Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-06-09
tack left her trembling and wary. Her
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tack left her trembling and wary. Her
cover seemed pitifully insecure.
Thus far Max Melcher's campaign
had worked even better than he had
expected; and meanwhile he had en-
ployed Jim in assiduously cultivating
Bob Wharton and arranging as many
meetings as possible between Bob and
I.orelei. A short experience had taught
Jim to avoid his victim in daylight, for
in Bobs sober hours the two did not
agree; but once mellowed by intoxica-
ton, Wharton became imbued with
carnival spirit and welcomed Jim as
freely as he welcomed everyone. In
cidentaly the latter managed to reap
a considerable harvest from the asso-
citation. for Bob was a habitual gam
bier, and the courteous treatment he
received at Melcher's place seemed to
reconcile him to the loss of his money.
When, on the morning after her dis
tressing adventure. Lorelei sent for her
brother and demanded vengeance upon
her assailant he decided that it was
time to test the issue He pretended,
of course. to be ferociously enraged,
but on learning over the telephone that
the wretch had left the city he declared
that there was nothing to be done ex
cep+ perhaps exact an explanation
from I.ilas.
Miss Lynn, however. could offer no
excuse She was heartbroken at the
occurrence, but she WAS too full Of her
own troubles. to give way to her sym
patty for others Jarvis Hammer, Il
seemed, had heard about the party,
and was furious with her.
you must expect to meet such
muckers in this business" she re-
marked philosophically.
Jim agreed. II guess you'll have to
forget it. sis. Just DON'T think about
it. III bring Wharton around tonight,
and we four will have supper, eh?'
Lllas hesitation in accepting this in
vitation seemed genuine, but she acqui-
esced finally, saying with a short
laugh: "Al right. Maybe a little jeal'
ousy won't hurt my lord and master
He's getting too bossy, anyhow
4 When the four set out that night
Wharton was in exceptional spirits
\ and, as usual, devoted himself to Lore
/ lei For him life was joyous adj
venture; he took things as they came,
j and now that he knew the girl for
what she was he did not allow him
self the slightest liberty. He was a
4 fervent sutton, to be sure. yet he court
/ ed her with iests and concealed his ar.
I dor behind playful railcry.
Jim had ordered supper ut a popular
4 Washington Heights inn, and thithel
the quartet were driven in an open cal
which he hired in the square before the
theatcr.
1t was a charming place for a sup
per Contrary to her custom, Lllai
Lynn allowed herself free rein, and fol
once drank more than was good fol
her rejoicing openly in the liberty sh'
had snatchcd.
1t is a peculiar liberty to sit soberly
through n meal and see ones compan
ions become intoxicated. Lorele
watched I.ilas and Bob respond 90 tn
effect Of the wine. The whole pro
cedure struck her, like her present If
as a whole, as both inane and wicked
and she longed desperately to lay hol'
of something really decent, true AM
permanent.
Jimmy Knights admirable hospital
ity continued he devoted his entire II
tention to his guests, he. made CONVEX
sation. and he led it into the channel
he desired il to follow. Then, whe>
the psychological moment had come, h
acted with the Skill of TalleyranC
No one but he knew precisely hoy
Bob's proposal WAS couchcd. Whenc
it originated, or by what subtlety til
victim had been induced to make i
As matter Of fact, 1t was no prC
posal and not even Bob himself Sli'
pected how his words had been tWis
cd. H. was just dlmly aware of som
trrn in the conversation. when h
heard jim eNclaim:
"By Jove, sis, Bob asks you to ma
ry him.
In prize-ring parlance, Jimmy ha
''feinted' his opponent into n lead, the
taken prompt advantage to counter
Lorclei awoke to her surrounding
with a start, sensing the sudden gra'
ity that had fallen upon her three con
panons.
WHAT"
GRO BE CONTINUED)