Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1916-06-25
Story No. I2---The Disappearance of
Helen Mintern

ana dangerous OHc. nc uCiu Out
the second newspaper clipping, and
Mary read aloud a recent interview
with Carson, given to an energetic
reporter, in which the young million
aire had set forth certain vigorous
views on what he termed "The Social
Evil OF So-Called Beauty Parlors,"
declaring that many of these estab-
lishments were operated largely as a
cloak to gambling houses and that
they were plying their illegal trade
under the protection Of clique Of
men high up in the political control
Of the city.
Zone Of those places which had
in mind when | gave the interview"
said Carson, as Mary finished, lis
none other than the establishment
OF Madame Sutro--and the man
whom believe has given his indorse-
ment and protection to It is none
other than Dan Siatern. / have been
working for months for evidence that
would prove my suspicious and con-
yict him in court OF laww
do you think that the affair OF
the taxicab has any bearing on the
inside operations Of Madame Sutro"
asked Mona thoughtfully.
II don't think there is any doubt
about i'll" was the emphatic rejoin-
der. II can't see yet its exact con-
nection. we could only find out
who the woman was in the taxicab--"
He broke off, pacing the floor, his
hands claspcd behind him, an un-
lighted cigar in his mouth, which he
was chewing rervously.
Mona looked up suddenly, with her
eyes flashing.
II have an idea-which will get US
not only the information of the taxi
cab and Ito occupants, but which
ought to give you just the evidence
you want about Madame Sutro and
Slaternp She then unfolded the plan.
What do you think Of III" she
asked.
Carson and Mary agreed and an
appointment was made for him to
meet Mona the next evening at the
Metropolitan Cafe--an establishment
frequently lby actresses, chorus girls
and men about town.
Mary was to remain in the back
| ground for the present, but there was
every indication that when she was
needed In the little drama of Mona's
planning her role would be no small
one.
There was definite reason behind
the dinner appointment of Mona and
Carson. The Metropolitan cafe was
one Of the establishments most pa
tronized by Slatcrn, and where his APP
pearance was the signal for every un-
occupied waiter in the house to
quicken into activity. Carson led the
way through the glaringly lighted
doorway, with mental register OF
protest at the character of his sur
roundings, but Mona concealed her
feelings cleverly, and none of the
diners would have suspected from her
attitude Of unaffected enjoyment that
she was counting the moments before
their task would be done, and they
would be free to depart. The two
found table in as retired position
as possible, and from which both
could command view of the door.
Sfatern had not yet appeared, and
Mona was beginning to worry for fear
that he might vary his routine Of habit
on this occasion when the political
boss sauntered In, escorting a very
blonde, overly-dressed young woman,
who showed obvious pride in her
conquest"
Slatern and his companion were
ushercd to . table in prominent po.
sition, and Mona and Carson delayed
their menu so that they could retain
their chairs without arousing sus-
picion, and also directed her atten-
ton to the other table. Mona and
Carson, however, continued their meal
as though unconscious of the scrutiny,
When Slatern and his companion
| finally left the cafe, Mona and Carson
were just behind them.
The two couples reached the walk
at almost the same moment. As the
door closed, Mona broke away from
Carson's arm, and raised her voice
angrily.
4 am done with you--for goodr
Carson took step toward her, and
tried to regain hold Of her arm. But
she shook him off,
you are tight-wad, disgusting
| tight-wadp She saw that her voice
thad reached the ears OF Slatern, and
that the other was looking over his
shoulder curiously. Il don't want any
more Of your promises! / am through
from this ntomentr'
! With head high, and eyes flashing,
she crossed to an empty taxicab,
and jumped in, leaving. Carson star
ing after her. Slatern nudged his
companion, with a chuckle, and then,
reaching down quickly, picked up a
small lace handkerchief from the walk
which Mona had dorpped from her
bag, With the handkerchief was a
business card, on tile back OF which
was a hastily scriboied line OF writ
ing. Slatern held it to the light, and
read; 1T is imperative for me to
have your report Of Sutro's place at
Eonce. Please rush It'll" On the reverse
side Of the card was the engraved
name, Casper Carson"
\. Slatern's eyes CLEANED with sudden
satisfaction. He did not know, that
the whole incident of Mona's quarrel
had been carefully staged in advance,
land that the card had been dropped
purposely at his feet. Unaware OF
these facts, the political boss thrust
the card into his pocket, and with a
malicious glance back at Carson, who
was still standing uncertainty before
the door Of the cafe, staggered across
the walk to his own car.
Late the next afternoon Mona
emerged from a taxicab before
Madame Sutro's establishment, as
cended the steps, and was ushered by
the liveried coiored attendant at the
door into a handsomely appointed
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