Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1935-07-12
CHAPTER vi

"Well, she used to go to school with
a friend of mine. I've known her
quite while-I can't understand it
she's engaged to some fellow or 9th
en-
you've met him, Fanny" her hus-
band put in, Grossly, "here in our
home, with Molly. You know that he
is mighty nice chap. why not say
so?"
81 don't know him very well-I gave
Molly an awful scolding for going to
this Winfield mans studio. Just the
same I'd protect her if 1 could, but
this has gone too far. suppose
Austin will break his engagement"
"Why should she come here?" one
of the detectives asked.
Chats what 1 would like to know
Lang added.
"Why, 1 told you-she wanted me
to say she had been with me all the
afternoon. I suppose she thought I'd
take pity on her and lie to save her."
''Save her from WHAT" her husband
asked.
"For goodness sake, are you doing
this detectives work for him." Fanny
snapped.
ct is a good question:" the older
detective said.
"She said she got in trouble there
and that Tom might find it out and if
I'd say she was here all afternoon
she could convince him that she hadn't
been near Duane's studio"
"It certainly surprises me. I'm sor-
ry for Austin if she is dragged into
this scandal" Lang remarked.
"I've got through being surprised
at anything these days." Fanny said
rather flippantly. "Of course I had
to tell the truth under these circum-
stances and 1 hope Molly will under
stand that not even to save her would
1 have my husband think-anything. .
"What sort of anything?" her hus-
band asked.
Fanny became nervous.
"That l was silly enough to go to
that studio OF become interested in
anyone like that"
The detectives thanked her and went
out.
Once outside one said-"Phoney!"
eff she isn't the dame, then I'm
crazy" his companion answered. "Did
you get the break she made-claims
she merely heard of Winfield, and
then called it 'Duane's studio :"
"Sure got it-and she's going to
have tough party with her husband.
He's regular and he's half wise now
and sore as the dewitt she isn't
careful he'll trip her up"
They didn't go back to Molly's
home. The authorities were still pre-
tending that they weren't interested
in her because they hoped to get hold
of Tom Austin through her.
Thousands of men wanted by the
law are caught every year in this
manner-by going back to see their
sweethearts or writing to them or hav-
ing their girl friends come and see
them.
To Fanny Lang's great relief her
husband didn't say much after the de-
tectives had gone.
'Too bad for Tom," he said, and
then, 81 suppose you thought you were
doing the square thing, Fanny but in
the future don't make promises like
that-don't try to cover up anyone
who is mixed up in crime"
"I suppose So" she answered, yawn-
ing.
The detectives made their report, in
Guiding their belief that Fanny's story
was decidedly too thin.
Fanny Lang did not sleep well that
night and as soon as her husband had
gone the next day she telephoned fol
Molly to come and see her. She put
a lot of sob stuff in her voice and
tenderhearted Molly went over.
She was feeling little better. Tom
was safe for the present. The morn
ing papers said that Winfield was i'm
proving. There was quite sensation
al story about the unknown woman
coming down the fire-escape from hi:
rear windows.
Fanny was in bed when Molly go
there. Her eyes were red from strong
smelling salts.
She appeared hysterical.
"You must save me-" she cried