The Dermott news., 1916-12-14

the district named by the girl was not far distant, so John decided to accom- pany her. and, as his car was tenn porarily out of commission, they went there together on foot.
 Now, the valet happened to be an un- usually observant man. He was well acquainted with his masters tempera- ment. and regretted the Soft-hearted impulses which seemed to lead Mir. Burton into so much trouble. He, the valet, had formed a somewhat unfa- vorable opinion of Blanche Griffin. Her wretChed rags and ready tears did not deceive him at all. He saw that the girl was well nourshed that her hair had been tinted, and that her checks bore traces of makeup recently ap- piled
 Further when his master and the young woman crossed the avenue and turned into Il side street, they were fol- lowed by stocky. overdresSed young man who seemed to have been await ing their appearance.
 At any rate, for some reason which the valet himself could hardly explain. this latest eScapade of his masters rendered him uneasy. Above all else, he did hot like the name of the locality given by the girl as her mothers resi- dence. It wns highly improbable that decent workins-class people would live there Ut all.
 So. deeming 1t best to satisfy these vague doubts. he took his hat and fol- lowed Burton and Blanche. On turn ing the first corner he saw them walk ing about two hundred yards ahead. At m intervening street corner he was surprised to find the flashily dressed man in conversation with certain Billy Reilly. whom the valet recog- nized as n reformed criminal now em- ployed in settlement work by Miss Grace Coe. only daughter of local banker. The valet who sympathiZed with rescue work. had looked in Tt the settlement once or twice. and had sCraped up Il sort of acquaintance with Reilly, and he had no hesitation now in approaching him. By the time he drew hear. Reilly had parted from his com panion and was watching the latter with anxious eyes as the man swung jauntily down the street after Burton and his companion.
 Who is that fellow, Bll?" inquired the valet.
 He Is Il tough known as 'Two-Gun. Jake" said Reilly. Hes one of the worst gunmen among the Hell-eatS, and he has just told he that they have Il ripe one in tow"
 The valet sntly grew very wide awake indeed
 What does he just mean by ripe oneT he inquired.
 .'I am afraid they're putin up some game on that young fellow who has just passed with Blanche Griffin"
 Do you know her, too?' said the valet. how thoroughly startled.
 "Of course l do. Shes their decoy. None of the gang comes near the set tlement, or they would know that I have quit the crooked work"
 But, good heavens. man :" cried the other. that's my master, Mir. John Bur ton. millionaire, and that young woman came to our house with yarn about n sick mother"
 Where is she taking him?" came the eager question.
 The valet gave the address, and Bill. notwithstanding his new-found regcn- eration. swore softly under his breath.
 Why, that's the very place where the Hell-eatS hang out" he muttered
 We must follow at once" said the valet. Suppose things go wrong. What do you think We can do for the best:'
 Reilly proved equal to the emer sency.
 "lt's almost as much as my life's worth" he said but I'll shove right in an try to stall them off Mir. Burton un- til you bring help. You've got to find Il cop. an tell him just what you have told me. There's no use in him and you coming alone. He must ring up the station house and ge~the reserve squad along And hurry When the Hell-cats mean business they put in quick action! !'
 Meanwhile, John Burton was being entertained by Blanche to moving story of hardship and distress, unalle- viated by solitary gleam of hope or happiness. Had John been wiser he might have been rendered cautious by tAis very fact. The poor are not un- happy. They make light of their priva- tions; having few wants. they have equally few desires. The mere habit | of living from hand to mouth entails n juggling with fate which Is by no means indicative of wretchedness. It Is almost safe to say that there is more real joy and content In many hoyel than In kings palace.
 Be that as It may, John was soon His companion led him into a tumble-dowu tenement. After | rickety stairs and dark, evil | Smpittuy pnsSnrac ha fnund bIp,SaIf tr l