The Washington times., 1919-03-04

ton, hlmDall reminded MIN reaS-
suringly. THE triangle is safe"
ITO - with the triangle" The
oath ripped with vehemence from
Knowles. "Who cares about the tri-
angle! I'm thinking Of Madeline
Connor-" He checked himself and
glanced hurriedly at his companion,
but Kimbalrs expression told him
nothing. Had he laid bare his cher
ished secret--his passionate attach
ment to Madeline. Cant help think
/ ing OF her." he added, with a laugh
meant to cover his embarrassment.
she has been q gallant comrade in
every encounter we have had with
WI and company"
'She has grit" acknowledged Kl n
ball. There was such utter lack OF
enthusiasm in his voice that Knowles
bent little forward in his chair and
regarded him with keen attention, a
dawning hope lifting for a moment
his grim despair Of the past fort
night Pshsw! he was a fool for his
! pains; what chance had he with
Madeline? Kimball was her fance,
a lover any girl might be proud Of,
handsome, debonnaire, with an envi-
able war record, the world before
him, while he, Knowles, was acutely
shy before women, a mans man, with
no gift Of small talk" which makes
for popularity at pink teas.
Madeline had been, as he stated,
accomplishing and resourceful in
every danger. His heart throbbed at
the thought; it had been her pluck,
her friendly comradship which had
won first his admiration and then his
love, the deep and abiding affection
OF a shy, reserved man. With every
/ fvzH - e. he
had pledged himself to protect her
from the Vaccinations of the rascally
crew who appeared determined to de-
stroy her happiness IL not her life.
He drew in his breath sharply at
the latter thought Inaction fretted
him. How could KimbalI take the
situation so calmly? with appraising
eyes he studied him as he lounged
back on the sofa idly blowing cigar
smoke into fantastic shapes. An idea
born of unconsidered trifies which
took concrete form as he contem-
plated Kimball brought Knowles to
sudden decision. His square jaw
( grew more pronounced and Mrs.
Thayer, crouching in the closet, for
got her cramped muscles as she
caught the logged determination in
I his deep voice.
"KimbaIl," he began, without pre-
face, 81 am hard hit as far as Made
| line Conner is concerned. l know
I'm out of the running" as Kfmball
sat upright, 81 want to see her happy.
you both happy" he stumbled, then
went on. 'If she is in danger"
"WeTn get her out Of it." broke in
RimbaH cheerily. Pullman and the
whole police force are working with
US, the city is being honeyCombed
for her present whereabouts Hen
dersOn will turn the trick with Wu's
aid, now that the Chinaman is back
in the city. Wen have Madeline free
before harm can come to her"
That kind Of harm, yes" responded
Knowles But how how about your
growing intimacy with Mrs. Thayer?"
What dye mean?" Kimball was on
his feet
That Mrs Thayer is a dangerous
friend" replied Knowles evenly. ''She
is not the type of woman q man
marries."
Back in her closet Mrs. Thayer
wiped a trickle Of blood from her lip
as she barred her teeth from their
spasmodic clench; the action was
mechanical as, with eyes glued to
the crack in the door, she waited for
Kimballs answer. 1t took the form
OF an amused laugh.
my word, Knowles, you are quite
dramatic" he said and chuckled again
as he dropped back on his sofa "The
triangle tangle getting too much for
your nerves, old MANI"
mo" The monosyllable gave no
indication OF Knowles rising anger.
MY advice to you Is to drop Mrs.
Thayer's acquaintance"
Thanks" KimbaIrs shrug was ex-
pressive. your advice is. Of course,
disinterested."
Knowles Redeemed hotly; It re-
guard upon his temper. my advice 10
given with a view to insuring Made
lines future happiness" he stated
Mrs. Thayer's past
"WiIl not influence my present
friendship" retorted Kimbali Airily.
His voice carried distinctly through
the crack In the door and Mrs. Thay-
er's eye-Iashes grew wet with unshed
tears.
commented Knowles dryly; but
hardly compatible with facts"
And these facts?" questioned Kim
ball. His manner changed abruptly.
Come, you have dealt enough with
generaIities. Under the plea Of" he
paused significaIly: "ah, yes, OF in
surfing MadeIine's happiness you de-
liberately Insult another woman"
Nothing deliberate about 1t" FUN
ed Knowles. 81 can see the way you
are drifting; take an older mans Ad-
vice and pull up before It's too late"
You are fFeer with your advice
than of the facts relating to Mrs
Thayer's past" tainted KimbaIl.
Those who make charges must prove
them"
Il can" Intent upon each other
neither man observed the gradual
opening of the closed door or saw
the Woman's face pressed against the
wood work, The blazing eyes were in
strong contrast TO the dead Wilderness
Of her face. Il can" reiterated
Knowles thoroughly aroused. Mrs.
Thayer IL the notorious" He got no
further for the hall door was funG
violently open, and Capt Barry Hen
derson bolted inisde.
News at Iast,S he announced
Madeline is back in the House OF
Mystery"
Good GodT' Knowles gpFi1E no.
in Wa Tsangs power agaInT'
an his house" compromised Hen
derson. WI will do her no harm"
II don't share your faith in WI"
Knowles picked up his cap and strobe |
toward the door.
Hold on, where are you goingT" de-