The Washington times., 1927-08-26

Lytell greeted him with restrained
delight He silenced her with q
gesture.
Have you seen Leo Morgan
he questioned anxiously.
mo. but heard he had lost
heavily on the market,
That's right. He's been play
ing for bear landslide while
everything was 'bullish.' Now
he's broke.
Oh! The poor fellowF,
The worst of It IS, he was
over at the club. drinking. He's
heard Of our engagement. And
some Of the fellows say he ii
making threats,
Threats?"
Yes. 10 harm you. Some
how, he blames you for this.
trouble ! know you never en-
couraged him; but he always
thought he had 4 chance to win
YOU
Il don't understand. quite
He's half-crazed. Not respon-
able
Della shook her head 10 express
sorrow and pity ct the plight Of
fellow-human.
rs your father home YETI.
Grant questioned. He had moved
near a partly open door, which led
into the hall Of the house. The
most impressive piece of furniture
in the room, radio set concealed
In great, high cabinet, and done
IA Oriental style, was at his right.
No. Dad isn't home yet But
he will be soon. Mother Is upstairs
lying down. She isn't feeling
we'll"
Don't cali her. The chances
are that am exciting myself and
you-unduly. For Leo will hardly
attempt to carry out his threats"
''Of course not. /"
Something Of the girls conf
dence went through the man. He
glanced at the radio set. The iT-
strument had afforded a musical
background for his persistent WOO
ing. He smiled for the. first time
since he had entered the room.
Is station WYC on the air yet?''
he asked.
Della glanced at her wrist watch.
No. / don't think so. It's still
two minutes Of eight. the time
they come on the air."
A creaking noise from the
opposite side OF the room caused
both to turn. Facing them, with
q half-open french window show.
Ing MS manner OF entrance, was
Leo Morgan. A black automatic
pistol was in the intruder's right
hand. With his left he noise
lessly closed the easement.
The mans face was a dull red:
his mouth twisted in a wc1fiah
snarl. His eyes glittered with
an insane light: the right one
staring, the left twitching con.
atantly.
my God" Della gasped, and
seemed about to fall.
Get away from the door,"
Leo ordered. II don't want any.
one else mixing In this"
Grant wet his lips and tried
to speak calmly. what is the
matter Leo?"
''Shut up! I've been made.
fool Of long enough. That's it.
Now I'm going to make fools
out Of you two. Did you notice
1t Is pitch dark outside. Oh! A
great night for my finish .
Be reasonable, Leo Grant
begged with increasing GOODNESS.
We can help you out without
your pointing that gun at as.
Put it down, please. It might go
off,
Leo did not reply, Instead.
with the menacing gun, he forced
them to move around until he
could side to the hall-door. This
he softly closed. Then, standing
with his back to the radio set
while squarely facing the couple,
he smiled cruelty and groWled:
Better say your prayers. We're
oil going to die-quick.
Grant was staIling for time. He
did not want anyone to enter
the room for fear of their being
shot But he did want an oppor-
tunity to make fight for his
life and the life Of the girl he
loved.
You shouldn't blame us for
your losses on the market, Leo.
An old gambler. you should have
studied the matter and waited for.
q better time to make a bold
move"
bah! / couldn't think. All ia
wanted to do was win big and
quick. Then Della would have
married me. But won't lose
her. Not me!
The girl had recovered some
what from her first terror. She
was still nortally afraid. But
pride asserted itself and she said
defiantly:
II would never marry you. II
YOU ha6 Ten million dollars,
couldn't love you
Yes, you could, the man
with the gun retorted fiercely.
a know women. They all have
their price,"
Grant rlervously pulled out his
watch. How the minutes drag
gedi
Don't worry about the time.
Leo said, with al sneer You're
going somewheres mighty quick. .
Do you reaIize what you are
doing?" Grant questioned.
''Sure! IL / can't have Della,
no one win have herr
That's seIfishl You don't love
Della. You only. love yourseIf.''
What's that to your Leo
croaked wildly.
Grant saw the muscles become
set Ia the mans face: noticed
the tenseness. OF the body; felt
that the trigger finger was
Tightening.
One minute for that last
prayer you promised us. he
begged.
Della glanced toward him. There