New Britain herald., 1922-12-16
Begin Here Today


 BEN DARBY prisoner. is examin. en in the presence of
 GOVERNOR MCNAMARA by famous alienist named
 FOREST The governor is con vinced that the convict is n victim of amnesia and paroles Darby to EZRA MELVILLE, an old friend of the prisoner The two men jour ncy to Seattle where Melville un- folds his plans to Ben and shows him n letter from his brother, HIRAM MELVILLE. written on the latters death bed. The letter stated that while prospecting near the Yuga River he had come upon a pocket worth nearly quarter of a million dollars. Hiram begged that his brother come immediately and take possession of the claim, the only condition being that Ezra should care for his pet, Ferris. Melville offers Ben free partner ship and Ben accepts with deepest gratitude. Ray Brent is in love with Beatrice. He meets her in front of a hotel and offers to escort her home.
 Go on With the Story
 Key Brent's voice had an unde- niable ring of power. It was deeply bass evidently the voice of pas sionate, reckless, brutal man.
 The man fell in beside her, his powerful frame overshadowing hers. "You're just letting me because I'm going up there anyway. eh?" he asked The girl paused, as if in appeal. Ray, we've thrashed that out long ago." she responded. T wish you wouldn't keep talking about. If you want to walk with me"
 All right, but you'll be changing your mind one of these days" Rays voice rang in the silence, indicating utter indifference to the fact that many of the loungers on the street were listening to the little scene.
 They followed the board sidewalk into the shadows, finally turning in at a ramshaS.le, three-room house.
 The girl termed to go in, but the man held fast to her arm. Walt just a minute, Bee." he urged. I've got one thing more to say to you.'
 When I want something, l don't know how to quit till I get it. It's mart of my nature. Your pop knows that-and that's why he's made me his pardner in big deal"
 .'The strong man gets what he wants--and l want you. And I'll get you, tooAiust like I get this kiss"
 But she was northern girl, trained As hn strong. slender arm swung out and up with really startling force.
 You little--devil."
 The tempest of the forest was upon her. and her eyes blazed as she has, tened around the house.
 CHAPTER III.
 Beatrice NcilsOn's Faith
 Jeffrey Nelson and Chan Hemin- way were already in session when Ray Brent, his face flushed and his eyes still angry and red, joined them. Nelson was a tall, gaunt man, well past flfty--from his manner evidently the leader Of the three. He had heavy. grizzled brows and rather quiet eyes. Notorious as he was through the northern provinces he was infinitely to be preferred to Chan Heminway, who sat at his left, who, a weaker man than either Ray or Nelson. was simply a tool in the latter's hand.
 Where's Beatrice?" Nelson asked at once. T thought I heard her voice."
 Ray searched for reply, and in the silence all three heard the girls tread as she went around the house. She's going in the back door. Like ly she didn't want to disturb us" 1, Ray looked up to find Neilson's eyes firmly fixed upon his face. Try hard as he might he couldn't restrain q surge of color in his cheeks. Yes, and whats the rest of it?" Nelson asked.
 "Nothing-I know off,"
 You've got some white marks on your cheeks-where it ain't red. The kid can slap, can't she"
 Ray flushed deeper, but the lines of Neilsons face began to deepen and draw. Then his voice broke in a great, hearty chuckle.
 Cool down. boy-wait till you hear everything I've got to tell you, and vou'IJ feea hetter Of course YOU