Omaha daily bee., 1916-07-16
The Social Pirates -

ing of no mercy" tHe clapped his
hands, and Grant stepped forth from
the inner room-a silent, accusing
witness.
Have pityw said larson quaver-
ingly, catching the Hindoo's arm en-
treatingly. Il swear shall make
reparation for what have done |
swear that my ward shall not suffer
in any wayp
How shall you make this repara-
tion?' asked Hadj Rulu, opening his
eyes suddenly.
That is simple. I will go at once
and secure the stocks and deeds that
represent her property, and | will
turn them over to her-in your pres
ence, if you wishP'
How long will it take'"
ooh, a mere matter of few mo-
ments. The papers are in my private
box at my bank. | can take taxi
cab But you will promisc,t both Of
you, that if | do this you will make
no exposure"
Mona looked at the Hindoo, and
Hadj Rulu nodded slightly,
1--WE PROMISE" she agreed, appar-
emily unnerved at her guardians sud-
den unmasking and confession.
Carson staggered from the room
and Mona and Rodney Grant we're
left alone with the Hindoo. Hadj
Rulu turned to the newspaper man
and ordered him curtly out of the
room. For just an instant, Grant hes
itated, and then remembering his sup
posed character, he bowed deeply and
obeyed. When he vanished Mona
turned to Hadj Rulu impulsively.
How can | ever thank your" she
began, looking at him admiringly.
you are the most marvellous man l
ever knew"
~ is nothing protested Hadj
Rulu. es-,.=-. +..
Perhaps MOTTO you. But it means
everything to me. | know what |
can do to show my appreciation of
you. Will you accept the manage
ment of my estate? OF course, can
not go on longer with Mr.. Wallace
after what has happened"
Hadj Rulu walked back and forth
over the floor, as though debating the
question.
Il hardly know what to say. In
the first place, l very much fear that
you may be disappointed, my young
friend. Your guardian may find it
impossible to restore what is right
fully yours, and | fear that in spite of
all do you may suffer financially"
DO you really think so3" asked
Mona in dismay
"I'll tell you what I might do, if
it would help you. When your guar
dian returns with your papers | will
buy half interest in them for cash,
if you wish it. | will give you $10,-
600. OF course, my interest may not
be worth so much, but l am willing
to do it if it will be of any benefit to
you. my little high priestess"
"Oh, thank you'll Thank you'll" said
Mona, impulsively. "You are noble
and generous as well as shrewd and
successful
When Carson returned with his
bundle of counterfeit deeds and
papers, the Hindo accepted them and
gave Mary ten thousand as his half
interest. They were leaving the flat
whea Mrs. Wallace, who was sum-
moned by a telephone in a nearby
apartment, was announced.
Hadj Rulu frowned for a moment,
and then quickly recovered himself. |
"You are just in time, my dear friend,
to witness the unmasking of your
husband, whom | have discovered to
my surprise and sorrow is an unniti-
gated scoundrell'
my husband" asked Mrs. Wallace
in bewilderment. Where is he7"
"There!" cried Hadj Rulu, pointing
to Carson.
But that man is not my husbandp
The Hindoo whirled on Mona with
a sudden suspicion, and saw her grim
ming. !
what does this meanl" he snarled.
There came another ring at the bell.
The visitor this time was Howard
Wallace, the banker, in actual fact.
At sight of his wife, he stepped for
ward angrily.
What does this mean" he demand
ed, unconsciously using Hadj RUFUS
own question. ....-
ut means that we have recovered
for you your stolen property" said
Mona, stepping forward and extend
ing the bank notes she had just re-
ceived. "The person who robbed your
safe is the so-called Hadj .Rulu-us-
a., ~ ,,o,,r ,,,;f> 10 , h aio1acc orroo,ot;ra