The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-05

happen to know this absolutely, for I've negotiated the sale of her secur- ities and turned the proceeds over to her.
 Now, that money has gone to one person-which means, l take it, she has accumulated neat nest-egg. You will understand that my aunt has been, and is, completely under the domination of this person, and that she is a child in money matters. At various times I've endeavored to interfere, but all in vain. Caution and reason have been wasted on in- ffatuation You've heard of such cases before, I fancy''
 "It is one thing to hear; another to beleive.'
 'eWe'lI assume you do believe it, however"
 "I can assure you I do not.'
 "Oh, then waive the point" Tracht- man growled. We'll drop theories and face the facts. The money is gone, only Margaret Drake has pro- fitted. Both of us know the world would look at the performance-1'm saying nothing of what the courts might be disposed to do about it. That's precisely the question I'm striving to avoid. Also I can make certain that it won't be raised provid-  happens, is the proposal I've been leading up to. Get you gone, and I guarantee an escape from all publf- city and retrdbution. Do you agree?
 ''No!" said Penney explosively.
 Trachtman devoted his attention to his cigar for an interval. Re member, it's an escape for both of and nobody is the wiser or the sad der.''
 "No," Penney repeated.
 There was a hostile gleam in the others eye.
 "BraveIy spoken, but rashly. You don't fully comprehend conditions, I fear. If you did. we should have had none of this bashful reticence as to your past and present. You'd be ex- p1aining ythfng-making the best of a bad bargain and admitting the strength of the cards I hold. As it is, you'll drive me to harsh meas ures"
 Trachtman shrugged his shoulders.
 "Ill leave you to your own imag- ination. Infatuated as my aunt is I think I can establish my case, even to her satfsfactfon-or, rather, to her intense dissatisfaction and sorrow After that-why. man. you can pie ture for yourself the plight of a young person whom I'm doing my poor best to preserve unharmed! I don't say anything of your own pros 1 poets of coming out of the scrape glorious1y-indeed, I'm not especially concerned for your welfare
 50 I suspected"
 And justly. Further, you might | as well reckon in the probability that if things go badly, I can hit upon some method of establishing a-wcll | lest us say-it a legal liability, cer- tainly on the part of our common 1 friend, not impossTbly on the part l of yourself. You're at least an ac- 1 
 Whatever I am, it Is with all good | will for the task I've undertaken"
 Trachtman scow1ed. I'don't care | whetherIyo like your job or not | My interest centers on your accept ance or refusal of my terms.''
 Penney took a step toward the l door. We're making no progress" | said he Perhaps we may as we'll | end, this conference-it's leading mo- where.'
 "Just a momenti'' the other inter | posed Don't suppose you and your delightful schooner are going to be | permitted, in any event, to get away with the loot Bear that in mind when you're thinking over my pro- pos1tion-oh, yes; I'm going to give you tine-untiI tomorrow morning. In fact. I won't accept an answer now, but I'll insist upon one at ten o'clock, let us say"
 You've had my answer-it will be the same tomorrow
 The Hong night watches tend to reflection Trachtman observed Think it over. my friend; think it overi"
 To Be Continued Tomorrow. Copyright 1922, Thompson Feature
 Service).