The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-23
CHAPTER. T5O.

when iSalph Lacy asked me if 1
 trusted him absolutely, my impulse
 was laughingly to protest against his
 suspicion that ] could entertain the
 slightest doubt of him. Then I real
 dzed that there were serious matters
 at hand and that he wanted me to be
 sure of myself I waited a minute before replying. Then I said quietly,
 but with complete Conviction:
 i've never had a friend in whom ] had more faith. I know you would mt fail me Mr. Lacy-because you
 would never fail yourself and the ideal you've held to as you went toward the light"
 Thank you." he replied as quietly as I'd spoken, but with a deep warm glow in his eyes. "You see, when a boy climbs out of a world made up of scraps with bigger kids and sleep
 ing in packing boxes in alleys he gets to see life upside down and in -- side out. He knows the worst of things. And he values the best. I've got to drag you into a-pretty taw- dry setting tonight. I wouldn't do it if there were any other way of serving you and your husband. But I don't want you to come if you've the slightest hesitancy about follow ing where I've a hunch I ought to lead"
 'I feel safe in going wherever you think best to take me-" I said, glad of the honesty with which I could make the deClaration
 'Yes-you know you're safe any where with me as long as Tve-even a left hand to defend you," replied Ralph Lacy. smiling at last and so bringing out the boyish Neal side of him which hadn't been much in evi- dence for some minutes. And to make assurance doUbly sure. we make Our-eXcursion under the protection of-another of your devoted slaves, one George Lyons."
 I realized at once that MT. Lacy was telling me in a few seemingly light and half-humOrous phrases that l had a long auto trip ahead of me, and that he'd actually thought to pro- vide ''chapcron''-in the person of Lyons But | didn't laugh, nor take the situation by it's humorous handle This. I felt, would belittIe the ex- Quisite caivaIry which contrives to protect me and Jim's interests at the l same time.
 That's fine,' I said gravely "T've | every confidence in Lyons. and like | the evidence that you and Tony are | prosper.ng in intimacy"
 ''Yes, I can ask favors of him." smiled Mir. Lacy grimly- And now I have to ask one of you. I don't think it advisable to start until the let-down hour when most folks are dining. That's seven. We have over an hours driving. before us, and I thing we ought to have d bite before i've. But it's best not to risk spies l So may Jerry bring me my super here and carry the 'eNtra cuts that | will make t also supper for you?"
 Bring OE your supper said | gaily. Were friends now and fel- low soldiers fighting in a cause. We can drink bumper of nut-brown- coffee to the days when I had to go off hungry because of certain views that haven't changed a jot"
 "I know.' said Ralph Lacy But we're pals now. The whole situation is changed. This is for-J.m.'
 I nodded. MT. Lacy went to give Jerry his instructions and when he returned to my side ana told me in quick, terse sentence that e thought he could bring me face to face with the man who had acted as Dicks spy in Jim's buiIiin<-the man who'd opened the letter Rose bore with her from Jim to me
 i've watched. and my experts have worked. and we've trafled the man" he concluded. But I think I, in turn. am watched
 I smiled q little sadly, realizing that he is probaalv under constant surveillance from Dad Lee.
 we both know" he broke in, in terruptins my thoughts. But we needn't speak his name. It hurts little-yet''
 Ut always will" I said. my heart aching at the thought of what man ner of father l must reveal to Jim. who had known and had accepted Dad Lee as a broken old man. but who knew nothing of his relations with Dick West
 "Perhaps not" said Ralph Lacy comfortingly. Aha knock. The faithful Jerry. We eat"
 And in the mock heroic manner he'd managed to bring in with a phrase or two, we fell upon our SUD- per. Jerry waited on us with awk- ward pleasure in serving And realized that again Mir. I.acy's thoughtfuJIa szs had provided a chan I Sron. Just at seven. Jerry proudly