The Sentinel=record., 1916-12-03

h
 he paced the floor of his pri- k.MA=Gvate office in the Examiner Building, concisely dictating to his stenographer
 Yet at that very moment, unknown 70 himself, he had @ visitor; there, in his own office. A visitor who was listening with avid interest to what the young newspaper owner was dic- tating.
 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 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 ng with his stenographer, had sup posed him gone.
 The ulctation was proceeding rap- idly when an office boy came in, bearing card. Stanley read the name thereon. and tore the card across, saying sharply:
 Tell Layton Parrish I want noth- ing further to do with him, Send him away"
 The office boy turned to execute the ttff hs T.t 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 office any time l chose by the corridor entrance. Today I'm turned back and made to send in card. What does that mean? I'- Tt means" retorted Harold ad- vancing on him, that I don't want you around here any more. Clear put"
 But came here to-"
 'I don't care what you came here for, Get out, or I'll have you thrown putt"
 As he spoke Harold put one palm oa the detectives broad chest and forcibly thrust him back a step into the outer room, slamming the door behind him. .I For severAEmlnutes leHSer he con- unued his dictation. Then he dis kissed his stenographer and seated himself at his desk But before he could settle down to work 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 office door again to admit Florence Montrose. The girl was n motor costume, and. 10 Harold's iu- fatuated eyes, she was bewitchingly pretty.
 Bob Clayton and I are going to try out my new car this afternoon, ' she said, as she and Stanley greeted each others Wont 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 Mime. Lulett's. Youn join us. won't you 3"
 She paused in her whirlwind of talk 10 give him a chance 10 assent to her invitation. But, to her Chagrin, Stan ley shook his head ruefully,
 T wish I might" he told her, "and it's @ big temptation. But I'm up to my ears in work today"
 Has the rush of work anything to do with the Crimson Stain?" she asked. masking her disappointment at his refusal,
 Tt has everything to do with It," 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 10 fear there's a vague peri threatening you, little girl. And that troubles me more than all the rest oi the dangers put together. For"
 Something threatening me?" re- pcated Florence. What is it?"
 "I have no right to explain--yet,' . he said And perhaps, after all, am mistaken. But, anyway, you car take my solemn assurance for onC thing; Whatever threatens you. IT be able to protect you against lt And I'm going to stand between yot and peril, dear. Now and always Never forget that"
 His eyes grew wondrous tender a' he spoke. Uneonsciously he and Flor. ence had moved closer to each other
 Then-neither of them could ex, plain afterward how 1t happened-h, drew her impulsiveiy to his brea st He felt her soft arms steal lovingly about his neck And their lips foun, ~ RWxT A ~V