The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-05-08
. RUTH
DEWEY GROVES

Sidewalk were but evidence to Ste
phen Of a life that was not hemmed
in by three small walls and a row OF
bars.
Bars! He'd hate the shadow of one
as long as he lived. But it took bars,
mortar and steel and locks and keys
to make a mar appreciate his liberty,
he told himself.
So far as he knew the shadow of
bars still hung over him. But for
that. :. how could he marry Pamela
until he proved his innocence?
Something OF the glory OF the day
faded. but Stephen was too confused
to know whether it was because he
knew himself to be still under a
cloud or whether it was because he
saw an impeachment to his marriage
with the girl whose love had over
come her pride and doubt at last.
At least Stephen believed it was
like that with Pamela. He believed
her reason for coming to him was the
one she had given-that she loved
him. He was not plunged into any
great, sudden. admiration for her no.
bility. but he did believe that she
was being honest. And she had Sc
cured his freedom. He must not for
get that.
The taxicab rolled away from the
curb while these thoughts travelled
through Stephens brain with more
speed than clarity. He vas over-
loaded with impressions.
One of them was that a tensenesS
endured with his companions In spite
of Oerndorf's brief comments, made
to relieve the awkwardness.
Stephen did not feel like talking.
His thoughts and his opportunity to
renew his acquaintance with the
world were enough for him.
Frean sat in silence, with only now
and then a mumbled syllable uttered
in response to something Oerndorf
had said.
i've directed the driver to 60 up
First avenue" Oerndorf explained
and looked at Frean. who showed
some surprise when the a proceeded
to cross Fifth avenue, eastward
bound. The traffic is too heavy on
Fifth: I haven't the time for it," the
lawyer added.
Him." was all Frean said, but
something in the way he spoke caused
Stephen to look at him in surprise.
Who was the fellow, anyway, he won
dered?
Oerndorf had not seen fit to en-
tighten him.
AS the car edged forward into a
crosstown traffic jam between two
parked trucks Stephen saw Frear
lean over and glance into the driv-
er's mirror, saw him draw back
quickly and sit tensely erect in his
scat.
His action made Stephen nervous
What the deuce was going on? Oern-
dorf may have sensed his uneasiness,
At any rate he put q question that
Stephen himself would have liked ia
ask.
rs there anyone trailing u.s. the
lawyer inquired in a low voice.
Frean nodded. "Blieve So"
Are you sure of this man?" Oern-
dorf asked, indicating the driver of
the taxicab with a slight motion of
his hand.
Hes O. r." Frean replied, not
troubling to lower his voice as Ocrn-
dorf had done. Zone of our men,"
Oerndorf's expression showed relief
not unmixed with concern. He had
not rclished this assignment but, be-
ing a junior partner in the firm Of
prominent attorneys that represented
Mr.. Judson in legal matters. he had
not been in a position to refuse to
undertake it.
And Mr.. JudSon had most explicit
ly insisted that he accompany Ste
phen to the hotel. Oerndorf had
been inclined to consider such guard
ianship unnecessary and the idea of
having a detective along had seemed
a crankish idea in view of the fact
that Mr. Judson. compelled to tele-
phone in his orders, had not been in
a position to relate the full facts In
the case to the lawyer.
But he had not failed to warn
Oerndorf that Stephen was the VIC
tim of relentless criminals; that his
life might reasonably be considered
in danger.
Keep a sharp lookout" the law
yer said to Frean, who considered it
an unnecessary ACCOMPLISHMENT since
he knew what he was there for" as
he said to himself.
Oerndorf turned to Stephen. Are
YOU aware that the me behind us, II
they arc following, are undoubtedly
your enemieS?" he asked.
Stephen Whistled.
Oerndorf nodded. Mr.. Judson in
formed us that you are in danger" he
explained as Stephen added nothing
to the whistle.
Suddenly Stephen clenched his
fists. Lets get them." he exclaimed
holly. Anyone Of Huck Connor's
men might lead us to himl"
Who Is Huck Connor?" 0erndort
asked.
Stephen glanced at him sharply. y
thought you knew" he said, sober
ing.
Il only know that Mr.. Judson
warned US your life might be In dan
ger"
Stephen had nothing more to say
about Huck. He did not know that
Mildred had gone to Mr.. Judson o.
even that Mr.. Judson suspected his
son had been killed.
He believed he'd better have q tall
with Mr.. Judson before saying any
thing even to Oerndorf.
But he wanted to get Huck II there
was q chance. He and Mildred knew
the man ri guilty. TO prove It wal
the only way Stephen saw to cleai
himself Of the framed-up charge thai
still stood against him.
He turned to Frean. who's II
that carp he. asked. did you sce7'
"A bird ! oIcc ran In" Frcan an
swcrrd. END the driver"
Know anybody by the name o