New Britain herald., 1923-09-27

disturbed him more than he cared to
 have his wife know.
 You're all in," he said. pretending to be concerned only on her account;
 'so I'm coming home at once. If she isn't there before l am. m trace
 her for you in no time"
 He glanced al his watch as he hung
 un the receiver. Twenty minutes after nine.
 He lost no time in exeusins him. self to his guests. and. hmrryinE out 10 taxi. told the chauffeur to take him home. and ''step on it."
 Making q brave effort 10 control her agitation. Mrs. Ranger recounted faithfully as she could the conversa- ton between Hope and herself that morning and the program the girl had outlined for her movements.
 Ranger. who had listened intently 10 her report, gave a puzzled shake Of the head. and, stepping Into the hall spoke to the butler.
 Eve sent for Higby," he said. re- turning. Hen probably laugh at us as couple Of fools But I don't care. We need the cool advice Of an outsider"
 Eustace Higby was Rangers attor- ney and a warm friend Of the family. with an apartment only half a block away.
 The trouble is, we've given her too free a hand, Mary Lou" Ranger grumbled. "Ah!" starting up as he heard the hall door close. There she is now!"
 But 1t was Higby, the lawyer. not Hope. who in response to the buffers direction turned into the library.
 Something wrong?" he asked | sharply.
 But as the explanation proceeded, | the lines about his eyes began to crinkle, and at the finish, as Ranger had predicted, he gave mirthful chuckle. J,
 I'm satisfied you two are making a mountain out of very insignificant molehill," he insisted enthusiastically. Still, to relieve all of our minds, I'll make sure"
 He busied himself at the telephone, lasting some time, owing to the extreme care he took to avoid any opportunity for publicity; but in the end he was able, to an- ; nounce that no young woman en- swering to the description of Hope Ranger had been reported at any of the hospitals or station-houses of the city as the victim of an accident or sudden illness.
 The lawyer sat thinking, pulling at his chin. Then he got up with an air of decision and reached for his nat
 I'm going down to talk to Lucia {, rhorne," he said. She was the last person we know of that Hope saw, md her most intimate friend, wasn't 'he? We'll" in answer to Mrs. [, Rangers eager nod that young is in for the stiffest kind of a ,ross-examination. If she knows she isn't telling, trust me to tighten it out of her before get trough. If she's blank" he paused and pushed up his lips-"then guess there's nothing to do, Loring ut to go to the commissioner of ,olice."
 The commissioners of polce?' Ranger drew his brows together. [ vincing at the thought of the at 2 endant notoriety
 If it comes to that-yes. There's 10 use fooling away time in half measures or with private detectives. 0 get the best results, though, I'll ave to offer reward, suppose, low high would you be willing to o?"
 Anything Ranger gave an in ifferent wave of the hand. What yer is customary"
 Highly considered the matter. "I'n II you" he decided, well make it ,e thousand to start with. Then e can increase 1t to ten if necessary. m right on the job every minute, nd there won't be a stone left un- lrned. I'll keep in touch with you, 10, so that we can advise each other of any developments" Thanks, old man." Rangers ,ice was husky as he followed him
 the door. T don't know what we ould have done without you"
 CHAPTER III. Outside, Higby caught passing xicab and, giving the number of the horne residence. slammed the door d sank back wearily.