The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-30

uFtoA McSSokc dt d1c CHctBttiC ttduuS VI Steve. made him feel better than he had imagined he could feel after that night of spiritual storm and stress
 "Dingle:' he said, "how did seem to- day," "You're getting to be regular terror" ; T am glad. This morning am going to thrash man within an inch of his life"
 "WhatP
 Steve spun round.
 What's he been doing to. you?"
 "I am afraid I cannot tell you that. But he richly deserves what he will get-s'
 Steve eyed him with affectionate inter- est. "Who'd have thought it? I'd always had you sized up>a: kind O placid guy"
 "I can be reused"
 Zee, can't see it! But, say. what sort of gook is this gink, anyway"
 "In what respect?'
 'sWell, I mean is he 8 heavy or middle or a weiter or what? It makes a kind O difference, you know.
 "I cannot say. have not seen, him."
 "Well, what's his name, then? Maybe I know him. I know few good people in this burg" =.
 q have no objection to tell you that. He is an artist, and his name is-his name is-"
 Wrinkles appeared in Bailey's forehead. His eyes bulged anxiously behind their glasses. 'Ive forgotten" he said blankly.
 "For the love of Mike! Know where he liyes?"
 q am afraid not.''
 Steve patted him kindly on the shoulder.
 ''Take my advice, bo," he said. "Let the poor-fellow off this time"
 And so it came about that Bailey, instead of falling upon Kirk Winfield, hailed a taxi cab and drove to the apartment of Mrs Lora Delane- Porter. CHAPTER v. Er Hxs oIR s,, wfa ND blc room, more like mans study than
 a woman's boudoir. Books lined the walls The furniture was strong and plain. At the window, on 8 swiyel-chair before roil-top desk, Mrs. Porter sat writing, her back to the door.
 "Aunt Lora," spoke Bailey sternly.
 "Shishv' said the authoress. Only that and nothing more. Bailey, outraged, re- lapsed into silence. The pen saueaked on
 After what seemed to Bailey considers ble time the writing ceased. It was suc- ceeded by the sound of paper vigorously plotted. Then, with startling suddenness, Mrs. Porter whirled round on the swivel chair, tilted it back, and faced him.
 "Well, Bailey?" she said.
 "Aunt Lora," he said, 'T am sorry to have to intrude upon you at so early an hour, but it is imperative that l see Ruth and ask her to explain the meaning of a most disturb ing piece of news that has come to my ears"
 "You will have to wait. What did you wish to see her about?"
 "That is a matter that concerns No! I will tell you, for I believe you to be re- spons ble for the whole affair"
 "Well?"
 "Last> night, quite by chance, found out that Ruth has some time been paying visits to the studio of an artist"
 "Quite right. Mr. Kirk Winfield. She is going to marry him."
 "Whatw
 "You have not seen MT. Winfield, gather?"
 ''When do, he will have reason to regret
 'tSit down."
 Bailey sat down.
 "Ruth and >Mr Winfield are both perfect types. Mir. Winfield is really splendid specimen of man. As to his intelligence, I say nothing. have ceased to expect in- telligence in man, and I am grateful for the smallest grain. But physically, he is magnificent. could not wish dear Ruth better husband"
 Bailey had pulled himself together with supreme effort "Such marriage is, of course, out of the question" he said.
 ''Why?" , "My sister cannot marry a-a nobody, an outsider"
 "Mr. Winfield is not a nobody. He is an ax+ra nrd;n riIv healthy vounv man"