Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1916-08-11


the besieger. crossed under the stage.
made her way into the orchestra pit,
and managed to leave the theater by
the front door.
She was waiting when Jim came
home. and followed him into his room,
where they could talk without disturb
ing their father. Lorelei made her ac-
cusation boldly, prepared for the usual
burst OF anger. bu= Jim listened pa
tiently until she paused
81 knew you had TO spin this. so
let you rave" said be. But it's too
late; somebody has been after Ham
mon for long time. and he's been
got-yeS, and got good. Take a fash
at the Chorus Girls Bible" He
tossed his sister a copy of a prominent
theatrical paper. II waited until 1t
came out"
Lorelei gasped, for on the front page
glared black-typed headlines of the
Harmon scandal. John Merkle's name
was there, too. and. linked with it, her
oern.
What is-thisy' She ran her eye
swiftly down the column.
"Sure. Melcher commenced suit
against Harmon this afternoon. Fifty
thousand dollars for alienation of Lii
las affections. Joke. Ell? He claims
there was common-law marriage and
he'll get the coin"
"But Mrs Hammon2
THE evidence is in her hands al
ready--dates. places, photographs, ev-
erything. She'll win her suit, too"
Were you by any chance working
for Mrs. Hammonf"
Divining his sisters prejudice, Jim
lied promptly and convincingly. "Why,
Mrs. Harmon, of course I had a
chance to turn few dollars, and
took it."
But why did yea drag me in?
Couldn't you keep me out OF it? This
is dreadful" As she ran her eye over
the article she saw that it was quite
in harmony with the general tone and
policy of the paper. which catered to
the jaded throngs of the Tenderloin.
Truth had been cunningly distorted;
1ippancy, sensationalism and, sala-
cious double meaning ran through 1t
ALL
What's dreadful about it?' inquired
her brother. THAT sort of advertising
does a show-girl good. You've got to
make people talk about you, sis. and
this'll bring a gang of high rollers your
way. You've been so blamed proper
that nobodys interested in you any
more"
For a moment LOrelei scrutlnized
her brother in silence. taken aback at
his outra geous philosophy. Jim had
changed greatly. she unused; not until
very lately had she observed the full
measure OF the change in him. He was
no longer the country boy. the play
mate and confdant OF her youth, but
man. sophisticated, hard. seeretive. lie
had been thoroughly Manhattanized,
she perceived. and he was as foreign
TO her as a stranger She shook her
head hopelessly.
You're a strange brother" she said.
II hardly know what TO make of you.
Has the city killed every decent in
stjnct in you, Jim?"
"Now, don't begin on the Old Home
stuff" he replied, testify. DO you
really intend to marry bunch Of
coin?"
That's the program, isn't It? I've
been raised for that and nothing else"
"Well. ma can't put it over, so |
1 guess it's up TO me" After a moment 1
he added, Would you accept Merkle?" |
4 Oh Ce g.
Merkle."
"Humph, You ought to consider the !
rest Of US a little bit Pa could be /
cured. mad be happy I could get on
my feet. How about Bob Wharton /
Lets not talk about it, please. Mr. /
Wharton is getting nasty. and-I'm be-
ginning to be afraid OF him.
"I'll bet you could land him"
"Please. don't want to think
about II. I dare say I'll bring myself
to marry some rich man some day; /
t--Merkle-Wh Wharton" She shud- /
dered for a second time. IF Mr.
Wharton is serious this scandal will
scare him of, or else he'll become
Just like the others. | could cry. He
threatened me tonight; I don't know
how I'll manage to avoid him tomOr
row night"
Hmm! He's coming that strong.
chr was Jim's interested query; but
on hearing his sisters account Of the
young millionaire's determined pursuit
he volunteered In his offhand way to
assist her.
"Ill come for you myself. and wen
whip over to cafe for supper"
You'll save me from him." said Lo- !
relief. with wan smile, land I'll know |
that you are in good company for one |
evening at least"
Don't lose any sleep over my nab |
it's" he told her, lightly.
As Jim and his mother breakfasted /