Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1917-04-20
SEVENTEENTH EPISODE
The Vanishing Faker

The stald Wilson, who in his many
years Of faithful service as butler In
the Golden household had seen many
strange and unusual happenings. was
at that moment decidedly perplexed.
Unless his beloved young mistress had
been suddenly bereft Of her senses why
was she INDUCING In such queer and
childish antics out there In the rose
garden.
AS Wilson turned from the window
sadly shaking his old head the object
Of his sOllcitous anxiety turned to her
red-faced companion.
81 think l understand the code fairly
well now" she said with quiet salts
faction, "and you certainly have been
a very efficient teacher"
Don't mention It, Miss Golden" an
swered her lattered companion.
The nan speaking in this %jocular
vein was the redoubtable Captain
Bracket OF headquarters. who had
taken upOa himself, to the exclusion
OF all other duties. the self-assigned
task OF rounding up that mOcking and
elusive parsonage known as the
Laughing Mask.
A thlck-set detective now came brisk
ly down the grass-bordered path and
respectfully saluted his chief. After
q low-toned conference with this man.
Captain Bracket excused himself and
hurried away Left alone, Margery
sat down on a rustic bench close by a
lowering bush OF fragrant lilncs, her
bands toying idly with the mirror as
she gave herself up to her not alto
gether pleasing thoughts. For these
thoughts, in large measure, concerned
her fnther's secretary. David Manley,
and Of late she had been greatly dlsap-
pointed In that young a
The s~llver.backed mirror slipped
from the fingers Of the distracted
Girl and dropped with a little clatter
on the graveled walk at her feet.
Housed from her Feverle she stopped
IN pick It up, aud as she did so a
curious thing happened. Reflected In
that circular h%and-glass was the
Image OF a man, peering out through
m opening In the lilac bush. Covering
his face was the familiar yellow mask
with the laughing mouth-slit. More
determined than ever TO ascertain the
identity OF her mysterious protector
Mnrgery quickly lodged around the
lilac bush, hoping by this flank move
ment to take the intruder by surprise.
But Mnfgery. herself, was the n sur
prised. for no trace OF that masked and
pyasive figure rewarded heT thorough
search.
To her further bewiideFment she
suddenly saw David Manley. dressed
IN his motorcycle toys. standing on
The other side q the strangely pro
ductye hush.
"Whnt are you doing hereT' she In
CURED Ieily. you seem e have ac-
qulred a rather impOllte habit OF
startling people by spHnging u OF
the ground quite unexpectedly"
As David REDEEMED under the sting
Of this cutting remark he realized
tlHt Margory's faith In him was de
eidedly shaken.
"I-Tm awfully sorry I annoyed you
Margery," he stammered apologetical'
", hut Aunty Kicks over at the old
homestead telephoned ] could have one
Of the litter Of collie pups-they'r'
prlze-winnlng stock. you know. Before
pick 0ne out l thought I'd ask you Il
you had any particular preference FOL
markings"
Margery promptly AMI ungrstefull'
rejected this proposed peace Offering.
But despite her cool treatment o
OBTy. hargery sent . look OF tende
faango aftar Ne detected hguro hur