The Jasper news., 1920-09-30
CHAPTER X.


and stood there observing each 9TH
er. Even before word was spoken
1 think we both sensed our mutual
distrust. As I studied her, was try
Ing to conjecture what could have
been the motive 80 impelling that she
had dared 10 come even within prison
walls to see me. Had Barbara sent
herf I doubted It. l was sure that
more than likely her visit was to
plead with me to keep silent about
her part In the tragedy. I was GER
tain she was going to ask me to pledge
my word to tell no one of her second
visit to the CASTOR apartment.
Yet as I studied her weak, beautiful
face. so like Barbara's and Jet so diff
ferent, with its sensuous mouth and
rowing. brilliant eyes, I still was won
dering how It was possible for a girl
Of her refinement and social position
to have become enmeshed with such
common criminals as the two en-
ployees OF the Granddeck, Wick and
the telephone girl.
ITO what am l Indebted for the
honor of this visit" asked at length,
adding with some sarcasm, "from my
! slster7"
Never for q second had imagined
that other than a selfish motive could
have brought her thither, and the con-
versation that followed was all the
more surprising to me on that ac-
count.
II had to say was your sister,"
she answered quickly. II wanted to
be sure OF seeing you and I did not
wish anyone TO recognize me. You
know. believe, who l ami"
"You are Barbara's sister," l re-
piled.
"That's why 1 came" she cried, "for
Barbara's sake, l have come to plead
with you for her."
ITO plead-with me-for her."
echoed In astonishment.
"Yes," she cried passlonatciy
"She's young. She's little more than
a child. She did not realize what she
was doing. You must not let anyone
know you even know her. You mus
never. never tell"
"Never tell whatr I answered non
committally.
She answered with a convulsive sob
thought for a little that she wa.
going to break down completely. Hei
manner and the pallor of her face
attracted the attention Of the keeper
who was In the room with us, md hC
started forward as II expecting hel
Ito fall In a faint. Resolutely sht
pulled herself together and went OF
In calmer tones.
''Oh. know all about It. know
that she is completely fascinated b!
you. know that she has been meet
, ing you In the. park. know tina
she has lunched with you at tn
Astor." She hesltated and her fac
crimsoned-"I know that she has eveI
visited you In your rooms late a
night. Oh. please, please, I beg o
. you, II there is a spark Of manhoo'
in you. do not take advantage OF {
| silly girls weakness. Please help m
! protect my little sisters name; prom
: lse-you Will. won't your"
"Why should II" replied careless
! ly, represslng my desire to leap a
: once TO Barbara's defense and explail
} how pure and honorable her conduc
had been and how lofty the motiv
! that had governed her actions
/ Tempted though was to defend heI
} / realized that this might be an or
portunity to learn something OF Clair
0 Bradford's associates, and I deter
mined to make the most of II. HoN
' else could she know OF all my meei
3 ings with Barbara unless she was Z
s league with the persons who had bee
Q having me shndowedf How th
e knowledge that Barbara had been 1
8 my apartment could have come to he
J. was a mystery beyond me. I woul
have sworn that that was secret 81
, cred to our two selves.
''LIsten to me-" she commandet
i speaking in low tones. Barbara
E my baby sister. innocent OF the way
Of the world. Unjust snve her frol
o herself. and her heedlessness. Neye
e never, II can help II. shall she suffs
the agony and shame and disgraC
that have known. Years ago l. jul
h as she is now, became infatuated wit
4 man far below me In the socii
b scale. He, too. was q criminal"
I'll snlffed Indignantly at the "a
!. tOo," but she paid no attention
3 4 ran away fEom school and ma