The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-24

[ perturable way, but when Trask | looked up and caught the cold stare of his secretary, he dropped the sub ject and returned to the books. Since Dr. Waring's death Lockwood had formed the habit of going back to the Adams house for his luncheon. This, of course, in the hope of seeing something of Anita, and also, be- cause his new employer preferred 1t that way.
 At luncheon Trask took occasion to eulogize Miss Austin.
 Helen Peyton stood it as long as she could, and then broke out with: T don't see what you can find to admire in that thin. sallow little thing! And, besides, she is a wicked girl. I think she killed Dr. Waring, but even if she didn't, she came over here to see him, secretly, late at night, and if that isn't wrongdoing. don't know what is! But just because she puts up helpless bluff, all the men fall for herl"
 Jealous, Miss PeytonT' and Trask looked at her shrewdly
 ''NO,'' Helen tossed her head. I've no reason to be. That girl is nothing to me, and the sooner she gets out of Corinth the better. If the police will let her go!"
 Now. then, Miss Peyton," Trask began, in his most emphatic manner, and Mrs. Peyton, too, one for all, will hear no word against Miss Austin in my house. Put any mean ing you like into that, but remember 1t. One word against Anita Austin, and the speaker of 1t goes out of my door never to return. Am I clear?"
 Clear? Yes; but I can tell you-'
 Hush. Helen" said her mother. We want to stay here, don't we? Well, then, as MT. Trask is evidently much in earnest, l Insist that you obey his wishes-as l shall"
 That's right, Mrs. Peyton. And if your daughter forgets my hints I trust to you to keep her reminded. That's all about that"
 In this fashion Maurice Trask set tied every question that arose. His word was law, and he spoke no un- necessary words.
 The servants could obey or leave. The housekeeper had been told the same. and the secretary understood il. too.
 Returning to tho library after luncheon, Trask sat at the desk in deep thought.
 Got to get the girl" he told him self. Plenty to hold over her head but she's skittish, that's plain to be seen. Also, she's in love with Lock- wood Got to get him out Of town. Nothing doing while he's around Now, how? Morton hinted of his being deeply in debt. If so, he's got some past history, guess l can get something on him-got to, whether l can or not. H'm. Wonder if the lit- tie girl did do the sticking. Hard to believe it, and yet that kids got 1t in her. She sure has! And she's Truesdell all right. Nobody ever had those beetling brows, almost joining above those dark eyes, in that level line-why, If she's Truesdell-! Good Lord I've got to marry her! I'll have to scare her into 1t! Now, Maurice, my boy, get In some of your finest work"
 Clipping on his hat, he started for the Adams house.
 As luck would have it. he met Anita and his secretary walking
 Playing truant?" he called out gaily to Lockwood.
 I'm just on my way to your house." Gordon returned, coldly.
 "Ycu too, Miss Mystery?" and Trask gave her wide smile
 No; I'm going to the postoffice.'
 An, I see. Then, on your way Lockwood, and I'll step along with Miss Austin"
 There was no good way out of th;s arrangement, so 1t obtained, and Trask fell into step with the girl, " Waring house.
 Now, my dear young lady" Trasls began. unheeding her look of aver sion, you may as well understand me first as last. I've got the whip hand-or, as that isn't very grace full expression, let us say, l hold the trumps. l know all about you, you see. l know why you went to the doctors library that night, and-I know what happened there"
 You don't" said Anita. coolly You're bluffing, and I know it"
 No, I'm not bluffing-not entire ly, anyway. True, there are some q ings l don't know yet, butt soon will! Don't think you can keep any thing from me- I'm going to take week for investigation. Also, to give you your chance. If I find out what I fully expect to find out shall make it all public-how will you like that?"
 A great fear showed in Anita's eyes, and she murmured, brokenly: "Don't-oh, Mir. Trask, don't"
 "Hah Scared, are you? l thought you'd be! Now, you know my price. You marry me-promise to marry me, that is. and I'll get you through this thing with bells on. No shadow of suspicion shall remain attached to you-or to any one you care for
 q heard you were not going to rest until you learned Who hllleu Dr. Waring," Anita temporized,
 Yes, yes; but that was before saw you Now. I don't care if you have killed half the people in Cor inth, 1 want you all the same. You've bewitched me. You, silly little slip of a girl. with no par ticular claim to beauty, except your big mournful eyes, and your peach of a mouth! I'll bring the smiles to that sad little face. Oh, Anita, I'm rot a brute. and l do love you so. Give up your foolish fancy for Lock wood, for 1t Is only passing at traction. And he hasn't any money, and he's deeply in debt, and oh, l m a thousand times better catch!
 "If you knew how you damaged your cause by talking like that the girl began, her eyes cold with scorn.
 "Then I won't talk like that" Trasll said humbly. "Only take me, Anita, and you can make me over to suit yourself. I'll do whatever you say. I'll read the books you want me to. I'll get cultured and re- fined-and all that"
 Anita almost laughed. You are so funny" she said.
 sBut this was little too much for