The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-28


 EMS~ times. We've got some nice things E@aSam$ and Heaven only knows how long s-sssFssssxs they'll stay nice The fashions have been changing over night lately. But ,Sic now, thls minute, we go out and know that there won't be two better dressed girls in town. It's time for us to strike our next blow because the irons as hot as it ever will be- iron?s 'u'-"iere IS 'ne We've got to find--him !" said Mona "Think S1ary! And-let me see the paper while you're doing it!" -O T believe that was what you wanted all the tune" said Mary, suspiciousy, "the paper Still there you are!"
 Mary had finished her breakfast and she went now to the window in the next room, and looked out while Mona, with smile took the paper She glanced through it while she slipped her second cup of coffee. And suddenly she ex- claimed, under her breath, her eyes fell on certain headline. She read the story beneath it. and then read it again. And then very slowly, her brows knitted in thought, she went to Mary l wonder! she said, half to herself. Mary did you see this?"
 'The hot iron?' said Mary skeptica11v "so soon?'
 But she took the paper, and looked at the article Mona pointed out to her. ~ .s., Iomlinson Gerry" she said, surprised. ''Youre flying high, Mona p
 We've got it!" said Mona. "It isn't small game we're after And read the rest. Do you see what it says? That he tired of the bright lights tired of being talked and written about inst as
 
 Gerry, with his millions, is going to work"
 As an architect" said Mary, reading on. Hes opened offices in the Sterling Building! Mona-I believe you're right! '"
 Gerry, before he had inherited his uncle's millions, had been the principal in some rather shady transactions, and the girls were more than ever determined to go after him when they learned that he had swndled their laundress out of her paltry savings The fact that since he had come to money he had tired of being prof1igate and had settled down after six years of riotous living, to decent occupation, the girls decided should not him.
 As always, Mona and Mary worked rapidly and two days later, Mona sent her card in to the architect
 Miss Hartley?' said Gerry inouiringlv, ris- ing, and glancing at Mona's card.
 So good of you to see me-when I came without appointment, MT. Gerry,' said Mona, holding out her hand, which Gerry took, de- hghtedly. You see--oh I'm just like every other woman, I suppose! When get idea want to carry it out at once r
 'I'm very much at your service,' said Gerry.
 I want to build home, Mir. Gerry" said Mona, 'and haven't the least idea of how to go about it But I suppose the first thing to do is to get an architect-and so here am!
 My wants are ever so modest ]" continued Mona. T have got one or two general ideas, but think you'll find that they don't interfere at all with your conceptions. I want bungalow, you see-a nice, rambling sort of place, and thought cant you help me with the land, too?"
 ''Ill do my best" said Gerry "Ill tell you what-it just happens that I have an option, right now, some suburban property. If you like it, I'll turn the option to you. Why don't you let me drive you out to have look at the land right now? My is downstairs" she consented. &
 Mona had gone alone, according to the plan the two girls had arranged, for her visit to Gerry But Mary had followed, and she waited anxously, across the street from the building that housed Gerry's office. When she saw Mona and Gerry come out together, chatting eagerly, she smiled. And when Gerry put Mona into his roadster, with the utmost solicitude tucking robe about her, and making sure that she was comfortable, Mary smiled again.
 So that's all right" she said to herself. q might have trusted Mona. She's such dear that her P
 She wasn't anxious about Mona for minute. Gerrys reputation, of course, we'll known to her. He was rather notorious for his easy quests of women who were generally supposed to be impervious to the shafts of Cupid But Mary knew there not the slightest danger for Mona, matter how personal Gerry tried to make their relations
 The thing now, it seemed to Mary, was to prepare way to turn Gerry's very obvious in terest in Mona to account. He must be brought completely under control. Mary more and more pleased by, her wisdom in refusing, any account, to take a hand in the game until the right moment came-an open hand that is Mary preferred the role of wire-puller. She wanted to the rest of the characters in the little drama as puppets, like those in Punch and Judy show, with herself manipulating them, and moving them according to her desires.
 We're going to need help,' she said to her self, drowning slightly, after she had watched Mona and Gerry out of sight. q don't see how we do it all alone"
 The thought was an unwelcome one. She and Mona, she felt, ought, so far possible, to play a lone hand. But-the help of some man seemed necessary. And suddenly Mary both the and the inspiration she looking for. It was the man who gave her the great idea. He was across the street, and at first he did not notice her at all. But, though he had changed good deal since she had last seen him, and for the worse, Mary knew him at once. He was Jack Deerng, telegrapher.
 Some time before Mary had been employed in the offices of great telegraph company, in another city 1t was there, indeed, that she had had some of the bitter experiences that had led her to make her present pact with Mona-a pact in which she and Mona were allied against men. Deering had been of the few men among her fellow workers in whom Mary had seen any signs of chivary and decency. He had been kind to her. and apparently, without thought of any re- ward. She knew him exactly for what he was ; weak, pleasant chap who never meant to do wrong. and seldom, matter of fact, did right; man who always easy victim of stronger will, and could, therefore, in all prob- ability. to be used in the vague plan she was