, 1922-03-16

an exchange of message between them.
For a moment after this Dorothy
felt a suspicion of what one more
schooled In the game of love would
have recognized as Jealousy. OF
course Dorothy felt fascinated by the
stranger. but this would not deter her
from playing her heroic role like a
true heroine.
When the evening in the True draw
ing room was half spent Dorothy was
a little surprised when the fascinating
Mr.. Brown made his way to her side
and said, soto voce, Suppose you come
out for a little run in the country. l
brought my cal tonlght-there's a fine
moon. Do you think your mother
would let us?'
1t was easily arranged with Mrs.
True, and Dorothy eel to her room
for her cape. Alicia" Dorothy heard
the alleged Mr.. Brown say as she was
going upstairs. II want to ask a favor
of you" Dorothy fingered on the
stairs and heard the whispered con-
~versation In the hall below. Pm sor-
ry, but could you let me have a FIVE
spot till tomorrow? l left my wallet
In the office and I may u out of gas
oline. Don't let Dorothy know Tn
such a piker." Then came Allcla's
voice laughing: ~ haven't a five-dollar
bill. but here's a ten."
Assuredly the plot was thickening.
Dorothy seized her cape in her room
and paused just long enough before
her dressing table to mak sure that
nbo Itl-,% Io1r~ n fri.bt ,-K ta folya
an old revolver from its hiding place
In her dressing table drawer. To be
sure 1t was unloaded. and 1t was Of
ancient make. She had found it in the
attic and remembered 1t as one her
great-grandfather had carried through
the Civil war. Still it would answe
the purpose.
The motor trip started auspiciously
for Dorothy's plan. In fact, the plot
thickened rather more rapidly than
she had anticipated. Two blocks away
from the True house the alleged Mr..
Brown took q hand from the wheel,
CROPPED for one of Dorothy's and found
1t. IF 1 could hope that you could
ever care for me-" he began. No Won
der, thought Dorothy, as she yielded
her hand, that he had been a success
full heartbreaker.
Dorothy, dear" the villain con-
tinued, 81 have felt sure until tonight
that you hadn't given me a thought.
But tonight you have seemed just a
little kinder. Dorothy, dear" The
car stopped under the shade of an old
elm, and Dorothy felt two strong arms
about ho,- Che t,r,ol ha- foon N ,-op
but she felt a kiss-Dorothy's first Of
the sort-on her cheek.
So the villain played his game. For
a moment the heroine forgot her role,
and In a choky voice said something
about not disliking him at all.
Then a car showed its s%earchlights
ahead and Mr.. Brown sat erect. 81
think we'd better go to the garage,
II you don't object" he said. Tn al
most out of gas"
The increasing glare of the lights
from the oncoming car brought back
Dorothy's composure. ITO the gar
age!" she Knocked, feeling for her fun
ny old revolver In her cape pocket,
and then hourishing 1t, ITO the police
station. you mean I hope you nave
enough gas for that. Try any tricks
and I'll fire.
The lights of the oncoming car must
have shown Mr.. Brown the dilapidated
condition OF Dorothy's flrearm. At any
rate he seemed not in the least afraid
for he backed his car to the shade Of
the elm tree again, waited till the car
was behind them and then crushing
nnrOthx onA har Moor ola -1.,r..ou L.