The St. Johns herald., 1921-12-15

at nothing to obtain their end. Yet, in spite of all this, was inexpressibly happy. I spiked their big gun with a single blow; moreover, had learned the truth about her, and my faith in her innocence came back in flood. Harris had done too much boasting he had ruined his own case. He had placed the very weapon in my grasp which I most desired to have-ab- solute assurance that the girl herself was innocent. The fellow felt and realized, the change.
 That's easy," he sneered. "She bought herself another. That proves nothing, except that she is smart enough to play safe. Neither one of you can get away on that sort of dope"
 Perhaps not; but 1t clears her of the murder charge"
 'Oh, does it? That remains to be seen. We know who she is, and that is more than you do. Oh, h-l, got onto that over the wire; the only thing that interested you into coming here was to learn who the dame real ly was. That's part of her play, as I figure it, Severn. She won't give her self away, but is just using you. When she's good and ready she means to fade, an she'll take the dough along with her. You will have sold out for a few cheap kisses, an that's all." He laughed coarsely. "She is stringing you for a fool. Come now, wake up, before it is too late, an let's all get hand in the pot; what'de yer sayT
 "'You still think I am that kipd2 One of your class? questioned, thor Oughly angered by his sneering speech.
 "One of my class? I should say not; you are the rawest kind of a mutt, but so far you've been in luck that's all. Now your luck has changed, and yer up against it."
 "What do you want me to do?'
 "BlOw her; tell us all you know. We'll play the game for you, and di- vide square"
 "You will let me out of hereT
 Sure, once you give us the right steer"
 "And if I refuseT
 He laughed contemptuously.
 You're not going to; you've got too d-n much sense. But just to satisfy your curiosity I'll tell you. We've got the girl spotted; we can lay cur hands on her In an hour; and, believe me, we've got the goods on the young lady. Here's the Sticker that did the busi- ness, and found 1t right where you had hidden it away. I can find three men-they are keeping out of sight, but l can stir them up-who1l swear that she went away alone with Alva from that factory over there; that he had the bag with him, and that the two got into the auto together. That makes one h-l of a straight case, don't it?"
 "The way you put it-yes. But what good will it do you fellows to have her pinched? Where do you gain anything?"
 'Time; it blocks the getaway with the swag. That's all we want. See here, Severn, we know where the stuff is planted; at least we've got an idea, but we've got to work slow and eau tious in order to lift it. If it wasn't for that we wouldn't care if she skipped. If you'll help us to get quick action, we'll let the girl go, and give hor Tol nr6 that's d-n sight more than you'll ever get by staying with her."
 ''But if she finds out that I have turned her down"
 "She won't never find it out; we'll keep mum. Besides, you're doin' her a good turn, keepin' her out of the electric chair. Well, there's the prop osition-you can leave it, or take it."
 Serious as the situation was, could not fail to see it's absurdity. This was no threat to frighten me; the fellows meant what they said, although I doubted if they really possessed the knowledge claimed so glibly. But they evidently meant to go on; they were not bluf1ng, for they really had an ugly case, and could undoubtedly make trouble. The evidence against the girl was strong, almost convincing; it even shook my own confidence in her in- nocence. The absurdity of the situa- ton lay in my absolute ignorance. I knew even less than they pretended to know. What should do? Pretend, manufacture some stOry2 I had no faith it would work. These fellows were criminals, suspicious and unscru- pulous; they would only believe what