The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-18

gilded food emporium they finally located him. The girls watched him covert1y take a seat at corner table, from which he could command view of the diners, without, himself, being too much in the limeght M~ry pushed back her chair and rose hurriedly to her feet.
 She put her hands to her lips as Mona looked up in surprise Tt is better at present that he should not"see us together. am going to rely on your ingenuity to make the acquaintance of MT. Ladlaw before he leaves the restaurant You will find at the apartment when you get back"
 And before the other could voice a protest, she gone.
 For few moments Mona sat drumming idly the edge of her table, and toying with her food The problem, which her chum had set her, was not easy one, to say the least. But it sud denly occurred to Mona to try the old lost money game, and expected the with the waiter brought Dick Laidlaw to the rescue.
 Let pay the bill. It will be pleasure" said Laidlaw.
 The girl hestated then surrendered reluct- antly. "On one condition. You must go home with so that can pay you back at once"
 He bowed. "As you wish.' He drew out bill, and handed 1t carelessly to the waiter, who had reappeared by magic at his motion. With the girl at his side, Laidlaw passed out of the restaurant, pausing in the entrance to call taxicab. Mona took seat in kind of con strained silence, while Laidlaw strove desperately to maintain conversation which she prevented sklfully.
 As Mona was helped from the taxi by young Laidlaw, she gave him glance, which to him
 
 was but forced smile, and Mona that the first act in her little deception had been cessfu
 By arrangement with the superintendent of the apartment house, Mona and Mary had secretly installed "buzzer" under the runner of the stairway, so that should either return sud denly with stranger the fact could be an- nounced by pressing upon concealed electric plate, thus giving the girl in the room sufficient time to retire.
 Hardly anticipating that Mona had been successful in netting her victim, Mary slipped into the boudoir just Mona turned the key in the lock-
 Young Laidlaw at first refused to accept the money, but Mona with charming smile insisted strongly that he was obliged at last to ac- cept it.
 "Suit yourself" Mona's voice was still icy.
 "Tomorrow?' asked Laidlaw eagerly
 "Yes," said Mona, hesitatingy.
 The girl closed the door. For moment she stood listening, and then as she heard the man turn, and slowly make his way down the hall toward the stairs, she flew back into the living room, and into the arms of Mary, who was smothering yawn in the doorway of their bed room.
 And now what of the next step in our cam paign?" asked Mary she curled herself on the couch, with her feet huddled up under the lacy robe of her negligee. "We have only one of our victims biting, remember What of the father?"
 "That is up to you" said Mona, serenely. "You have left the hardest part to me. Laidlaw Senior must be your task"
 As it developed, it was not only during the next day, but succession of days, that Mona's talents as actress called into play in the fencing bouts with Dick Ladlaw. At noon the telephone rang, and the young mans voice spoke eagerly the wire in invitation to lunch, which Mona promptly declined. compromising finally in grudging consent to motor ride fin the afternoon. This was followed by tea, with a reluctant promise from the girl to attend matinee on the following afternoon. Before tho