The Washington herald., 1916-06-11

starlng
from the recesses of which the curious appeal
had enanated. Then simultaneously they whirled,
and faced each other, asking mutely the same
question.
trst
You heard IL, too? A woman's voice! Are we
awake, or dreaming?"
In answer Mary Burnett caught her com
panion's arm, and hurried her towards tall,
"Mr. Carson 70 she cried. You are Just in
time Where is your carr woman is in trouble
In that taxi"
CASPER Carson the young millionaire social
worker and reformer, was man accustomed 10
think and act quickly. Without another word 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.
~ took down the license number, anyway,
said 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, were often used for gambling
dens and other purposes. The girls informed Car
son of their discovery In the discussion that fol-
lowed Mona said -
81 have an idea-which will get not only
the information Of the taxi-cab and its occu-
dence you want about Madame sutro and sls-
tern" She then unfolded the plan. What do
you think of it?" she asked.
Carson and Mary agreed and appointment
was made for him to meet Mona the next evening
at the Metropolitan Cate-sn establishment fire.
uuented by actresses, chorus girls and men about
bovn.
he present but there was every indication that
when she needed In the little drama OF
Eons's planning her role would be no small one
There was a definite reason behind the dinner
sppointnnent of Mona and Carson The Metro
politan Cafe was one Of the establishments most
pstronized by Slatern, and where his appearance
was the signal for every unoccupisd waiter IN
the house 10 quicken into activity. Carson led
the way through the glaringly lighted doorway.
with . mental registsr of protest at the char
>cter Of his surroundings, but Mona concealed
ler feelings cle~erly, and none Of the diners
vould have suspected from her attitude OF un-
,sected enjoyment that abe was counting the
moments before thstr task would be done, and
they would be free 70 depart. The two found
table In retired . position as possible, and
from which both could command q view Of the
door Slatern had not yet appeared, and Mona
vss beginning TO worry for fear that he might
vary his routine Of habit on this occasion when
the political boss ssuntered In, esoorting very
blonde, overly ly-dressed young woman, who showed
obvious pride In her conquest
Slstern and his companion were ushered to q
table In . prominent position, and Mona and Car
son delayed their manu- that they could retain
their chairs without arousing suspicion It was
evident that Slasarn recognized Carson. Darling
. scowftng glance 81 the young millionaire the
political boss whhpered 10 his companion. and
also directed her attention 70 the other table.
Mona and Carson, however, continued their meal
- though unconscious of the scrutiny. When
slsssrn and his companion finally left the cafe,
Nons md Carson were tust behind them
The t~o couples reached the walk at almost
the same moment As the door closed, Mona broke
away from osrson's arm, and raised her voice
ansrily.
Carson took 9 step toward her, and tried to
regain hold of her arm. But she shook him off.
You are . Sghtwsd, disgusting tight
wsdT Shs saw that her voice had reached the
ears Of slstsrn, and that the other was looking
over his shoulder curiously. 81 don't want any
more Of your promises am through-from this
momentr
With hsad high, and eyes flashing, she
crossed 70 an empty taIieab, and jumped in,
leaving Carson staring after her. Slatern nudged
his companion, with a chuckle, and then, reach
ing down quickly, picked up small lace hand
kerchiet from the walk, which Mona had dropped
from her bag. With the handkerchief
business card, on the back Of which hastily
ecribbled line of writing. Slatern held 1t to the
light, and read: 1T is imperative for 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
cleaned with sudden satisfaction. He thought he
had made discovery.
Late the next afternoon Mona emerged from
ascended the steps, and ushered by the
Gveried colored attendant at the door into
handsomely appointed waiting-room- In a mo-
nent or two Madame Sutro appeared.
You wish to me?"
Mona nodded 81 wish to see you very much
privately"
Madame sutro raised her eyebrows. "I am
very busy
Il fancy that my errand is well worth your
time and attention. rejoined Mona, coldly How
ever" She started to walk indifferently toward
the door, but the other caught her arm.
step this way, please" she conceded, grudg.
insiy. Mona followed her conductress through the
Portieres and down a narrow corridor, giving into
series Of thinly ypartitioned booths in which she
caught glimpses of women customers in various
stages of "beautifying" At the end of the cor
ridor, 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
ESxSsEsyN sTFT