The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-06

nized several from pictures of celebrities of the Smart Set in the newspapers. There was an undercurrent of eager anticipation through the audience, heightened by the subdued lights, the general shadowy aspect of the room, the odor of burning incense and the heavy draperies. The master iof ceremonies had not yet appeared, evidently having learned the value of theatrical entrance. Or was he waiting for some one who had not yet arrived? Mona asked the question when the door opened and Mrs. Wallace glided to seat in the front row of chairs, for almost inn mediately afterward, Hadj Rulu, in white robes and turban, appeared lowing scemnly.
 The scene that followed was sufficiently inn pressive from the viewpoint of the uninitiated. The Hndoo was past master in the art of trick cry, and several of the effects he had arranged were managed so adroitly that Mona could readily understand the secret of the sudden vogue he had attained. The girl watched Mrs. Wallace closely, and that the woman sat like person in trance, with her eyes never leaving the solemn figure of the Hindoo. When the seance was finally ended, and the audience gradually dispersed, Mona fingered behind.
 The Hindoo finally approached her and asked if there any personal problem concerning which she wished to consult him.
 T need your help badly!" she said impuls- lively. will be frank with you. When came here never expected to stay. thought it was all trickery and sham, and now can see how wrong and unjust was, and what a wonderful person you really are!
 My name is May Allison. I am an orphan, and alone in the world except for my guardian and his wife I am afraid that my guardian has taken advantage of that fact, and knowing only woman, and as he thinks helpless is try ing to swindle me-" She reached into her hand bag and drew out check, which she laid on the table The Hindoo picked it up, and the girl saw that his eyes glistened when he noted that it was drawn to her order for the sum of one thousand dollars. And then his attitude stiffened. His eyes had fallen on the signature at the bottom-"How- ard Wallace"
 'Is MT. Wallace your guardian?" he demanded quickly. Mona nodded
 "I am sorry to have to say that he and that he is the man to whom I referred. That check represents my quarters income. It has al ways been twenty thousand dollars until now. MT. Wallace says that my investments have been unfortunate, and that my stocks have dropped in value But it is hard to believe that can be true. Think of it Only one thousand dollars when my checks before have always been for just twenty times much!"
 "Of course you may not be able to help me Perhaps I am asking too much of you!
 The Hndoo caught her hand eagerly "In deed you have come to just the right source for assistance. Shall I show you how shall punish this scoundrelly man, who has dared use you so falsely and cruelly?'
 As Mona nodded curiously, the man stepped back to the teakwood table in the of the room, and clapped his hands to summon his ser want. The two conferred together in whispers for a moment, and then the servant vanished, to re- appear a moment later with small image which he deposited soemnly in the center of the table.
 'watchw said the Hndoo gravely, and pro- ceeded to make series of weird passes directly above the image.
 For moment nothing happened and then Mona gave "a low gasp The image slowly vanishing before her eyes-vanishing com petely as though it were actually dissolving into thin air
 lace" said Hadj Rulu gravely. "He shall vanish as completely the image you saw disappear into thin air! He shall know what it is to mis- treat ono 90 lovely and innocent as your charming