The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1916-12-28
The girls answer was made with her

eT y private NIIhlrS, pretending 10 De
friends when they were enemies. and
using scandal for business ends. Lilas
Lynn IL my friend-at least In a way
and Mr.. Harmon Is my host, Just as
he Is yours. oh, | know. this ISN'T a
conventional party. and I'm not here
as n conventional guest-inslde the
little coin purse he gave me Is a hun
dred-dollnr blll-but, just the same. I
don't care to act as your spy"
Mcrkle's grave attention arrested
Lorclci's burst of Indignation.
"Wlli you believe me-" he asked,
when I tell you that Jarvis Harmon
and Hannibal Wharton are the two
best friends | have in the world? This
Is more than a business matter, Miss
Knight"
81 can hardly believe that"
ITS true, however: | mean TO serve
Harmon. At the same time | must
serve myself and those who trust me.
I fear-in fact, I'm sure-that he Is
being used. I've learned things about
Miss Lynn that you may not know.
What you have told me tonight adds
to my anxiety. and | must know
more"
what. COR instance?"
Her real feeling for him-her inten-
tions-her relations with a man named
Melcher-"
"Maxey Melcher2"
THE same. DO you know his bust.
ness?"
mo"
"He Is a gambler, a political power;
a crafty, INSCRIPTIONS fellow who rep
resents-big people. BY helping me
you M serve many innocent persons.
and, most Of all. perhaps, Harmon
himself"
Lorelci was silent for a moment.
This Is very unusual" she said at
length. II don't know whether to be-
lieve you or not"
Suppose, then. you let the matter
rest and keep your eyes open. When
you convince yourself who means best
to Jarvis-Mlss Lynn and Melcher and
their crowd, or I and mine-make your
decision. You may name your own
price"
"There wouldn't be any price," sine
told him, impatiently. "Ill wait"
Merkle bowed. II cnn trust your
discretion. Thank you for listening to
me, and thank you for being agreeable
TO an irasclble old dyspeptlc. VIII you
permit me to drive you home when
you're readyT"
I'm ready now"
But rs Lorelei made her way unob-
trusively toward the cloakroom she en-
countered Robert Wharton, who barred
her path.
Fairy Princess, you ran away" he
declared, accusingly.
I'm leaving" she saw that his in.
toxication had reached a more ad-
vanced stage. His cheeks were flushed
his eyes were wild and unsteady.
Good news! The night Is young;
well watch II grow up"
THANK you, n I'm going home"
"A common mistake. Others have
tried and failed" With extreme gray
ity he focused his gaze upon her, say
ing, Home is the n place that our
mayor can't close"
She extended her hand. "Good night"
II don't understand. Speak Eng
llsh."
Good night"
Wharton's countenance darkencd un'
pleasantly, and his voice was rough
"Where'd you learn that line? It's
country stun. Wen leave when I'm
ready. Now we'll have a trot."
The music was playing; other
couples were dancing, and he seized
her In his arms, whirling her away. II
and out among the chairs he piloted
dizzy course, while she yielded reluct
antly, conscious, meanwhile, that Ado
rec Demorest was watching them witt
interest.
For an interval Wharton said moth
ing: then. with a change OF tone, h
murmured in her ear: "D'you think II
let you spoil the whole night? Can
you see I'm crazy about youY"
Lorclei ~endeavorcd 10 free hersel
from his embrace, but he clutched he
the tighter and laughed insolently.
"Nothlng like a good turkey to sc
acquainted. Is there? We're going t
dance TIL we're old folks"
she continued TO struggle; they wer
out OF step and out OF time, but h
held her away from himself easily
bending a hot glance upon her w
turned face. She saw that he wa
painting and doubly drunk with he
n~earness. Don't fight. I've got you.
She a smiling family. out of habi'
but mistaklng her expression, he DIRE,
her close once more, then buried hi
face In her neck and kissed her Just q
the turn Of her bare shoulder.
I Then she tore herself away, and hi
|, triumphant laugh was cut short as sh
slapped him resoundingly, her stingln
b fingers leaving their imprint on hi
cheek.
Her eyes were flaming and her liz
were white with fury. though she col
tinued TO smile.
Here! What d'you mean by that
ha criad