The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-08-26
cRAPTRR XIl

again: Tt wasn't no phcny act Steve. 70 was real, the way they talked. She didn't sound like the same girl. She's Molly Milford, sure as you live, only you don't know 1t. " "one Of us is crazy," Black sneered, sand itS not me"
 'Iouis happens to be right" Brent said suddenly. "6he b Molly Milford"
 mThere, Steve, what did I tell you7 A cool half million in otir handsl" ~ghut up. I'm sick of that talk. "
 s1'm Brent Stuart" Brent said. aAn architect. I came here to find Miss Milford. Now that you know tho truth, there's nothing to pre- vent you from carrying out your plans. Mir. Milford would pay any amount Co have her back. You can do what you please with me, but you're fooiish Co throw away c for. tune. Let Molly tell you how she happened to come here disguised in another girls clothes. and how the ether girl was mistaken for Molly" 1 You're dead wrong, Steve" grumbled Louis.
 Steve turned, suddenly. to Molly. s1Aake 1t snappy. And think up . good one."
 While Brent had been pleading for her Molly had been analyzing the situation. These men. with . lust for money, would risk c lot for a big ransom, and take the chance on escaping the police. They would probably return her alive irugged--which would give them an opportunity to make their getaway. But they would never double the risk by turning Brent loose, too Brent, who loved her, whom Shc loved 90 much, was doomed. Brought to this dreadful end by her own foilyl
 "iiurry, sister. we've no time to waste. Ia this fellow telling the truthP Tell Q straight story and toll all of it."
 ~gufe," Molly said in c low, husky voice, iapsing into the language and tone she had counterfeited so suc- ceaseuily during her Imprisonment. ''f met this poor kid down town and she looked all in, and I said. "Come on, ride home in my limousine and m dress you up swell for once in your life and I'll wear those rags you've got on and give my ooy friend the laugh of his life. r."
 Molly" Brent cried frantically' "What are you doing2"
 'Mollyi" Steve Black Inimlcked' 'Like hell she Is. Well, sister, you probably did your best" =.
 "Can't you see she's acting2' Brent's agony was in his voice ana eyes. Molly" he pleaded. you can't help me. You're throwing yo,lr life away for nothing. Don't yoN know the only thing that would make thH beaEable would be to know you were saVed7 Iswear. darl. inR. I'd die happy to have you safe acain. Molly, think of your fatherl"
 "A pretty speech. A mighty ai. fsoting speech" Steve Black mocked. 1T guess the little girl would do what she could to save her akin, But, seeing she's not the girl' she's pretty helpless" - A..
 Molly smiled faintly. "lts too had I didn't go to school much, she said, "I'm not 70 dumb. l couida passed myself off for that girl if they hadn't read about her in the papers. It wasn't in the cards, I guess"
 "Aii right, Louis. Scramble our traps together" Steve commanded "f2 1t hadn't been for your damn dramatics we'd have gotten away . long time ago"
 The atmosphere of the place was charged with suspense. Brent, one aYm around Molly, stood quietly, riRidiy, but it was c dangerous type of rigidity suggesting coiled steel ready to spring. -.
 Molly, white faced and weary, leaned closer against Bren'tS arm and felt 1t tighten spasrnodically about her.
 Just a little while to be together Just a little time when -- but for those two violent men -- they would be going on and on into q future onroched by love and happiness and useful living.
 "Oh, Molly" Brent groaned, "why don't you tell them the truth2"
 Louis came out of the bedroom with two hulging cases. one popped open suddenly. and an assortment of clothing spilled on tho floor.
 "What are you trying to do2 Wipe up the floor with my celan shirAP" steve asked angrily. He stopped and picked up some of the garments, still keeping c hand on his gun.
 From the dark porch outside came a grim command: Drop the artil. lery, Black. You. too, fellow. This machine guns primed for action. 10 won't do you any good Co take ( wild shot into the darkness. Even rats like you cant slip through the circle of police around this place, As another precaution, VIC puncturCd your automobile tires. Take it easy. Your first move will be your last. Ali right, boys, go in and take 'cm. They're all yours"
 It seemed to Molly that the place was swarming with uniformed men. materialiSing before her eyes out of thin air.
 She flung her arms wildly about Brent. "0h, Brent, we're not 90. ing to die. We're going to livel"
 lie held her close. Tho next moment he felt . friendly hand on his shoulder.
 "so you thought you could come aaA a0aiAak a 0a00 atSa0ia. ha adAd