The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1921-09-09
CHAPTER Ix-contInued.

we are going. unless they have al
ready Quarreled over that bunch Of
easy money you spoke about"
But has that been paid over by
Krantz7 Who has lit"
"The fellow who put a knife into
Alva-whoever he may be-"
"And you don't know who the as
sassin wasT
mo. Only 1t must have been one
Of certain men; perhaps two were in
the affair. At first ! figured It out
to be Waldron alone; now am not
so sure that Harris didn't have some
hand In II. They may have had the
affair ell planned-the money was
passed over to Alva early In the eve
ming. didn't know It then; learned
this later. Krantx told me when we
were alone on the way back to New
York. Let's move along; there Is q
policeman coming yonder."
The officer passed us slowly, swing
Ing his club, and eyed US curiously as
he went by; did not turn my head,
yet felt certain he stopped and looked
business could be In that neighbor-
hood. We turned down a still darker
side street before exchanging further
speech.
Il believe l know what you are"
l said at last in low tones close to her
ear, ian agent Of the Secret Service"
"Oh, no; the honor you offer me is
far too great. l have not attained
to any such official dignity"
Il rather expected you to deny;
but you offer me no other explana-
ton"
"And so you decide to believe that7
Very well, Mr.. Severn, shall let you
have 1t your own way. You deserve
reward; only, pray, never suggest this
theory to any one else. Let it remain
our secret, will your"
"YOur mockery does not change my
mind"
Il had no expectation that II would;
neither does 1t bring me a salary. But,
seriously, forget all this ralllery to-
night. and remember only that you
are with Marie Gessler. Whatever
her purpose may be, you are to be
loyal only to, her"
II am, absolutely" replied with a
conviction my voice was unable to
disguise. She turned her face quick
ly. and in the dim light our eyes met.
"You said that very earnestly. You
make me believe judged you right,
Philip Severn. Here is my hand"
I clasped 1t tightly, the Arm pres
sure Of the warm fingers sending an
instant thrill through every nerve Of
my body. 1t was not withdrawn, and
We walked SO closely together I coult
feel the slight pressure Of her form
almost resting against mine.
"Where are you taking me-"
ITO Perond's French cafe-hav
you ever heard Of itr'
mo, think not"
Il have been there with slummin
parties once or twice, with q plail
clothes man along, Of course, to sho'
us the sights. 1t Is not very respec
able. I believe. although really l me-
or saw anything particularly dal
gerous. Interesting and unconvei
tional. Of course. but l anticipate 4
trouble. unless we care to make
lights at the next corner. That
Perond's."
AS gazed forward. she drew h
hand from my grasp. and her for
Strengthened.
"What am to do when we arrive
Merely BE- the attentive escort
but not too attentive. please. Ha
you dinedr'
"No. l was going to ask you"
"YOu need not ask mel am In
ished, and this place Is really famo
for its meals"
Perond's was really underground;
least you descended a broad pair
steps to attain its entrance. and I
glass in windows and doors 'front.'
the street was heavily draped, p
venting any view Of the interior fr,
without. What was overhead co,
not be determined In the darkne
my eyes merely discerning the o
lines Of tall building, without
CLEAN of light showing anywh,
from top to bottom. The front of
restaurant. however. was brillan
lit. and colored man in unifo
promptly held open the door as
began descending the stairs
Within the vestibule a maid
lieved us Of outside wraps, and Il
unencumbered we advanced thro,
open doors directly into the m
room. This was surprisingly la
apartment. filled with tables Of
rious sizes and shapes. the majO,
occupied by men and women. cit
eating or drinking. Near the Ger
was . cleared space for dancing.
ct thsa n0ment un0ccupted. wi
against the farther wall. on a rat
high stage. fwo cabaret singers "
nolsily entertaining the crowd. A
Tether II was 4 stirring and attract
creme hearing to my mind no
semi,.. nee Of any precOnceived moi
~ IN. underworld could have ,