The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1936-08-25
CHAPTER NJ

Winnie, who had just entered
the room, announced viciOusly, Il
amt nearly as weak-StOmached as
YOU think. | hate sneaks, too, just
like | hate mice and rats. Here
come to think OF it, we'd better
give Louis the WOODROW key
since we've got a strange guest
come to visit US"
She went to the door and ex-
tracted the key. Be sure you
don't leave that key Wing
around" she warned Louis.
Trust me-" he grinned.
Molly. on the other side of the
door, heard Winnie'S ugly words,
but they made no impression. She
had been shaken by another voice.
A voice strange to this place, but
familiar and dear to her.
Brent was here. How like him
TO come tearing TO her rescue.
And like him, too, to come alone.
The knowledge came in u blind
ing flash, as she stifled a low
moan with her handkerchief. She
was in love with Brent. Terribly,
deeply in love with him. And
through her reckleSSneSS he was
at the mercy OF ruthless. vicious
men.
'If Brent is saved it won't mat
ter about me-" MOlly'S first silent
prayer went out.
She laid her lips against the
rough boards, whispered broken
ly, "Oh, Brent, Brent what have
i done to you?"
Her hand was on the door knob.
In her agitation she clenched it,
turning it a little. Suddenly, she
felt the catch release. Molly
breathed quickly. She must be
mistaken. She tried the knob
again carefully. The door was not
locked.
That woman, Those last venom
Gus words Of Winnie's had been
a screen to cover 4 Humanitarian
impulse. She had given Molly a
chance at life by unlocking the
door before she withdrew the key
and handed it TO Louis.
Molly opened the door a frac-
ton of an inch. She could see
Brent now. His face was lmpas-
sive, but she knew he must be
swept by inner turmoil. Brent IN
his absurd disguise, his mouth set
in grim lines, his gray eyes like
steel How she loved him.
He was facing her, and for q
moment she fancied his eyes rest
ed upon the door of her room with
q peculiar intentneSS.
ale knows Pm in this room"
Molly thought. Hes suffering
fearfully because he can't help
me. I'm to be the one to help
him now. There must be wayF
Bless Winnie, who had given
her the opportunity!
Louis slouched in his chair, his
bullet-shaped head thrown back
his eyes half closed. He was look
ing at Brent with the satisfaction
of a cat watching a trapped
mouse.
Molly Shivered. With ms mask
off, Louis was even more terrlty~
ing and repulsive.
She looked about her small prt-
son. There was nothing that
could be used as a weapon. The
woodroom, as it was called. was
bare of wood. Bare of everything
but the iron cot. the cracked mir
ror on the wall, a chair, and a
kerosenelamp which glowed dlmly
on the chair.
The lamp
Scarcely breathing, Molly took
the lamp to the door and blew out
the light. If the door creaked
when she opened it. she would be
undone.
She opened the door a trifle,
and instantly was aware that
Brent had seen the slight move
ment.
He was yawning deliberately,
stretching his arms above him.
81 can't figure out what all the
excitement is about" he said
naively. Funny that you folks
thought l was mixed up in some
racket or other. Since you're fore
ing me to spend the night, I'd like
a little entertainment"
The gangster appeared to be
amused. you're likely to get
right used to this place." ne
chuckled. Glow would you like
to stay here permanent"
at wouldn't like it. Too lone
some"
What special brand of amuSe-
ment would suit you, young fell
low"
Anything. Poker"
''Now, wouldn't that be nice
.la.A W., .;ttirnn. nnnnSs the hoard