Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-03-11

Stella realized after he had gone
that she had not meant to really send
him away for good and all but Cecil
Brent's attentions becoming more per-
sistent, they were engaged, and she be-
came the proud possessor Of dla-
mond ring.
John In his efforts to forget his
heartbreak, applied himself more
steadily to business than ever. one
day at police headquarters he was in
troduced to young lady, and was
told she had become valuable assist
ant In the detective service.
miss Remson," said the chief,
thinks she has clue to those coun-
terfelt tens and fiftles.'
zone of the men l have my eye on
is an elderly man masquerading as a
clergyman" said the girl detective.
John Lawlor and Miss Remson were
detailed to work together. They found
where the elderly clergyman lived,
and kept close account of his going
and coming. One day John saw him
leave the house with dress suit case.
He followed him to the station, and
took the same train, not meaning to
lose sight OF his man for one instant,
Had he only been aware that an auto
mobile was leading the train Il close
race, and had seen the occupants, he
might possibly have lost sight Of the
man in clerical clothes.
As the train slowed into the first
station, the automobile whizzed past.
If John had not been so intent on
watching his man, he might have seen
the people in the car. The reverend
gentleman walked to small hotel,
with John closely In his wake. He
saw him assigned to room, and as
soon as he went up with the bellboy,
contrlved to get a room for himself
quite near the other. He read on the
register the name of "Rev. Joseph
Baker," and concluded he had not
come to this little town for nothing
John intended to find out what that
errand was.
He had been in his room about half
an hour, the short winter day had
drawn to close, he had turned on
the light and was reading, when he
heard speaking in the hall. The voices
were so subdued he could make out
nothing, and almost instantly door
closed shutting them of. He went out
softly to investigate. Pausing ut the
minister's door, he heard low CONVEX
sation within. As he paused to listen,
he heard someone coming down the
hall, and was obliged to go on, as no
one In the house knew the nature Of
his business, and for the present, he
did not mean they should. Miss Rem
son might be way Off In her suspl-
cions; 1t was just possible he was
shadowlng perfectly innocent man.
When the coast was again clear he
glded up to the minister's door
Though the tones we're low, he heard
distinctly the words Of the Episcopal
marriage service.
John had never felt quite so folled
and foolish In the course Of his de-
tectlve career. Here he had been TAX
ing a wild goose chase after an limo.
cent old gentleman who had evidently
come out here at the solicitation of
some friends to marry them, and the
dress suit case had probably contained
his cassock and prayerbook. The de-
tective was leaving the door In dis
gust when he noticed that no light
came through the keyhole or under
the door.
Why was this marriage ceremony
being performed In the dark7
The next instant he heard the
words: 81, Cecil, take thee, Stella"
John raped loudly on the door. The
voices ceased. There was no response.
He knocked again still louder. Then
a mans voice asked: "Who's thereT
"a friend To warn !" said John.
The door was opened by the clergy
man, and carefully closed.
Dark as II was, he at once recog-
nized the couple going through the
marriage service. They were Stella
Barker and Cecil Brent.
"Frlend" sneered the bridegroom.
"John Lawlor, you've only come here
to stop this ceremony, but you can't
do It. Now gop
When his name was mentioned John
had noticed the look that came into
the clergyman's face, also the nervous
way his hand went to his head. He
was wearing a wig.
II Will 90, but | shall have TO trOu-
Bile you to go with me-" said John TO
the minister.
said with dignity. Then seeing the
business end Of a revolver looking TO.
wards him, he added reslgnedly: VERY
well. But Mr.. Brent, as / could not
finish the ceremony, I will hand you
back your fee"
John wns a bit too quick for Brent,
and snatched the money.
zone hundred and twenty dollars"
he said. Rather large fee. Mr. Brent
I'll have to ask you to come, too"
After John had handcuffed his two
men, and safely locked them up pend
Ing the departure Of the next train,
he sought the frightened girl In the
hotel parlor.
IL will see that someone takes you
to- the train" he said. i've got two
OF the sllckest counterfeiters In the
business to look after"
II haven't any money for the ticket.
lie has six hundred dollars Of mine"
"No, he hasn't. Here 1t Is" And
John passed her the notes.
"Oh, joint" she sobbed. "Forglye
met want your
mot for-Just gratitude. There must
be time to think" he said.
Stella must have thought hard, for
In less than three months the wedding
cards we're out