Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-05-29

background, turned suddenly sick at
memory Of that mysterious party at
the gate; she understood now the sig.
niticance of the man with the box and
of the fleeing figure that had come
through the darkness.
The terrified manager continued his
heartbroken lament, and Harmon
seemed about to destroy him when
Merklc drew the latter aside, speaking
IN an undertone.
Harmon listened briefly, then broke
out:
Nonsense I'd stake my life on her.
Why. she's Frustrated. It's either pure
blackmail. or its my wifes work
She's had detectives on me for some
time" Merkle murmured something
more "Oh. come now. | know what
I'm talking about, and | won't stand
for that" cried Harmon.
Merkle shrugged, his next words
were audible, and they were both
sharp and incisive.
''rhe harms done. They got away
clean. Now we've got to kill the story
and kill it quick in case they intend
it for the papers,
MY God. Newspapers-at this
time." groaned the other. 1t couldn't
be worse"
Fright. We must move fast. Is
your car here?"
Eyes"
Get it, Wen 90 In with you. /
had an accident to mine"
You'll see for yourself you're
wrong-about the other" Harmon
ierked his head meaningly toward the
house, then strobe away to order his
motor
Merkle favored his young companion
with n wintry smile.
at seems were too late"
Loreei nodded silently Don't tell
him who--spoke TO us out there. Not
yet, ut least. cant see him go to
Jail"
Jail? There won't be any Jail to
this-there never is. Jarvis will have
to settle for the sake of the rest Of
us"
Hammon's limousine rolled in under
the p0rte-cochere. and moment later
the owner appeared with Lilas.
LOrelei stared ut her friend in genu.
ine surprise. for it WAS obvious that
Lilas was deeply agitated. Her face
was swollen with weeping; she verged
upon hysteria No sooner were the
four in the car and under way than
she broke down, sobbing wretchedly.
ITS all my fault | might have
known he WAS up to something; but I
didn't think he'd dare" she managed
to say
lie? Who?" Merkle asked her.
Max Melcher He as much us told
me. If hadn't been fool I'd have
guessed, but he Oh. | could kill
myself" She burst into strang!ng
sobs and hysteric laughter.
"Why did you let him come to the
dressing roOm?' LOre.el inquired.
"Iro's been doing it for years. I've
always-known him. We were-en-
i gagcd.'
Harmon verified this. THAT'S right.
They were engaged when | met her.
She didn't know the sort of rullian he
/ is till / proved it. She's afraid of
him, ana he knows it,
81 tried to break with him, but he
wouldn't let me, and I've had to be
nice to him. He'd have murdered me
If /"
"Rotr' Merl;le exclaimed, testify.
Rot, eh?" Jarvis answered. He's
done as much, more than once: but he's
/ so powerful that nobody can get him.
He's the king of his ward. he keeps
gang of gunner on the East side,
and he's the worst thug in the city
Harmon soothed his charmer in his
clumsy, elephantinc way. showing
that. despite Merkles recent insinua-
tons. he still trusted her. This Is the
only woman who ever cared for me
John" he explained after some hest
tation, "and we're going 20 stick to-
gether We have no secrets
Your little Fifth avenue establish
ment rather complexities matters
doesn't It? What are you going to dc
about that?" Merkle inquired.
"This thing onight--is likely tt
settle the matter Tor me. You know
the kind of home life I've led for TWEEN
ty years. and you know | wouldn't re
gret any change, When man goes
ahead and his wife stands still thu