The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-07-23


eve of Wentworth surveying them at the various
affairs, where they CHANGED to meet. In the mean
time, Mary's acquaintanceship with Reginald
Wentworth was fast approaching degree of tn-
tlmacy. 1t was apparent to the girl that the man
was genuinely attracted to her, and the topic of
Mrs Douglas, and the supposed young wife's in
discretions was discussed between them with a
direct candor and speculation. But there was a
vague, 1ndefinable element of distrust, even yet
in Wentworth's manner, which the girl was at a
loss to understand until one evening when the two
motored out to restaurant the outskirts OF
the city for "a Bohemian dinner.
During the ride Wentworth care1essly toyed
with his wallet, which he had drawn from his
pocket to refer to memorandum 1t contained.
Suddenly he looked up at her, and tapping tho
wallet significantly, said: do you know that it's
contents are almost priceless to myself-and q
certain very worried lady of society,""
Mary shook her head with a ouzzical smile
II dare say that the lady in question would
redeem the half dozen letters in this wallet for
thousand apiece-and be grateful for the chance Z"
The subject dropped, and it was not until
Wentworth received a sudden telephone call during
the course of the dinner, and excused himself that
the conversation REQUIRED to the girl. There by
his plate was the wallet, where in his haste he
had forgotten it! For moment she hestated,
and then her hand reached out stealthilv to APP
propriate it. The instinct that whispered her
swift warning she could have explained but
she drew back hurriedlv, leaving the wallet un-
disturbed. Was 1t not possible that Wentworth
had laid clever trap to test her? 1t in
conceivable that man, accustomed to living by
his wits, would be careless enough to leave a six
thousand dollar weapon of blackmail conspcr-
ouslv on a restaurant tablet A moment iatrr
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 1t waa
empty
Please accept my apologies for doubling
you! - he said in low tone but couldn't afford
TO take chance-and If we to play the game
together, must be absolutely certain that we ara
going 10 do it on the square"
Mary paled. How she had been TO &
hopeless, fatal betrayal!
When she reioined Mona that night her mind
definitely made up. She would force the stu.
alton to a climax without further delay. She savs
that every day might hold fresh pitfalls and
new dangers. So they chose that Same night for
their little drama.
1t was nearly noon when Mary called ur
Wentworth az his apartment, and asked hurriedly
for an immediate interview When he met her an
hour later she impaired TO him the intelligence
that Mrs. Douglas and Carlton, after tho theater
that night, 70 be together in tho formora
apartment at the Roanoake.
And I have a plan which think will Ctvs
MS 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 vor
are" The die cast!
1t was 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 corne up at once. She
alone, Mona had left for "a theater with
leaving Mary put the finishing touches 10 tho
last they had planned in their little drama
She resolved Wentworth ut the door, ana <eith
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 liyingroom.
"Al that need now IS to wait until she
and Daniels are seated at their tetea-tete supper
and then light the powder. The camera will do the
I'm n9Tl cD* dfa
And will sell the plate 10 the highest
bidder" said Wentworth with a grmness which
showed that he at least in deadly earnest
Hush! !" cautioned Mary suddenly, catching
his arm, key turned in the hall lock- The
next moment Mona and Carlton entered the
snite- 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 ind.
Gated, and edged his chair closer to her, as she
inspected the articles of the menu.
Now" whispered Mary.
Wentworth softly struck a match and dropped
10 into the powder, as Mary flung aside the heavy
draEsrles screening the entrance to the living
room The bright fash of the powder mingled
with cry of fright from Mona--and Wentworth
stepped into the outer room, smiling cynicaliY
But his smile was suddenly frozen.
volver
Hands up" snapped the Young actor.
wentworth whired abont-to confront a sec
ond revolver in the hands of Mary The girl
laughed at the scowl Of rage on his face
Caught with the goods." she Knocked
You devilF he growled as Mary laughed
That will do" commanded Carlton The
games up We've got you fair and we mean to
hold yout We know your connection with The
latter and your own Judgment must tell YOU
that we have evidence enough of your blackmail-
ing methods to send you to prison for years
than you would probably care to reckon
What do you want?" glowered Wentworth
tlrst-Those letters of Mrs. Burtons and
next your promise to put The Tattler out of BUSH
ness and remove yourself from this vicintyr'
Which means, of course, immunity from the
law? sneered Wentworth
Not quite!" 1t 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! 1 think five thousand would
about cover it. You give check. think
we take 1t for granted that you won't stop
payment
Mona stepped to the telephone and ordered a
tad-cab. The party then went to The TattIer
Office anu recovered the letters and received the