The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-25

insolence-and he who could be grat- lngly insulting without much as raising his voice. The other two flushed. Wentworth darted a glance at Durkin, and strode to the door, fol lowed by his companion
 You will be sorry for this, Maxwelll' and his face was dull purple. No man can insult me you have done and not regret it You may think you top just now, but before we are done-'
 ''Yes, before we are done with you, you will be your knees whining for mercyr P inter- jected Durkin.
 The voices of the pair were raised to point that was far from discreet. short distance along the corridor, door opened cautiously and round it's edge peered the wondering face of girl, who drew back cautiously. It was Mona, and she held her breath, she motioned silently for Mary to join her. The other just in time to hear MaXwell's door close with angry bang, and to see Wentworth and Durkn shake their fists in silent rage at it's panels Then they strode towards the elevator, giving every appearance of two men so thoroughly angry that they dared not trust themselves to speak.
 For moment the two girls stood staring after the retreating figures Then Mona turned swiftly to her companion
 "They from Roland Maxwell's rooms They must have gone in just after we left. I wonder-"
 She broke off softly.
 How would you like to do a bit of amateur detective work dear?"
 Mary laughed. You mean to follow them? Have you any idea that there is anything afoot i'll which we might be nterested?"
 You never can tell, was the enlgmatlc fe- joinder. "Ill wait here for you. If you hurry you catch the next elevator down.'
 Mary flung saucy kiss her shoulder as she darted down the hall. Had either of the two girls-the self-styled Social Pirates"--a vision of the strange events, to which their sud den decision to lead them, it is probable that Mary's departure would not have been either so assured prompt.
 As the elevator reached the lobby, Mary stepped out quickly, and darted swift glance about the sumptuously furnished hostelry. It was of the largest and most pretentious hotels in the city, and was located sufficiently near the heart of the shopping and theatrical district to attract always a large and substantial transient trade. An hour earlier the lobby would have been filed with the last of the luncheon guests, but just it fairly clear, and the girl had unobstructed view either side of her. For moment she thought she had lost the two men, of whom she in search, and then she gave a little exclamation of relief They mounting the wide sweep of stairs the farther side of the rooms. She strolled carelessy after them, and followed up the stairs, hardly dozen feet behind them and in ample time to see them take their places at one of the of desks, and draw a hotel letter-head out of the rack.
 Mary sauntered into the room, and dropped into chair at the adjoining desk, likewise draw ing paper and pen to her, and assuming to be deeply absorbed in the composition of note, in reality straining her desperately in the hope of overhearing some fragment of the dialogue of the two men that would serve her as a clue to their purpose and errand. For several moments her efforts useless, and she was drawing a deep breath of disappointment when the taller of the two worthies at the next desk carelessly raised his voice. His tones died down again all most immediately but the listening girl had been rewarded with the startling sentences Well either clean up this-or do timer
 Aary's face flushed, and she bent closer her note to hide. her excitement. Things growing interesting It was clear that the two men were rather laboriously composing note, or letter, and that they were having more or less