The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-27
IThe Maruelous Story, Hitherto Unpublished From Which the Pathe Photoplay of
 the Same Name Was Made)

skylight. Forcing the yielding frame work gradually upward with her head and shoulders, she wormed and undulated her way to the flat tin roof. Catlike she took the ten-foot drop to the roof of the adjoining house, landing lightly on her feet, and, scudding through a door open ing upon a stairway, made her way down to the street.
 A few moments later the meditative Red Eagan, walking slowly across the narrow strip of shadowy park, felt a light tap on his shoulder. He wheeled sharply in his tracks, his hand reach ing instinctively toward his empty gun pocket. He quickly realized he had nothing to fear from this yelled woman who stood quietly confronting him, and who in no way resembled an emissary from that domed building known as headquarters. She silently motioned him toward a secluded bench near by. Prompted by vague curiosity, Eagan warily followed her. 1t was not until they were seated that the woman of mystery spoke.
 Never mind how I know, but you have heavy score to settle with a one-armed man calling himself Jules Legar-I can help you in this-that is if you are not afraid"
 "There ain't no Twin man has got my number" retorted Red.
 At that moment this strange con- ference was augmented by a third person, who, slipping noiselessly across the intervening grass plot, took up his stand behind thick-boled maple, where he could hear every word spoken. Legar, surmising the mutlnous gunman was in a mood to str up trouble, had promptly dis patched the adroit One-Lamp Louie to shadow his former pal.
 The plan is a simple one-your Master has made it appear that a number of terrible crimes were per- petrated by his enemy, the Laughing Mask. Even the police have been persuaded to take that view. But you know, and I know, the real guilt lies with Legar. This man must be brought to justice and the name of the Laughing Mask cleared, even though he be dead. This can be done only by showing in detail how these crimes were committed-if you will write out those details tonight and place them in my hands tomorrow l will see that your score with Jules Legar is paid in full" The woman paused, and then continued-evident- ly trying a different tact "Tf you do what I ask faithfully I will also make good your share of the loot which so mysteriously took wings and vanished from Legar's safe. But remember-I have the power to pun ish as well as to reward"
 "I ain't much on the pen pushin' stuff, lady, but I guess kin sling enuff ink to send that Iron Claw hound O hell to the stool. But say, how d. know yuh're on the level- yer line O chatter sounds like one of them spirit mejiums what does the vanishin' act right under yer lamps. Where'll I meet yer to turn over the dockyment yuh're lookin' fer and collec' the mazuma I git fer the job?"
 ''It will be safer to meet me out side the city," she replied decisively, as she rose from the bench; take the Lackawanna to a place in Jersey called Rosedale-when you get off the train turn to the left and follow the highway until you see a big white house standing on a hill-a little way down the road you will see an old barn on the edge of deep gully at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning will meet you just outside that old barn. I will have your money and shall expect you to have the written statement disclosing Legar's crimes" Again she hesitated, and then, hop dulity, added, "The spirit of the dead Laughing Mask is working with me. He will watch your every move. un- til that paper is in my hands!"
 "For Gawd's sake, call off the spir- rit, lady. I give yer me dyin' oath an affydavit t do what yer axed me, but I don't want t go up against no spooks."
 "Obey my commands and you have nothing to observation-disclosures
 One-Lamp Louie. who had been drinking in this artfully staged fium- mery with avid ears. his one good optic almost starting from it's socket, now precipitately rushed to his chief. As he reported in detail his filched version, of the conversation between Red Eagan and the yelled guardian of departed spirits, it was apparent he shared in no light measure the superstitious fear of his traitorous confrere. But these vaporish fancies were quickly dispelled by the crafty minded master schemer.
 You're as bad as some half-witted old woman, falling for that spirit bunk" snapped Legar. T suppose you'll want some one to hold your hand in the dark after this"
 If there ain't no spirits mixed up in this deal, gov'nor, who tipped off that bunch O crape to all this inside gossip she handed Red?" solemnly queried the wide-eyed thug.
 "Unless I miss my guess. there's a dictaphone planted in this room and I'm going to find it if it takes a, week." said Legar.
 He lost no time in making good this declaration, fishing under the fur niture, along the holdings and in the dark corners of the room with that prehensile iron hook which seemed almost endowed with human