South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-05-30

been tortured with suspense as 10
the exact nature OF their business
with her, yet for a long time her
composure eoualled that OF Lillian
Underwood herself. and that Is the
last word concerning poise.
Dicky often says OF Lillian that
she has a most wonderful poker
face" The phrase came back TO
me as watched the face OF the wo-
man whom 1 had such reason to
dread. Its lines had settled into an
expressionless mask in which her
eyes glowed Ike live Goals. She was
almost facing me. but her eyes were
fixed on Allen Drake. something for
which 1 was grateful. 1 have not
Lillian's iron nerve, and am
afraid I should have been perilously
near screaming If she had turned
that basilisk glare toward the apert-
ure through which / was peeping.
But mistress OF many perilous
situations as she must have been,
she had met a Will power stronger
in firm leash, but strand after
strand Of her rope OF self-control
loosened, unravelled and fell away
as we watched her. And when he
played the electric flashlight upon
the floor, being careful to keep its
rays from the corner OF the alcove
where l was standing, fairly hold
ing my breath, for fear my pres
ence would be betrayed TO the wo-
man standing so tensely with her
hand gripping the curtains. I felt
an unreasoning fear OF her, even
although the presence Of Allen
Drake and Lillian Underwood as
sured me ample protection.
Come on now" he adiured, his
voice a trifle sharper I'm liable TO
get peevish in a minute, for my time
is valuable. Just come over here
where it's much more comfortable
than where you are"
1 heard another deep drawn
breath, knew that the woman was
bracing herself for the inevitable.
Then she parted the curtains and
advanced toward Mr.. Drake, her
path marked uncannily by the glow
of his flashlight. AS she came to-
ward him, Lillian stepped softly to-
ward the curtains, and stood with
her back to them, deity closing the
opening again.
Then. and only till then, did Mr..
Drake move toward the electric wall
switch. AS he turned IL on, the wo-
man looked him up and down with
magnificent scorn, then turned the
same disdainful glance on Lillian.
$50" she said
have never heard so much con-
tempt and hatred crowded into a
single monosyllable before.
She evidently braced herself for
the reply. but both Allen Drake and
Lillian Underwood are versed IN
psychology. NeithGr Of them utter
ed a syllable. simply looked at her
coolly, appraisingly, waited for her
to speak again.
Well" she demanded after wait
ing long moment. What are you,
and what do you want? Money and
my few jewels 1 suppose. 1 must
say 1 do not remember your f'.ce
although 1 suppose could find
them in the rOgues' gallery"
She was simply regal in her man
ner.
saw Allen Drake look his ad-
miration of her GOODNESS, but still
he said no word.
SAY. I've had just about enough
of this!" she exclaimed. You've
got the drop on me, so there's no
use doing the baby act over my
diamonds and mazuma. But I'll be
id If I'll stand around and watch
you pick 'em up. All I've got in the
world is in a strong box under the
couch I'm the alCOve. You're well
come TO the information as I reck-
on giving it 10 you saves me being
strung UP by my thumbs or some
such little pleasantly as that. And
now If youll excuse me, III vamoose
from here"
She had been almost impercepti-
bly, edging toward the door as she
spoke. although she must have
known that her chances of reaching
it were small indeed. But Allen
Drake permitted her 10 get within
three steps Of it before he spoke.
involuntarily thought Of a cat play
ing with a mouse. and in my re-
sentiment at what I mentally termed
his cold bloodedness, felt for an
instant a throb OF sympathetic ad-
nliration for the woman battling so
shrewdly against the menace the
nature Of which she had not yet
fathomed.
The, next instant a revulsion OF
feeling shook me as I remembered
all the suffering this woman had
caused my little mother. and the
slow torture she was dealing out TO
my infirm father. And I am afraid
I gloated at the effect Of Mr.. brakes
drawing words.
Better stop and talk things over"
he said. Don't make any mistake
about us We've got the goods,
straight, all wool and a yard wide.
so can the chatter about your ma
zume. You'll have It all when we
leave here-and-you'n need IT."
he added significantly.
She took her hand from the knob
OF the door against which she had
backed. Evidently something in his
manner had convinced her that she
would better obey him.
'All right, spill whatever you
have" she said with defiant sullen-
ness.
Mr.. Drake made a slight gesture
toward Lillian. The woman whirled
toward her.
Nothing do-ing!" she snarled.
Anything that's said TO me Is said
by a man. Ill take no dressing