The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-08-21

terviewing Carslaks behind bsrA
Carslake's Price.
She waited for him in . room
with iron doors which the guards
locked when they had ushered Cars
lake In He stood regarding her
with surprise and grim amusement
Miss standish-to see meT' he
murmured. ironically. Il am In
deed honoredr"
Mr.. CGrslake.- said Pearl 4
need not pretend that have come
here moved by any personal inter-
est in your wslfareI"
Did you notT" he repeated. sar-
castically.
No. came because I believe
you know where the violet dia-
mond IL, and because I want that
diamond! You've got to tell me
where It can be found. and you can
name your orice!"
Carslake regarded her critically.
Are you quite sure you're will
ing to pay my prieer'
Quite sure! I'll pay anything
within reason!''
Until that moment. Carslake had
not been especially interested in the
Interview. Now. however, he drew
nearer, eagerly.
Il do know where the diamond
L." he admitted. "snd can de-
liver IT to you whenever L please
by midnight to-nightT' asked
Pearl breathIessIy.
Yes-if necessary. and II you
agree TO pay my price"
You have only to name it, said
Pearl. opening her hand bag. She
had $4,000 in cash in It
Carslake shook his head
my price is my freedom" he told
her.
Your-freedomr she gasped,
staring at him. DO you mean
you'll not return the diamond to
me unless get you out Of hersT'
A Hard Bargain.
That is precisely what I mean
he answered suavely.
But 1t Is impossibler" protested
Pearl.
carslake shook his head
NO. # Is not impossible. Go to
Ranney's Cafe on Mott Street and
ask for the Spider For enough
money. he can do anything"
The 'Spiderr' she repeated.
ASK for him at Ranneys. II he
gets me free tonight in time I'll
return the violet diamond to you
before midnight"
At that moment the EuardI re-
turned. informing Pearl that her
time was up. Taking leave Of Cars
lake. who smiled after her in gentle
amusement, she returned to her car,
which was waiting outside.
Bert" she said to the chauffeur.
who had been in her service q lonE
time. do you know where Ranney's
Cafe Is-on Mott streetT'
No" answered Bert reluctantly.
He never liked to admit that there
was anything he didn't know. But
I can find II for you. I'm sure,
miss" he added, confidently.
Very we'll. I'm going to zee II
you can. cried Pearl But first
I'll have to. stop at the house and
change. look a BIT too conspicuous
to venture into Ranney's a. I am"
She entered the car and leaned
back with q sigh a. they started
1t was already 10 minutes to 10. ae-
eording to her wrist watch.
She had the car walt while she
rushed up the stairs. threw off her
clothes and got into a somewhat
shabby outfit Of her maids. Then,
seiEing her hGndbag-vhich had
still the $4,000 in it-she descended
once more to the car.
Some thirty minutes later.
half past ten to the minute, to be
eIaet-she was opening the door
OF Ranney's and slipping in.
Into a Trap.
Il was a SOFT OF low-ciass dance
hail. in which drinks were sold.
Little tables stood round tn.
wooden floor. and about them were
gathered varied types Of the un-
dsrworld-thuEs and cutthroats.
painted women. old and young:
raestrack and pooIroom men. prize
lighters and their followers, and
others not so easily classified.
There was music. and some of tho
Eayer spirits were dancing as Pearl
came IN. The rooms were close
and full OF smoke. and they rang
with coarse voices and ribald
laughter.