New Britain herald., 1927-10-28
NOW BEGIN THE STORY
CHAPTER NNNI\

' IitNl i<iN -N-\-Ni-N She assumed an attitude ot smil- ing indifference.
 "Im afraid you've made another mistake" She spoke lightly. MT. Benson and I Were not even friends Indeed, scarcely knew him.
 There was an overtonc Of em- phasis in her dcnial-a slight eagernoss which, in indicating q conscious desire 10 be believed, robbed her remark of the complete casualness she had intended.
 Even a business relationship may have it's personal side" Vance reminded her; "cspccially when the intermediary is an intimate friend of both parties to the transaction"
 She looked at him quickly; then turned her eyes away.
 "I really don't know what you're talking about" she affirmed; ans her face for a moment los' its con. tours of innocence, and beCama calculating.
 "You're surely not implying that I had any business dealings with Mr Benson"
 Not 1noctly," replied Vance. '1}ut certainly Mr. rtyfe had busi- ress dealings with him; and one Of them, l rather imagined, in volved you consid'rably."
 Involved rr"?" She laughed t,,1l T laugh.
 Tt was somewhat unfortunate transaction, l fcar.' Vance went on, "-unforlunat" in that Mr. Pfyfe was nrcosSitated to deal with AIr. Benson: and doubly unfor- tunatr. y know, in that h" should have had to drag you into it.
 His manner was easy and q" sur"d, and the woman scnsod that no display of scoru or contcmp' however well simulated, would make an impression upon him. Therefore, she adopted an attitud, Of tolerantly incrodulous amusc- mcnt
 And where did you learn about all this?" she asked pIayfuily
 "Aln~! didn't learn about it. answered Vance, falling iu with hH manner. "That's in" reason, q ye see, that ] mdug"d in this charm ing little visit
 "I was foolish enough to hope that you'd talk" pity on my ieno- nance and tell mo all about it.
 "But ] wouldn't think Of doing such thinG," she said. ""vcn f this mysterious transaction hat really taken place.
 "Nly word," sighed Vance. 'That is disappoiutin'. . Ah, WelI l see that I must tell you what litth | know about it. and trust 10 your sympathy 10 "ulightcn m" further. '
 Despite lho omjnous unl"rcur- r'nt of his words his l~,ity acted like srdatl>r 10 her anxiety. Sh" frlt that he Was friendly, however much hr might know about hrr
 Am | hrmglng you news when [ 1cl yon that Mr, Pfyf" forged Nit. l'' 1lNOIl $ Il,tIll t' q ' i'' h l'' &1o.ooo?" he asked,
 She hesjrat"d. -an2'ns lho pos -Hlo consequ"nc"s of her answer.
 "No. rhat isn't news. Andy 1eII% u," rvrr, hing.
 And did you also know that Mr.. Ronsou. when informed of il. WIS rather put outo - that. in fact, h." demanded noIe and signed con rc-siou before he would pay the rhocl""
 The uomau's eyes flashed auErlIy.
 "YrS. kucu that too.--Aud after all Andy huI Iou" for him, If over n man deserved shooting, fl was Al,iu RruSon. lIr was dog. And he lr,'eudcd 10 be Andy'S best ricn1.
 "Just think of ii. - rcrusu< to lend Andy tho money without |" confession, Nou'd hardly call that business deal, would you Id call il a dirty contcnlptihle, un- dor-nand trick"
 Sh, vas "nrag"d Her mask of breeding and Food-f'lloWShip had fallen from her; and she poured out vituperation on Benson with no thought of th. words she was using
 Her speech NaS devoid of all the orluary re'tccrrlcs of intercourse hrtN"cu strangers.
 Vance nodded roupnIiur1y 1urlng