF bravado?
She could not think so II was not his
style to buster at this stage OF the
game No there was deep-laid pur-
pose. He expected her TO make some
move 10 extricate herself that would
display her hand and bctray all II
was clever and less clever person
than Constance would have fallen be-
fore the onslaught
Constance WAS thinking rapidly, as
he told her where and how the new
purSuers' were active Here, she ielt
was the crisis. her opportunity.
Scarcely had Drummond gone. than
she, too was hurrying down the street
on her way to see Mackenzie'S puf-
suefS face 10 face
She found Nlckham registered at
the Prince Henry, a new hotel, and
sent mp her card. A few moments later
he received her, with considerable re-
,traint as If he knew about her and
had not expected so soon TO have TO
show his own hand.
Il understand" she began quickly,
that you have come ia New York be-
cause Mr.. Drummond claims to b.
able 10 clear up the Graeme Nackens
zie case u
Yes he replied quiz,eally
Perhaps she continued. coming
fearer TO the point of her self-imposed
mission. perhaps there may be some
other way to settle this case than
through Mr. Drummond"
I'VE might hold YOU" he shot out
quickly
NO" she replied, you have moth.
ing on me. And as for Mr. Maeken-
ric, understand you don't even know
where hc is-whether he is III New
York, London, Paris or Berlin, or
whether he may 90 from one city
to another at any moment YOU take
open action
Wiekham bit his lip He knew she
was right Even yet the case hung
on the most slender threads
Il have been wondering" she con-
tinued, II 1'here i,y not some way in
which thi. thing can bf compromised
v Never" eselsimed Wiokham posi-
Etively. He must return the whole
sum. with interest TO date Then and
only then can We consider his plea for
clemency."
"Y6u would consider III" she asked
keenly.
"Of course We should have TO con-
al, 0s4
reparation would be something like
turning states witness against him
self"
Constance said nothing.
Can you do it, he asked, watching
craitily to see whether she might no,
drop a hint that nigh, prove valuabl,
Il know those who might try" she
answered. catching the look
Wickham changed
What il we should get him with.
out your aid," he clustered
Try she shrugged.
Arguments and threats were of nc
avail with her. She would say moth.
ing more definite. She was obduIate
"You must leave it all to me" she
repeated II would not betray him
You can prove nothing on me"
Bring the stuff up here yourself
then" he insinua,ed.
But | don't trust you. either" she
replied frankly.
The two faced each other. Constano,
knew in her heart that it was COINS
TO be battle royal with this man, ,hs
now she had taken even so far in IN,
open 1t was every one for himself anC
the devil take the hndmost.
Il can't, help it," he concluded
Those are the terms. II is as far 4,
| can trust IA thief
But will keep my word" she saiC
quietly. when you prove to me tha
you are absolutely on the level. tina
Mackenzie can make restitution III iul
with interest, and IN return be left a
free man as he is at this mometN
why-I can have him give up" v
Mrs. Dunlap said Wickham will
an air OF iinality, II will make on
concession. | will adopt any metho,
OF restitution he may prefer. But !
must be by direct dealing be,wee'
Mackenzie and myself, with Drum
mon present as well as Mr. TAYLOR
president OF the trust company, wh
is now also in New York. Tha, i
my ultimatum. Good afternoon"
Constance lef, the room with ilushe
face and eyes that glinted with de
termination. Over and over sh
thought out methods TO accompis
what she had planned. When the
complied with all the conditions tina
would safeguard Mackenzie. she ha
determined TO act But Graeme mu,
be master of the situation.
Cautiously she went through he
usual elaborate precautions 10 shak
off any shadows that might he follow
ing her, and an hour later found he
with Mackenzie.
What has happenedl" he a,ke
eagerly surprised at her early visit.
Briefly she ran over the events q
the afternoon. Would you be will
ing" shr aSLed "tn On IN n;.,,,r, A,