The Washington herald., 1916-11-14

T7AROLD STANLEY was in
no mood at all for visitors, as
he paced the floor Of his pri-
NAvate office in the Examiner
Building, concisely debating to his
stenographer.
Yet at that very moment, unknown
to himself, he had a visitor; there, in
his own once. A visitor who was
: listening with avid interest to what
the young newspaper owner was die
tatins.
Felix, DR.. Montrose's man servant,
had come to the Examiner Building
that day with a note from Florence
to Stanley. He had delivered the note
in person. Then, as Harold had been
called out of the room for a mo-
ment, Felix had sped swiftly to the
office desk and had begun to rummage
among its papers.
Hearing Stanley's returning foot
steps, he slipped behind the desk and
crouched there, awaiting second try
for what he sought. Harold, enter
ing with his stenographer, had sup
posed him gone.
The dictation was proceeding rap
idly when an Office boy came in,
bearing a card. Stanley read the
name thereon, and tore the card
across, saying sharply:
Tell Layton Parrish want moth
ing further to do with him. Send
fhim away"
The ONCE boy turned to execute the
mission. But he was too late. Par
rish's bulky form already blocked the
threshold Of the door leading out into
the city room.
"Mr. Stanley" said the detective,
some time ago you gave me leave to
come into this oflce any time chose
by the corridor entrance. Today I'm
turned back and made to send in .
card. What does that mean? p
( 1T means" rstorted Harold, ad-
vancing on him, that I don't want
you around here any more Clear
out"
But I came here to-
IT don't care what you came here
for. Get out, or I'll have you thrown
outI"
AS he spoke Harold put one palm
on the detectives broad chest and
forcibly thrust him back a step into
the outer room, slamming the door
behind him.
For several minutes longer he con-
tinued his dIctation. Then he dis
missed his stenegrapher and seated
himself at his desk. But before he
could settle down to work q second
card was brought to him. At sight OF
it he smiles happily.
Show her in here" he bade the
Office boy.
The youth departed, presently OPEN
ing the ofice door again to admit
Florence Montrose. The girl was in
motor costume, and, to Harold's in
fatuated eyes, she was bewitchingly
4 pretty.
Bob Clayton and I are going to
try out my new car this afternoon" !"
she said, as she and Stanley greeted
each other. Won't you come along ?
Please do. It's such a dandy little
car. I know you'll have a good time.
ran It on my way uptown from the
dressmaker's. How do you like this
suit? It's brand new. I'm wearing
it home from Nine. Lulett's. You'll
join US, won't you?"
n She paused in her whirlwind Of talk
to give him a chance to assent to her
invitation. But, to her chagrin, STAN
ley shook his head ruefully.
"I wish I might" he told her, "and
it's a big temptation. But I'm up to
my ears in work today"
Has the rush Of work anything to
do with the Crimson Sta1n?" she
asked. masking her disappointment
at his refusal.
1T has everything to do with 1t, !"
he told her. I've the strongest clew
yet. And I'm following it for all it's
worth. Bob Clayton is in 1t with me,
But" his face becoming suddenly
grave, this new information OF mine
leads me to fear there's vague peril
threatening you, little girl. And that
troubles me more than all the rest o1
the dangers put together. For
= Something threatening me?" re-
peated Florence. what Is it?"
'I have no right to explain-yet,
he said. "And perhaps, after all,
am mistaken. But, anyway, you can
take my solemn assurance for one
thing: Whatever threatens you, I'll
be able to protect you against II
Ana N gong 70 StanQ DeIWeSn yOI
and peril, dear. Now and always
sNever forget that"
His eyes grew wondrous tender AZ
he spoke. Unconsciously he and Flor
ence had moved closer to each other
Then-neither Of them could ex-
plain afterward how It happened-he
drew her impulsively to his breast
He felt her soft arms steal lovingly
about his neck. And their lips found
Zach other in their first kiss-"a long.
long kiss: kiss of love and youth"
'Scuse me, Mr.. Stanley" squealed
the diminutivs office boy. flinging
open the office door. but Senator
Bartholf is in the anteroom. You told
Fne to let you know the minute he
got here"
The two lovers started guiltily
apart. Florence, her face scarlet. fled
through the corridor door and on to
the elevator. Stanley glared at the
embarrassed office boy an instant.