The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-02-24

was nothing but miserable jealousy,
tated to, while John, feeling that Brent
had entirely supplanted him, left with
desperate resolve to never see her
again unless she asked him to come.
Stella realized after he had gone
that she had not meant to really send
him away for good and all; but Cecil
Brents attentions becoming more per-
sistent, they were engaged, and she be-
came tss proud possessor Of dia-
fi66d ring a 1.s 81 s..ss Ed;
John in his efforts to forget his
leartbreak, applied himself more
steadily to business than ever. One
day at police headquarters he was in
PRODUCED to a young lady, and was
told she had become valuable assist
ant in the detective service.
Miss Remson," said the chief,
thinks she has a clue to those coun-
terfeit tens and fifties.,n.
zone of the men I have my eye on
is an elderly man masquerading as
clergyman" said the girl detective:
John Lawlor and Miss Rems0n We're
detailed to work together. They found
where the elderly clergyman" lived,
and kept a close account of his going
leave the house with a 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 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 a small hotel,
with John closely in his wake. He
saw him assigned to a room, and as
soon as he went up with the bellboy,
contrived to get 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 a close, he had turned on
the light and was reading, when he
heard speaking in the hail. The voices
were so subdued he could make out
nothing, and almost instantly a door
closed shutting them off. He went out
softly to investigate. Pausing at 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 suspi-
cions; it was just possible he was
shadowing a perfectly innocent man.
When the coast was again clear he
glided up to the minister's door.
Though the tones were low, he heard
distinctly the words of the Episcopal
marriage service.
John had never felt quite so foiled
and foolish in the course of his de-
tective 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 dark?
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
mans voice asked: "Whos there|
"a friend! To warn !" said John.
The door was opened by the clergy
man, and carefully closed.
Dark as it was, he at once recog
nized the couple going through the
marriage service They were Stella
Barker and Cecil Brent.
"Friend" sneered the bridegroom.
John Lawlor, you've only come here
to stop this ceremony, but you can't
do 1t. Now go!"
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 wig.
II will go, but l shall have to trou-
BILE you to go with me-" said John to
the minister.
~ am at loss to understand" he
said with dignity. Then seeing the
business end of q revolver looking to-
wards him, he added resignedly: Every
we'll. But Mr.. Brent as l could not
finish the ceremony, I will hand you
back your fee."
John was 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