The Washington herald., 1916-07-02

erty. and will turn them al over to her-in
your presence, If you wishr"
"How long will It tske?
"Oh, q mere matter of q few moments Tbs
papers are in my private box at my bank can
take tsd-cab. But you will promise both Of
you, that II DO this, you will make no exposure? ?"
Mona looked at the Hindoo, and Hadj Rulu
nodded slightly.
I'VE promise" she agreed, apparently un-
neryed at her guardians sudden unmssldng and
confession.
and Rodney Grant were left alone with the
Hindoo. Hadj Rulu turned 20 the Newspaper man.
and ordered him curtly out Of the room. For
just an instant, Grant hesitated, and then re-
membering his supposed character, he bowed
deeply, and obeyed When he vanished, Mons
turned to Hsdj Rulu impulsively.
How can I ever thank your she began
looking at him sdmiringly You are the most
marvellous man l ever knew"
1T Is nothing" protested HAdt Rufu-
Perhaps motto you. But IL means every
thing TO me. / know what can do TO show my
appreciation OF you Will you accept the manage
ment Of my sstatef OF course, cannot 20 on
longer with Mr.. Wallace after what has hap
pened.-
Hadj Rulu walked back and forth over the
floor, though debating the question.
Il hardly know what 70 say. In the first
place, very much fear that you may be dis
appointed, my young friend. Your guardian may
find it impossible to restore what is rightfuIy
yours, and fear that in spite Of all I do you
may suffer financially"
DO you really think soT asked Mona in
dismay.
Il tell you what I might do, II it would help
you. When your guardian returns with your pa
pers, will buy half interest in them for cash,
If you wish it. l will give you ten thousand dol
lars. OF course, my interest may not be worth
much, but l am willing 10 do II IL il will be OF
any benefit to you, my little high Priestess7"
''oh, thank you! Thank you" said Mona,
impulsively. You are noble and generous as well
shrewd and successful"
When Carson returned with his bundle of
counterfeit deeds and papers, the Hindoo accepted
them and gave Mary ten thousand as his half in
terest. They were leaving the fat when Mrs. VAL
lace, who was summoned by telephone in q
nearby apartment, was announced.
Hadj Rulu frowned for a moment, and then
quickly recovered himself You Just in time,
my dear friend, TO witness the unmasIdng of your
husband, whom have discovered 70 my surprise
and sorrow is an unmitigated scoundrel"'
MY husband?" asked Mrs. Wallace In be-
wilderment. Where is hep"
THERE" cried Rsdj Rulu, pointing to Carson.
But that man is not nv husband
The Hindoo whirled Mona with a sudden
suspicion, and her grinning
What does this mean?" he snsrled
There another ring at the bell The
visitor this time was Howard Wallace, the banker,
in actual fact, At sight of his wife, he stepped
forward angrily
What does this mean?" he demanded, un-
consciously using Radj Ruu's question.
1T means that we have recovered for you
your stolen property" said Mona, stepping for
ward, and extending the bank k-notes she had just
received. The person who robbed your safe Ia
the so-called Hadj Rulu-using your wife as
helpless sccomplice while she in a hypnotie
trance, and forced TO obey his orders"
1T Is a lie" screamed the Hindoo.
as t?' The question was asked by Mary,
who swiftly opened the door, and stepped into
real character. Mary silently handed the COM
binstion of his safe TO Howard Wallace The
banker stared at II in daZe.
Il Radj Rulu force your wife 70 give this
to him." explained the girl "snd later saw him
slip II into the pocket OF Of your maids - She
turned her head, and called TO g stocky figure in
the hall. II was the plain-clothes detective, who
had been entrusted with the investigation OF the
Wallace robbery.
I'VE have two prisoners for you, officer" said
Carson, pleasantly, dragging Radj RUFUS servant
from his place Of concealment in the closet
Twenty minutes later, Mrs. Wallace in the
apartment of Mary and Mona, deposited ths
bundle Of bank-notes on the girls library table.
MY husband and I agree that this is tia
least do for you"
But this is too much :" protested Mona
Mrs. Wallace smiled, rs 1t? Unless an
greatly mistaken, you will need it shortly. Judg-
ing from the glances Of Messrs. Carson and Grant,
a double wedding is due to occur before long! Am
I wrongly"
The girls blushed-and did not refuse the
generous reward. After all, II would come in
When Mrs. Wallace had gone, Mons happily
Perched herself on the arm Of Asry's chair and
took her companions hand.
ssid, Mary, do you realize thst?" she unused.
Mary, whose thoughts apparently had been
following the same channel, nodded oonpre-
hendingly
81 haven't asked you much about Mr. Grant
Mons went on, largely because you have avoided
questioning about Casper. But we've never
had any secrets from each other. Tell me, has
he asked you" She broke of suddenly IL
she hesitsted 10 speak the worls.
Mary blushed and nodded. II promised Rod
ney that this would be last adventure. I've
been telling him that l could not consider be-
coming his wife until the mission which you and
set out to accomplish had been performed"
That's practically what told Casper" said
Mona, blushing. And he made promise TO give
him my answer tonight. with more evBsons-
Mary jumped up and olasped Mona in her
arms And what are you going to tell him?7
she explained
Mona hung her head. The same thing YOU
are going to tell Mr.. Grant" she smiled Surely
we have accomplished what we set out 70 do The
last note goes into my diary right away. OF
course" she went on, I'VE won't decline 10 help
any needy person who calls upon US, but having
helped many that the law could not aid it's
high time we thought of shaping own hap
piness."