New Britain herald., 1924-04-04

to meet will know the truth about me
 and who won't?" she asked. There's
 always the chance that somebody
 might get suspicious some way and
 try to pump me, and if l fell for it---?"
 "That is understood, Of course,"
 Mrs. Copeland responded as she led | the way downstairs. None of the servants except Therese are in my 1 confidence and your nurse leaves this afternoon"
 In the lower hall they found Sloat awaiting them in company with the tall, gaunt man with the sharp fea- lures whom she had seen alight from the roadster on the previous evening and later seated with the others about the council table. Now as he was presented he shook hands gravely with a keen glance into her eyes.
 "I am delighted. Miss Copeland, that you have so fortunately recover ed from your painnful accident" he mnrmured for the obvious benefit of Nlsitch, who hovered over the table. You have grown tos be quite young lady since.I saw you last"
 Saliie smiled sweetly.
 "I expect l have changed. some. Mir. Bellows. am sure l never should have recognized you"
 Sloat laughed but checked himself pt warning glance from his aunt, who maintained running fire. of small talk while the meal progressed.
 When All four of them were settled in the sitting room upstairs the at- torney opened the attack from an un- expected quarter.
 "I understand, my child, that you are willing to place yourself, unre- i servedly in Mrs. Copeland's hands ] provided the terms can be arranged to suit everyone concerned. It has i not occurred 10 you, perhaps, that 1 you arc already in our hands?"
 Sallie's heart sank. Things were | coming trifle faster than she had | intended butshe must bluff it through. |
 Perhaps it hasn't occurred 10 you, Mir. Bellows. that I got that about as | soon as I came 10 my senses? Do I 1 look like poor fish that s likely 10 have game of this kind put over on 'em without calling the turn an it? could've walked out of this house any time after--well. during last night or today if I'd felf like it but I thought I'd wait and see what , there might te in it for me if I. stayed"
 Mrs. Copeland grasped the arms or her chair and Sloat muttered an e jaculation but Bellows leaned for ward, his brows drawn together.
 ''That is interesting. Do you care to explain further?"
 'No. l don't Mrs. Copeland got me right this morning--and got her. I'm taking the big risk. for ain't the squealing kind and I'll go up for my stretch while all the rest of you crawl out Of it." Sallie drew a decp. breath. q think I can put 1t ovcr--beinF this Miss 'AlvaT mean with Mrs. Copeland's help and ad- vice. but it might come to show down. you sec, Mir. Bellows. and be- cause Of that chance it ought 10 be worth enough to fx me for life in nuiet way somewhere in Europe or or South America, maybe"
 We can understand. of course, that you are tired Of work" Bel lows voice was smooth. 'T am quite sure that we can trust you and am convinced that with the aid of Mrs Copeland, as you say, you will be able to impersonate Miss Copeland. It would be quite nnnecessary. however. for you to live in secusion after your agreement with us has beenfulflled. All the cities of Europe will be open To you.
 He was interrupted by a meaning laugh from SalIie.
 ''Nosto me, they aint-I mean, not on twenty-five thousand." she cor rected herself in seeming confusion. Double it and I'll play your game for you: then you1l never see or hear Of me again. That's a go."
 Continued in Our Next Issue)