New Britain herald., 1921-09-09

son."
 Since the disarmament, her eyes had been searching the room, while she pondered possibilities of the like Hest place to look for a man who hadn't had time to know what struck him.' Her interest centered upon a steel door which evidently gave into the strong-room of the ranch-house
 Has the excessive heat gone to your head, Miss Frazer?" the Silver Fox continued. his voice solicitous Whom is it you seek? What pos sibly could lead you to believe you'd find friends of yours here?"
 Gloriana's smile was not for his feigned concern. In the lock of the vault door, a key was in place.
 Pray don't worry about me- She glanced at the son. Suppose you back up to that door Phil. Turn the key you'll find there. Open.'
 Don't you move, Philip" contra dicted the Fox" Young woman, I must protest that you're going too far. I'd hate to accuse even a Fra ger of such a high-handed attempt at robbery, but that vault contains valuables. For your own protection, you should not want it opened while you are here."
 Gloriana seemed not to have heard took a step toward her admirer.
 Quick now-you know me!'
 When Seth Gilson stepped into the room, his face wore a pleasant, even happy look although his fists were ready clinched and his mind so pre- pared for battle that Strong, Sr., mar rowly escaped a blow. Only the girls glad cry saved the Fox" They all missed the look of amazement on his face that a man should step forth from the vault.
 Thank God-thark God, you're safe" Gilson paused to say in a low voice to the girl. What might be happening to you was the worst tor ment of that steel cage when I at last woke up."
 In a flash that took them all by surprise, he turned on the younger Strong.
 Consider yourself under arrest for the rustling of Miss Frazer's market band!'
 cried Gloriana.
 Cant? You watch mel"
 You really can't-you have no case. My reds were not stolen. They were enticed away"
 Same thing"
 Not when the Strongs didn't do the enticing." the girl persisted.
 Then who did steal the red band?"
 The Streak and his train of out laws. Oh, you needn't look so disap- pointed. You should be glad that there's nothing more for you to do. brought the leader down last night with a lucky shot. He's my prisoner. safe with my forewoman and half dozen Apaches, to say nothing of Tumble Weed, Gay and your Alonzo."
 But Gilson interrupted her.
 There is no need to force the truth from him. You must brace up now: he prepared for a shock. I wish I but If you'll hold your gun on this couple of scoundrels, I'd best show sou what I mean"
 Lifting his concerned gaze from kers, he returned to the vault and for a moment was lost to sight in the shadows of the sizable chamber which seemed to lie beyond the steel door. No need had Gloriana to use her gun, for both Strongs sat slumped in their chairs.
 Be brave. you Glory of girl!'
 Gilson's anxious voice preceded his reappearance Now he stepped into range of the steel door space. He was not alone. Who could have been inn prisoned with him in the vault? Whose was the frail, black-clad shape, ciinging to his hand, half-carried by his arm?
 Gloriana leaned forward to gaze to make sure. Her pistol arm was still in readiness for a false move from the Stroncs. She did not swoon. felt no inclination to scream. A great paean of thanksgiving seemed about 10 burst the confines of her heart, pressed upward for utterance. Sev- c1al times her lips moved to voice that prayer. but trembled without a sound. Then in one all-comprehen- s:vc word she breathed the whole:
 Mother"
 Her gun clattered to the floor. For ward she stretched arms that ached from the emptiness of years.
 (Continued Tomorrow)