New Britain herald., 1922-06-07
By ARTHUR B. REEVE
1922 NEA Service. Inc.

and fellows were passing and with nudge to Ruth. Vira broke up thu party and the three continued dowr toward the ball room, leaving Gar rick to figure 1t all out, especially Ruth, who, the moment they were gone, seemed to resume leadership.
 Dick had been sauntering alone about the Club, speaking a few words to friends lolling in wicker chairs nodding to others, when he heard the noisy entrance of a group oi young people.
 Dick Defoe was the quieter type of man undoubtedly destined to make any reasonably normal girl happy. A gracious, if reserved. manner seemed to announce to the world his reserve strength of character, If trouble brew ed.
 He quickened his pace as he saw Ruth. His face lighted up with one of his charming smiles. Ruth was talking vivaciously to the girls when she suddenly caught Dicks smile and answered it.
 Ruth" he said as he drew her aside with eager deference, may have all the waltzes this evening""
 She hesitated, looked at him bit shyly, shrugged one beautiful shoul- der as if debating whether to say yes, then smiled: "Dick-you're a fast worker. believe you bribed the musicians. They're playing a waltz this minute Wait + till put up my wrap. I'll be with you In a second"
 Dick watched her go, glowing all over. He was going to hold her close to him, he was going to breathe the perfume of her golden hair, he was going to waltz. a dreamy and enticing waltz, with the girl over whom he was frantic.
 Then he heard someone call Ruth. It was Jack Curtis. Ruth this is mine! | When I want a dance with girl just put my arm about her like this and we're off"
 Ruth laughed merrily, flashed back a look at Dick. And when I don't want to dance with freshie l do this | and we're not otf!' Jack had tangled himself with his own legs or else it was an added pressure as in Greek wrestling. He was on the floor while the other fellows were laughing and Ruth smiling, hauled him up.
 Did l keep you waiting long Dick? I love this one" Dick tingled with joy as he waltzed off to the dreamy strains.
 It was half over when Dick felt himself pushed aside and heard Jacks voice. ingratiating, May l cut in on this? We all do that now!" Dick swallowed: "Ill leave it to Ruth" Ruth's only answer was a gentle pressure of his arm. a nega- tive nod in Jacks direction-and she was dreaming again. There was so comfortable being held closely by Dick.
 There was one waltz when he could not find Ruth. He hunted all over. She was not dancing: nor on the yeranda Nor did he see Jack Cur is, Rae, Vira or Glenn.
 Fire"
 The orchestra hesitated at the sharp alarm of the club steward, hen decided 1t was not like a the ater. that there was no panic danger, dropped its fiddles and saxophones md snare drums and ran. A. moment ater the shrill siren whistle on the ,illage power house split the ether. Dick joined in the jostling mob in 'vening clothes.
 Guess we'll make de luxe buck t brigade." panted Tony Bleecker. It's the East Wing"
 Up the corner of the Lodge back # the Club casino. where were the wing rooms, licked a hungry red haft of flame. Dick looked in dis nay. On the third floor were Gar ick's rooms.
 A moment later he was bounding lp the stairs and had flung his shoul- Ter against the door. It did not 'ield-until he turned the knob. It vas unlocked. Through the stife of moke he fought his way to the hest and flung it open. The hat and he films were gone!
 The suffocating fumes of chemical | xtinguishers sent him blindly strug- Hing, groping, gasping, back. Out idle he could hear the bells and the | houts of the local fire fighters | crushed over his nose nd eyes he stumbled in the hall vay
 Don't get up, Dick. You'll stay ere with me tonight" In a daze Dick felt sheets under him and over i'm. They've give. me rooms in he West Wing until repairs are lade." explained Garrick.
 Dick blinked around his eyes still tinging and his head in whirl. Wh-who did it?" he gasped. Who ot-the things?"
 Garrick smiled quietly. T don't now who got the prints made. he film itself and the hat were in he Club safe half an hour after you fit this afternoon!"
 Early in the morning came a call