Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-05-07
CHAPTER w.

The entrance OF Willis with card
forestaled further discussion of tho
opera engagement. Mrs Mason took 9
the tiny pasteboard from the aa,ver
and studied II with bewilderment
DR.. Payson Alden-who is he,"
Then she remembered. This was ,ba
same man who had written the dis
Nuieting message. Here she mirht
learn about his surprising familiarity
with the date OF Mona's birth and the
dangers which might threaten on that
particular day
Ieil him TO wait. willis she in
structed. Il will! see him in mo-
mcnt."
AS Mrs. Mason entered the dr,winr-
room she was astonished to see the un-
familiar visitor rapt in admiral ton nm .
mistakab!e before Monas painted nor. i
trait.
What is it you wish. sir?" and her
tone was Icy.
Or. Payson Alden turned abruptly las
she spoke y certain hcsitancy indi-
Gated that ne, too, was embarrassed I'm
this curious warp and woot of circu,n- +
stance.
Mrs Mason. I apologize for what
may seem presumption on my part
And yet. I have come TO see YOU fo..
the sake or your daughters own safe
~" began Alden.
Mona's mother bowed formally as he
proceeded.
To make long story rhort, / have
hcen devotlnG myself to n peculiar
phase Of scientific study for several
years. 1t is one seldom taken up by
physicians. I have learned of certain
mysterious powers which have been
operating in this country for several
years. My purpose in your daughters
case is to prevent the commission of
great crime, for, in my capacity OF
what you might call "A psychic de-
tective. have learned from my knowI-
edge OF the occult that
Mrs. Mason's face stiffened at IN.
mention OF what was to her the most
dreadful word in the language, "oc-
cult"
You must excuse me-" she began a.
she turned to leave the room.
But. my dear lady. It is a matter
OF life and DEATH
Il will not discuss this subject with
any one IL that is your purpose in
coming here. our interview In at an
end"
She walked nervously from the room.
ana Alden turned to leave by the front
entrance. He paused. irresistibly, be.
Tore the portrait OF the girl
Why had she been marked for death?
Must there not he some reason deeper
than the possibility OF obtaining her in
heritance. now that the two older Sis
ters had been put out OF the way?
How. indeed. was he to strike back
at that intangible band of human devils
VINO fought in the dark-to whom stone
walls and distance meant nothing in
their annhilatinE power?
Flow was he TO locate their secret
place of communion? All he knew at
present was the result OF their works
IN many Grewsomc crimes. He had
caught from the air the mvstcrious
movement OF their occult forces. and
here and there definite message b.
means OF his Instruments and his per
sonal accomplishments along tho lio,s
OF telcpathy
Cnconscionsly his thought turned 10
his own personal interest in this beau
Niui young Slr!. II was curious. 10 his
scientific mind, how his carly profes-
s'onal interest had been turned into n
strong love for a girl he had never
formally met
IN the days when he had first gained
lHkhhss or the mystery overshadow-
ing her future he had made II a point
|" study her impersonally without her
knowledge.
ne had observed her at theatera. (
having secretly followed her and her;
mother from their home
AT dances OF the big clubs. TO which
ne mad the cntree Of his own promi. ~
hent social connections, he had broken
his rule or hermit fife 10 attend and
study her every action. He had sat at
an adjoining. table. more than once i'm y
restaurants. hearing her voice and
hShtinS for that mental connections
which would enable him the better to
apprchend her danger.
(To BE Continued Next sunday.) "a