The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-30

AAe NeluS were SLdnulnS out OH lIle side of his neck like whipcords. He could just move his forearms a little. and his hands reached out towards her, curved like claws. 'T1I-'
 But Rhoda Gray had closed the door behind her, and, with the Spar row. was retreating down the stairs.
 FELLOW THIEVES
 Reaching the courtyard, Rhoda Gray led the way without a word through the driveway, and finding the street, hurried on rapidly. Her mind, strangely stimulated, was work ing in quick, incisive flashes. Her work was not yet done. The Spar row was safe, far his life was concerned: but her possession of even the necklace would not save the Sparrow from the law. There was the money that was gone from the safe. She could not recover that. but-yes, dirn1y, she began to see a way. She swerved suddenly from the sidewalk as she came to an aIleyway which had been her objective-and drew the Sparrow in with her out of sight of the street.
 The Sparrow gripped at her hand.
 The White Molli" he whispered brokenly. God bless the White Mou. I ain't had a chance to say IL peiore- 1ou sdNeu my n1e, ana
 In the semi-darkness she leaned forward and laid her fingers gently over the sparrow's lips.
 And there's no time to say it now, Marty" she said quickly. You are not out of this yet-''
 He swept his hand across his eyes
 "I know it," he said. |" got to get those sinners back up there some md %Io+ they planted on me-
 She shook her head.
 Even that wouldn't clear you," she said. The safe has been footed of money. as well; and you can't re- place that Even with only the money gone, who would they first naturally suspect? You are known as a safe- breaker; you have served a term for it. You asked for a night off to stay with your mother who is sick. You left MT. Hayden-Bonds we'll say, at seven or eight o'clock. It's after midnight now. How long would it take them to find out that between eight and midnight you had not only never been near your mother. but could not prove an alibi of any sort1 If you told the truth it would sound absurd No one in their sober senses would believe you.''
 The Sparrow looked at her miser- ably.
 My God," he faItered. He wet his lips. That's true"
 Marty" she said quietly. ''did you read in the papers that I had been arrested last night for theft, caught with the goods on me, but had es- capped ?''
 The Sparrow hesitated.
 "Yes, did," he said. And then, earnestly, ''But I don't believe it!"
 Tt was true, though, Marty-an except that I wasn't a thief" she said as quietly as before. What I want to know is. in spite of that would you trust me with what is left 10 be done tonight. if I tell you that ] believe can get you out of this?"
 Sure I wouId!' he said simply. 'T don't know how you got wise about all this, or how you got to know about that necklace. but any of our crowd trust you! You bet your ufeI'
 Thank you. Marty she said. ''Well, then, how do you get into MT Hayden-Bond's house when, for instance, you are out late at night?" i've got a key to the garage he answered. 'fThe garage is attached to the house. though it opens on the side street"
 She held out her hand.
 The Sparrow fished in his pocket, and extended the key without hesita- tation.
 It's for the small door of course" he explained.
 You haven't got flashlight, suppose?'' she smiled
 ''SureI There's plenty of 'em! Each cars got one with it's tools un- der the back seat
 She nodded
 And now. the library" she said. What part of the house is it in? How is 1t situated ?''
 Its on the ground floor at the back" he told her. The little short passage from the garage opens on the kitchen, then the pantry, and the dining room Is on the left. and the library on the right. But ain't I go- ing with youc"
 She shook her head again
 You're going home. Nrarty-after you've sent me a taxicab. If you were seen in that neighborhood now, let alone by any chance seen in the house, nothing could save you You understand that. don't you7 Now, listen! Find a taxi. and send it here. Tell the chauffeur to pick me up, and drive me to the corner of the cross street. one block in the rear of Mr Hayden-Bond's residence Don't mention Hayden-Bond's name Give the chauffeur simply street di- rcctions. Be careful that he is some one who doesn't know you. Tell him he will be we'll paid-and give him this to begin with" She thrust a banknote into the Sparrow's hand You're sure to find one at some all- night cabaret around here. And re- member, when you so home after ward not q word to your rnorheri And not word tomorrow, or ever-to any one! You've simply done as you yoid your employer you were going to do--spent the night at home"
 But you,' he burst out. and his words choked a little. IT can't let you go, and
 You said you would trust me, Marty" she said. And if you want to help me, as well, don't waste an- other moment I shall need every . second have got. Quick! Hurry,''
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