Evening star., 1927-05-15

her through the open transom Of the
sitting room door. there was still
another character of this drama
Marjorie Grahan~-for Clifford had
decided that the possibilities of his
clearing up every phase of this case
would be increased. II Marjorie
Graham should learn all that had
been hidden from her.
All eyes turned to Clifford. He
glanced at the three conspirato tors:
Bradley and Airline Carlisle were
waiting in easy confidence; Mary
Regan looked nervous and eager.
Before taking up the settlement. "
Clifford began, II think 1t might be
well to understand why It is ueces-
sary. There Is Il certain man in this
city--a powerful, cunning man, with
d shire, ], ruthless brain---who has de.
veloped the enormously profitable
business Of turning to his advantage
the follies and mistakes OF people who
have money. This very clever gentle
man Is now sitting across the table.
His name in Bradley. Mrs. Jones
Mr.. Jones-that IS the present situa-
tion. You are both the victims of one
OF his plots, and Miss Carlisle has
been his instrument"
Its not--not so.' breathed Airline.
''Cut out the crazy melodrama, -
growled Bradley.
Clifford continued: "Mrs Jones,
here is how Bradley worked this game.
Bradley has agents everywhere. When
your son landed on Broadway his
agents quickly learned all about him
and you. Bradlev decided that he
could make the most money by marry
inSs your son to a woman of whom
you'd disapprove-one you would so
violently object to that you'd pay to
get rid of her. He required a. young
woman who would turn your money
over to him. In other words, one on
whom he had SO great a hold that she
would not dare to disobey him. He
had such a hold on Airline Carlisle.
Therefore. he picked her for the job
and ordered her to n1arrv --our SON"
Eafore any of the others could
speak the door opened, and straight
across the room walked Marjorie Gra-
ham.
Robert" she breathed. $3.50
that's your trouble-you're already
married.
Young Jones spring to his feet.
Marjorie, / wanted to tell you----"
would have gone except for Clifford.
"Wait, Miss Graham" he COM
manded. II want you - learn that
Robert Jones was the victim of a
trick
He suddenly seized Arline's bag.
and the next instant was holding out
the pearls. There were gasps.
These pearls represent Bradieys
hold upon Miss Carlisle" Clifford went
on. MIS- Carlisle stole them from
Miss Gale. Bradley learned of this
and threatened her with arrest unless
she married Mr.. Jones and turned
ov the fortune gained from the mar
rtage. In fear Of Bradley. she obeyed
She was to be allowed to keep the
pearls. and was perhaps to have
part Of the marriage settlement
Clifford stepped to Mrs. Jones bed
room door and opened 1t.
kindly come in, Miss Gale"
The star Of Break o. Day entered
Miss Gale. do you identify these as
your pearls?" inquired Clifford.
"I do" said Lorna Gale.
'These stolen pearls, Miss Gale,
were Just now found in the possession
of Miss Carlisle" Clifford turned
again to Airline. You see. We've got
you dead to rights. Come through
with the whole story. That's your
only chance now. Come through, and
I'll guarantee you immunity.
Clifford waited for the girl to pour
out her confession. A minute passed.
Then Airline turned toward Miss Gale.
Don't I get immunity anyhow.
Lorna? Doesn't our bargain hoid
good?"
"Of course. Airline"
whats that?" demanded Clifford.
I'm sorry fibbed TO YOU about that
offer of immunity, Mr.. Cliford, apolo'
gized Miss Gale. But I'd promised TO
keen quiet about the stunt until our
show had closed"
'Stunt?" echoed Clifford.
"Our show needed publicity" she ex-
nlained. land I had those pearls. The
stolen jewel stunt Is such an old one
that 1t seemed as good as new. Ihefe
was no theft. ! gave the pearls 10
Airline to put them In her safe deposit
box, and tonight she was to give them
back to me"
clifford saw it all. Those pearls had
been one element of Bradleys plan.
Bradley had adroitly handed him TINS
cline TO keen him from searching out
fhe real clue until Ii was too late.
, at seems that i was wrong about
these pearls" Clifford managed to say.
''but everything else I've said about
this affair being a frame-up is Inc
truth" He handed the necklace TO It's
owner. "Well not be needing you any
further, Miss Gale, so you may go.
y ~ y X
pRADLEY'S eyes glittered at Clifford
- In yelled mockery. Clifford looked
at the three persons with whom he
was most concerned--at the height or
his expose he had seen hope in the
faces of young Jones and Marjorie
Graham: now the faces of both were
full of disappointment. But the ex-
preston of Mary Regan was un-
changed.
Clifford drew out the certified check
that Mrs. Jones had given him. Here
is your quarter of million, Miss Car
isle" he said dryly. Let me exam
Inc the documents ! asked you for. ana
then we will make the exchange. First
the letter."
She handed this to him and he read
it through.
And now your marriage certificate,
please" She gave him an envelope.
He drew out the certificate and began
to examine 1t. OF all things. And
how-~how--did this get here?
But he managed TO say calmly:
Nov. Miss Carlisle. you'll get your
money If you will sign this receipt.
| suppose Airline Carlisle was your
name before your marriage?'