The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

beginning to attract more than casual attentions and more than once Mona caught the calculating eye of Wentworth surveying them at the various affairs, where they chanced to meet. In the mean time, Mary's acquaintanceship with Regnald Wentworth fast approaching degree of ln. timacy. It apparent to the girl that the man genuinely attracted to her, and the topic of Mrs. Douglas, and the supposed young wife's in- discretions discussed between them with a direct candor and speculation. But there was 8 vague, indefnable element of distrust, even yet in Wentworths manner, which the girl was at B loss to understand until one evening when the two motored out to restaurant on the outskirts Of the city for Bohemian dinner.
 During the ride Wentworth carelessly toyed with his wallet, which he had drawn from his pocket to refer to a memorandum it contained. Suddenly he looked up at her, and tapping the wallet significantly, said: Do you know that it's contents almost priceless to myself-and o certain very worried lady of society,""
 Mary shook her head with a quizzical smile
 "I dare say that the lady in question would redeem the half dozen letters in this wallet for thousand apece-and be grateful for the chancel"
 The subject dropped, and it was not until Wentworth received sudden telephone call during the of the dinner, and excused himself that the conversation recurred to the girl. There by his plate the wallet, where in his haste he had forgotten it For moment she hesitated, and then her hand reached out stealthy to ap- propriate it. The instinct that whispered her swift warning she could not have explained, but she drew back hurriedly, leaving the wallet disturbed Was it not possible that Wentworth had laid clever trap to test her? It was in- conceivable that man, accustomed to living by his wits, would be careless enough to leave six thousand dollar weapon of blackmai conspicu- ously restaurant table! moment later Wentworth sauntered back, and his glance told Mary that her suspicious had been justified.
 With low laugh he picked up the wallet, and turning it inside out, flung it back. It was emptyl
 "PIease accept my apologies for doubting you P he said in low tone. But couldn't afford to take a chance-and if we to play the game together, must be absolutely certain that we are going to do it on the square !"
 Mary paled. How she had been to 6 hopeless, fatal betrayal!
 When she rejoined Mona that night her mind definitely made up. She would force the situ- ation to climax without further delay She saw now that every day might hold fresh pitfalls and dangers. So they chose that same night for their little drama.
 It nearly when Mary called up Wentworth at his apartment and asked hurriedly for an immediate interview. When he met her hour later she imparted to him the intelligence that Mrs. Douglas and Carlton, after the theater that night, were to be together in the formers apartment at the Roanoake.
 And I have plan which think will give what we have been scheming for" ended Mary enthusiastically. For several moments she spoke swiftly and nervously, and at the end Wentworth caught her hand enthusiastically.
 "Splendid" he cried. "I'll be ready when you are' The die cast
 It just before eleven o'clock that night when the telephone in the apartment of Mary and Mona announced the arrival of Wentworth in the lobby. Mary asked him to come up at once. She alone, Mona had left for theater with Carlton shortly after seven o'clock dinner, leaving Mary to put the finishing touches to the last act they had planned in their little drama She received Wentworth at the door, and with show of secrecy, conducted him through the living room into an inner bedroom.
 Wentworth glanced around him curiously and his eyes lighted as he noted camera, and hashlight apparatus already in position and trained on the living-room.
 "All that need now is to wait until she and Daniels seated at their tete-a-tete supper and then light the powder. The camera will do the rest!" chuckled Mary in apparent glee.
 And we will sell the plate to the highest bidder !" said Wentworth with grimness which showed that he at least was in deadly earnest.
 "Hush?' cautioned Mary suddenly, catching his arm, key turned in the hall lock. The next moment Mona and Carlton entered the suite, and the latter removed his companions wraps with show of tenderness, which made Wentworth smile again in anticipation. tempt ing lunch of cold viands had already been set on table. Carlton took the seat, which Mona indi- cated and edged his chair closer to her, as she inspected the articles of the menu.
 "Now" whispered Mary.
 Wentworth softly struck match and dropped it into the powder, Mary flung aside the heavy draperies, screening the entrance to the living room. The bright flash of the powder mingled with cry of fright from Mona-and Wentworth stepped into the outer room, smiling cynically. But his smile suddenly frozen.
 Carlton was facing him with drawn re- volver.
 Hands up!' snapped the young actor
 Wentworth whired about-to confront sec- ond revolver in the hands of Mary. The girl laughed at the scowl of rage his face
 Caught with the goods !" she mocked
 You devil !" he growled, Mary laughed
 That will do!' commanded Carlton. The games up We've got you fair, and we mean to hold you! We know your connection with The Tattler, and your judgment must tell you that we have evidence enough of your blackmail- ing methods to send you to prison for more years than you would probably to reckon! '"
 What do you want?" glowered Wentworth.
 'First-Those letters of Mrs. Burton's and next your promise to put The Tattler out of busi- ness and remove yourself from this vicnty!v
 Which means, of course immunity from the law?" sneered Wentworth.
 Not quite" It Mary who spoke. "You are forgetting the expenses of the case-and the money you have made spend to get you where we wanted you! I think five thousand would about cover it. You give a check. I think we can take it for granted that you won't stop payment"
 Mona stepped to the telephone and ordered . taxicab The party then went to The Tattler office and recovered the letters and received the check
 Ten minutes later Mona was ringing Mrs. BIrton's private telephone number from a corner drug store.
 We have your letters!" she said crisplv. Shall we mail them--or bring them up?"
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