The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-11

inGs, was Legar's Quiet-toned COM
ment to his bewildered lieutenant.
and then he added maliciously.
there will b some unlimited guests
at the next seance of your high
prisstess friend. and somehow have
a feeling that she and Red are going
to Join those departed spirits inside
Of the next twenty-four hours"
Tho unsuspecttng object of Legars
levity, with her features still heavily
shrouded as on the preceding night,
stepped out of the saggfng doorway
of weather stained old barn which
chung dixzily to the brink of q pre-
cipitous and rock-toothed ravine.
Az she approached the formal Italian
garden conferred about musically
cascading fountain she perceived
golden-haired girl seated on one of
the rustic benches.
Presently an elderly. white-haired
man, whose deep-lined face and trou-
bled eyes bore mute witness of past
mental strife. came slowly down the
graveied walk and stopped beside the
disconsolate figure on the rustic
bench. Laying his hand on tho girls
tremulous shoulder, the newcomer
spoke In comforting tones.
You mustn't take this so to heart,
Margory--if Davy could speak from
the grave he would tell you to be
brave for his sake-and as for the
Laughing Mask-that unmittgated
scoundrel and hypocrite isn't worth
one of your tears
The reply trembling on Margory's
lips remained unspoken, for at that
moment a young woman whose fea-
lures were hidden by heavy folds of
black yelling stepped out from be-
hind vine-covered treliis.
You are doing the Laughing Mask
grave injustice, Enoch Golden" she
cried in a clear and ringing voice,
and even now II you and your
daughter will accompany me but a
short distance / will place in your
hands indisputable proof of what I
say"
A suddenly terminated Margory
srrang to her feet She turned to the
unknown intruder and cried impetu-
ously: Can you really show that
the Laughing Mask was innocent of
all those terrible charges? II you
can, please, please take us quickly to
"HeiS YOU nave tnS Il.
Wait, Margory." cautioned the ex-
-saddened banker. First let
this yelled person tell US who she is
and where she wants to take u.s.
This may be one of Legar's tricks, for
all we know"
Still Questioning the outcome Of
this dubious venture, the stern faced
millionaire finally yielded. to Mar
gory's earnest importunIng. and, fol-
lowing the black CARRIED figure of
their swiftly moving guide. they pres
emily stood before the dilapidated old
building tottering on the brink of the
ravine. At that moment q thick-se
fiat-footed individual shuffied into
view along the dusty road, the visor
OF his cap pulled low over his maIev-
olent blue jowled face and his beefy
fists jerking uneasily as he walked.
The woman in black turned to her
companions, and, indicating this I'M
calmly figure, spoke rapidly.
Il have every reason to believe that
man has kept faith with me, and IL I
am right l shall be able In a few min
utes to place In your hands the proof
OF which spoke. But IL there should
be Teachery, I wish to face 1t alone.
You will find that the harness-room in
the loft of the barn has a strong door
with heavy bolts. Please wait for me
there. and at the first sound OF trou-
BILE. barricade yourselves until help
comes from the house."
This sounds like q trap" he said
with emphatic disapproval. Come.
Margory. como back to the house at
once"
So far everything had gone in ac-
cordance with the carefully laid plans
of the mutfled strategist. and with q
feeling that victory was within her
reach. she quickly approached Red
Eagan, who was waiting near by with
undisguised impatieace.
Sure, / got what yer lookin' fer.
lady," he answered in reply to her
look of interrogation. but between
them spirits an a cramp in me mitt
I've had one ell of night"
Reaching into an inner pocket he
drew out grimy ink-splashed paper.
This ERE dockyment will put tn
bug on that Iron Claw gorilla all
right. Now. If yer ready t come
across Wild"
The gunman's words were suddenly
clipped short by the sharp crack OF a
pistol. A hook Of surprised consterna-
ton came into Red Eagan's face
for a moment he swayed unsteadily
on his feet-then slowly crumpled
into a heap of inanimate clay. Into
the startled vision OF his companion
came q black limousine ,furiously
racing along the highway. the evil
face of Legar plainly discernible as
he leaned far out from the swaying
vehicle. emptying his automatic In
their direction. There was not
moment to lose. Snatching the GRIM
son-stalned paper from under tho
limp body Of the slain gunman, the
woman ran swiftly toward the old
barn, reaching that sanctuary just ~
Legar and his confederates swarmed
out OF the limousine In hot pursuit.
Through the sagging portals and up
the rickety stairs she darted. the
wolfish pack close at her heals. For
a brief instant she surveyed her sur
roundings. Behind the heavy oaken
door Of the harness-room she knew
Margery and her father had talksn
refuge in accordance with hsr In
structions. and she must In no way
teopardize their safety.
Close by q broken window. over