The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-16

 SG4TH-kJN the smothered cry, it was both skSfxaSazgs very real and very poignant. For moment they stood, dumb with arrangement staring after the curtained motor. from the recesses of which the curious appeal had enanated. Then simultaneously they whirled. and faced each other, asking mutely the same question.
 It was Mona Hartley who found her voice first.
 You heard it, too? A womans voicei Are we
 Tn answer Mary Burnett caught her com ranion's arm, and hurried her towards tall, serious faced young man.
 "Mr. Carson F she cried. You are just In time! Where is your car? woman is in trouble in that taxi"
 Casper Carson, the young millionaire social worker and reformer was t4 man obsr ord he sprang across the walk, and threw open the door of dark blue, up-to-date touring car. As Mary and Mona jumped into the machine, he threw in the clutch. For blocks they chased the taxi until it mysteriously and to the disgust of the trio disappeared down side street.
 "I took down the license number, anyway, sail Mary
 Later the girls saw the same taxi-cab stand ing in front of Madame Sutro's beauty parlors and while they watched it, Daniel Slatern, the political boss of the upper Tenderloin came out. Then the girls remembered that Carson had openly charged that these beauty parlors, under political protection, often used for gambling dens and other purposes. The girls informed Car son of their discovery. In the discussion that fol- q have an idea-which will get us not only the information of the taxi-cab and it's occu- pants but which ought to give you just the evi- dence you want about Madame Sutro and Sla- ternr' She then unfolded the plan- What do you think of it?" she asked
 Carson and Mary agreed and an appointment was made for him to meet Mona the next evening at the Metropolitan Cafe-an esta ablishment ire quented by actresses chorus girls and men about town -
 Mary was to remain in the background 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 small one.
 There was definite reason behind the dinner appointment of Mona and Carson. The Metro politan Cafe was one of the establishments most patronized by Slatern, and where his appearance was the signal for every unoccupied waiter in the house to quicken into activity Carson led the way through the glaringly lighted doorway. with mental register of protest at the char acter of his surroundings, but Mona concealed her feelings ceverly, and none of the diners would have suspected from her attitude of un- affected enjoyment that she 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 or the door Slatern 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 very blonde, overly dressed young woman, who showed obvious pride in her conquest"
 Slatern and his companion were ushered to a table in prominent position, and Mona and Car
  their chairs without arousing suspicion. It was evident that Slatern recognized Carson. Darting a scovvlng glance at the young millionaire, the political boss whispered to his companion, and also directed her attention to the other table. Mona and Carson, however, continued their meal as though unconscious of the scrutiny. When Satern 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
 1T am done with you-for goodr'
 Carson took step toward her, and tried to regain hold of her arm. But she shook him of
 You tight.wad, a disgusting tight wad '" She saw that her voice had reached the ears of Slatern, and that the other was looking over his shoulder curiously. "I don't want any more of your promisess I am through-from this momenti"
 With head high, and eyes flashing, she crossed to an empty taxi-cab, and jumped in, leaving Carson staring after her. Slatern nudged his companion, with chuckle, and then, reach ing down quickly, picked up small lace hand kerchief from the walk, which Mona had dropped from her bag. With the handkerchief was business card, on the back of which was hastily light and read: Ut is imperative for me to have your report of Sutro's place at once. Please rush it!" On the reverse side of the card was the en- graved name, Casper Carson" Slatern's eyes glea1ned with sudden satisfaction. He thought he had made discovery.
 X Late the next afternoon Mona emerged from | GaX1-c6O ascendcd the steps, and was ushered by the liyeried colored attendant at the door into a handsomely appointed waiting-room. In mo- ment or two Madame Sutro appeared.
 You wish to me ?"
 Mona nodded. T wish to see you very much privately"
 Madame sutro raised her eyebrows. T am very busy"
 T fancy that my errand is we'll worth your time and attention" rejoined Mona, coldly. How eyer-' She started to walk indferently toward the door, but the other caught her arm
 Step this way, please" she conceded, grudg- ingy. Mona followed her conductress through the portieres, and down narrow corridor, giving into series of thinly partitoned booths, in which she caught glimpses of women customers in various ssafes of -beautifying" At the end of the cor r1dor, the Madame opened . door, and conducted her visitor into small room, which evidently served the purpose of private office.
 And now what is it?" she demanded.
 My name is Jenkins--May Jenkins" began Mona. boldly. "For several months have been in the employ of Casper Carson Do you know him?"
 Perhaps" was the enigmatic response "And