EVENING LEDGER-PHILADELPHIA, HtJBSDAlr MARCH ll, 19X5:
THE BLUE BUCKLE
. A BAFFLING MYSTERY AND BREATHLESS TALE OF ADVENTURE
By WILLIAM HAMILTON OSBORNE
Author of "Tho Kcd Mouse," "The Running Fight,' "CaUpaw," titc.
eoyrtiht, xtu, Mtnmt, Nt Co.)
kVNOrstB.
. On hmril a trnnitfanH) liner, returning
frum Jtnript, Crala Rutherfetd toll " 'Y
WttH B Hiomait, a Mrs. Talcolt. She seems In
IroosrM bv Something, but refutes his helpt
nid spends molt of fs dm with Mr Invalid
AlilioMif. Alo en board It J, Baron Itelder'
Wh, flii Unscrupulous financier, line tnahes a
business preposition to Rutherford, and in n
toni-eriallon taut that he suspects the Tal
ents of somsthlnp. He direct attention to a
Nut buckle worn bv tire. Talcott. Later
Jleldetman bribes the uiretcss operator to
let htm takt a r,essa.oe. , .,
the nleteaoe he takes is that a ''
earl hecklace isbctno smuonled Into this
reliHlI'v. An etdertv mon and a young uoman
ore iniltlv. Again p(rion ts directed aaalnst
the. Talbois. lMicr Mrs, Talbot IJ !"'
tt a ruffian who attempts to snatch the blue
buckle from htr. Crala Rutherford rMeye
her. Foltatcino the uomon he tare, he catches
a Wmpse of her In Heldcrmart suite, with
her arms about his ncefc. .
At the doeft, A'eio Vorfc. ifr Talcott forces
her iiv Into (,'rnlfl' rati and as ' '
drtre her liome tnV imln ll house,
., , ...... ... .Jul,. ht Iftl . DUE Mf,
Talcolf's tolce I heard, u-arnlnff him 0 7U
presence,
VII
NECKLACE Oil BUOIU.B-WIIICH?
Kutherford started guiltily. then
straightened up nnd faced tho door, lie
had reeoBnlied tho voice of Mr. Henry
Talcottv and momentarily waited for him
to enter and create a scene CralB had
a. -well-bred objection to scenes of this
character, and had never expected to bo
a party to one: but the Interpretation
which the husband of this Rlrl would put
upon tho present situation whs painfully
clear to him.
Mr. Henr Talcott, however, did not
choose to appear.
Cralc glanced down at hlB companion.
Bhe was lcanlnc back In her chair, actu
ally looking relieved and easy.
''You aro not alone In tho house, then!"
ho half-asked, half-asserted.
"I shall not be alone now," she an
swered smiling.
In that extraordinary moment, Ruther
ford could only look at her In silent won
' der. What was she trying to do, nnd
why had she brought him Into tho house
at all? Was alt their elaborate search of
tho house merely a part of somo now
scheme she was trying to work out? And
why, since Mr. Talcott evidently resented
his intrusion, didn't that gentleman walk
Jn and demand an explanation or apol
ogy? Tho Bttuatlon was beyond even
guessing; It absolutely baffled Ruther
ford's powers of deduction.
As if In answer to his unspoken ques
tions, tho girl continued:
'Mr. nutherfoid. It Is only fair to ou
to tell you why I came with you today,
and why I asked you to enter this
house."
Iluthcrford held his peace, wondering
what new praso of tho Inexplicable situ
ation was to develop.
"Will you be good enough to give me
tho buckle?"
"What buckle?" he nsked In amaze
ment. "The blUe buckle," she answered: "the
on you saw me wear on board ship."
Her hand was extended confidently.
Bhe was asking him to restore some
thing he never laid hands upon, some
thing he had not thought about all that
day.
"Glvo you tho buckle, Mrs. Talcott!
How can I? You know I haven't had it!"
"I think you will llnd it In your pocket,
If you try," she Insisted.
He thrust his hands into the pockets of
tho light topcoat he wore.
"Not there!" she said; "In your other
coat, please."
Ho reached skeptically into the left
pocket of his coat, and an eVpiissfon of
complete) bewilderment crept over his
face. The girl smiled at his dismay.
"Out with it'" she said, Jestingly.
Slqwly ho drew forth his hand and of
fered her its contents.
It was a diamond necklace a gorgeous
strand of stones, worth at least fifty
thousand dollars.
Tho girl made no effort to take it, but
Instead drew back with a little excla
mation. He himself looked at her grave
ly, his worst fears realized and again a
wave of anger swept over him, that he
should have been lugged bodily, as it
were. Into n wretched smuggling scheme.
As she made no move to take the gems,
he laid them upon the desk.
"No, no! I don't want that! I want
tho buckle, please, quick!" Bho begged.
'This Is your property," he persisted,
obstinately.
"I don't understand you but, please,
tho buckle) Look In your other pocket!"
Obedient to the whims of this astonish
ing person, he felt in his other pocket
The Sharp corners of the blue buckle
pricked his fingers. He drew it out, and
with a rapturous Joy which would seem
ingly have welcomed the necklace, aha
extended both hands for this simple
trinket.
"May I examine it?" he asked quietly,
retaining possession of the buckle.
6ho clasped and unclasped her fingers
nervously, and watched him with mani
fest concern, while he leisurely scrutin
ized tho object.
It proved to be more interesting than
ho had thought. It was ancient and bat
tered and scarred, Its workmanship, by
hand, was that of a day when metai
smithy -were less accomplished. Ub chief
distinction, however, and one thut added
to the mystery which seemed to surround
this girl, lay in un inscription scratched
deeply Into tho steel and running across
the upper and lower edge of tho oblong
buckle. Craig traced tho puzzling letters
with an effort:
Cinlg went to the window, pulled aside
the hangings a (rifle, and peeped out. He
was curiously assisted In his spying by
otic of thoe convenient, but old-rash
lonptl devices, a minor set at 1111 ancle,
ptojectfng finni Hie house, which enable
tho hostess to decide whether or not she
Is at home.
"It's a woman with n big leather bag,"
he announced. "She's young, and she
looks harmless. Come and see "
She came, and their heads nlmo't
touched, as she peered out. Ono glance,
and she gave a little cry or delight: tho
neit moment She was speeding across
the loom and down tho stairs.
"Sophlel Sophie! 1 nm so glad! I
thought you were not coming'" her volco
wnn honid exclaiming In Hip lower hnll
Iluthcrford guessed, from the humbly
delighted manner of (he young woman
who now entered, that she was the maid
to whom Mrs. Talcott had previously al
luded. "Mademoiselle, when Ihev flcht vour
dear"
"Yes, jos. Sophie, you may tell me
later! It In enough that I have jou
again'" her mistress Interrupted, evldont
Iv not desiring any further disclosures at
tlili time.
S'ophle, however, was Irreprcslhle.
"Ah, Mademoiselle! I coma on tho ship
to von. I follow you here. You ao my
heart. To escape, to get to you, I havo
mndn myself llko n mouse!"
Without having ni yet seen the girl,
Craig found her effusiveness unpleasant.
It aroused a Bplrlt of suspicion nnd un
enslneni within him. She seonied fo pro
test too much. Hut her mistress was al
most childlike In hei delight at having
a compnnlon for the loneliness sho must
enduie In the ancient house.
"Come, Sophie, we must get settled. It
will seem a gieat deal moie like home,
when 1 sen jou In cap nnd apt on."
The maid followed her mistress up to
the second floor, and as sho passed
Rutherford sho gavo 11 quick, sldewlso
Blanco at him. Rutheiford know that It
was ono of those keen, inquiring looks
by which a clever observer gains much
information.
Presently Mrs. Talcott roturnod to tho
study
"You cannot Imnglno how relieved I
feel, to have my maid with mo again I"
sho said.
Her excitement and flight seemed all
to have gone. She was again the self
possessed woman, and now Reemed Im
bued with an ndded dignity that of hos
tess. Rutherford would not have been at
all surprised if sho had asked him
courteously to stay to lunch, or form a
fourth at a game of auction!
YpK (hnrn lav tho diamond nocklaco In
plain sight, gathering most of the light
rajs which seeped In thiough the win
dow, and brilliantly giving tho lie to any
appearance of tho commonplace that Mis.
Talcott might assume.
Rutherford picked up hat and gloves,
and turned to sav good-toy.
"Mr. Rutherford. I wish I could tell
vou how much I have appreciated jour
kindness. I wish I could say I wish I
cmild explain"
"Mis. Talcott, I do not wish you to ex
plainuntil the proper time But pleaso
remember, I have tried to help J oil be
cause It was you, and not because J
approve of well, of this!"
Ilo had meant to say. "of what you
have done," but looking Into her seiene,
trustful eyes ho couldn't possibly say It.
Instead, he mutely Indicated tho dia
monds. "Whj'. I do not understand you' she
said, eyes wide and troubled. "Have 1
done something to offend you?"
"1 am afraid it Is Uncle Sam you havo
up tho gems ana nanueu
of war," lie said with a
nt him, surprised and
OXB I VI ESAP IPSE
"What does it mean?" ho asked.
"Ah, If I only knew?" she exclaimed.
"How often have I puzzled over It! It
may mean something a great deal to
both of us. If may mean nothing at all.
And If It means nothing I I don't think
I ean bear It'"
The tears Btood in her eyes as she
reached again for the buckle. Ho re
leased It, standing for the fiftieth tlnws at
a, Ions for words, There lay the glittering
diamonds, utterly unnoticed by her,
while she pressed this plain little ateel
buckle- to her breast. Ha know now that
she was not acting a part-that her
trouble was very real and vital and her
genuine distress drew him to her far more
strongly than any of her previous moods
had done.
Suddenly she stood alert, lookine wildly
about
"What was. that?" she whispered.
"I hegrd notbinsY he replied In low but
reassuring tones.
"A vehicle has stopped In front of the
door. Do you think we could have been
followed from the pier?"
1 aa not think so. I saw no one," he
repJIfd,
"But your cab-you left it outside!"
"Mo I did! I had forgottsn all about
h taxi!"
"We should not have been so confl
ma," die said. Including herself in any
Wi. "Usis$ Someone la at the
floor.
Tit bell 4gl4 Insistently. Ruther-
, topi wandied, why this girl had betrajed
m UilU eoneenr awhile ago. at the en-
" tap!! r Me. Ttawrtt whn sh was now
iW fWnd the eomlnu of
-5 iWt.
w Mt am c wto If If.' site wlus-M
Ttw mmavv ioti- 10 n.fii.
I 'i "t-t lima j
Ho picked
them to her.
"The spoils
bow.
She looked up
half-indignant.
"I don't understand you."
"Aren't these diamonds j'ours?" he
asked pointedly.
"I never saw them before' How can
you bo so absurd? Toil produced them
from your own pocket'"
"Also the blue buckle. You do not
deny ownership of that, I suppose?"
"No. I put that there, mj'self! It was
the only way I felt It would be safe,
after that attack. I was afraid that the
persons who seemed to know about It
might try to get It again. But we nre
at- cross-purposes about the gems. Pleaso
stato plainly what 'ou mean!"
Sho wns confuspd. hurt, angry. Ruther
ford knew that the best way out of tho
tnntrie was in nlnln nneech.
"Mrs. Talcott, didn't you placo those
diamonds In my pocket?"
"How could I? I never owned such a
necklace."
Innocence never looked more confident
ly from two flashing eyes.
"You know nothing whatever about
this necklace?" ho exclaimed again,
amazed and at the same time overjoj-ed
at the prospect of clearing her skirts
of smuggling
"Nothing," sho answered. "Pleaso do
anvthlng you like with It except leave
it 'here'"
Rutherford looked at the flashing
stones, ns though they were unreal or
ho were In a trance. Evidently she
knew nothing of the smuggling that had
agitated the tfilp. It was, indeed, quite
easv to see that the persons most sus
pected had hoard least In fact, nothing
at all about the gossip and accusation
which had buzzed nil about them.
Rutherford crumpled the stones to
Bether nnd was dropping them In his
pocket, when a peremptory voice halted
him.
"Stop!"
Ho whirled around. A man sprang Into
the room and seized hla arm In an at
tempt to secure tho Jewels.
"We'll trouhlo you for that." a second
man asserted, also approaching Ruther
ford But tho latter, with the trained In
stincts and muscles of n athlete, had
not waited to parley. With one swift
wrench ho escaped the grasp of the flrs,l
Intruder and retreated until he stood
with hla back against the desk.
Mrs. Talcott ran swiftly toward him,
but her first object was apparently to
secure the blue buckle, which sho
presed tlghtlv against her breast. This
movement attracted the attention of the"
two men her convulsive clutch upon the
puckle. That they saw the buckle was
quite evident. Their1 eyes traveled qulok
ly toward it and for a moment they de
serted Rutherford and made a concerted
motion toward the woman and the
buckle, This movement startled her ex
ceedingly and she darted swiftly out of
reach.
For the present they abandoned her.
But Cralr noted during the ensuing in
terview and jn fact during the entire
fracas that ensued that not for one In
stant 'did the two Interlopers lose sight
of that blue buckle, clutched tightly as It
was In Mrs. Talcotfs nana, wow, how
ever, they gave attention to the neck
lace still dangling from Rutherford's
fingers.
"How did you get In?" he demanded.
"Wke anybody else would: rang the
bell." said one o( the men Insolently, aa
though assured that the situation was
entirely In their own hands.
"You let them In!" cried Mrs. Talcott
reproachfully, to Sophie, who now thrust
a scared fare in the doorway.
"Oui. Mademoiselle, how should I
know?" tho girl exclaimed, wringing' her
hands.
Even in the stress- of the present mo
ment. Craig remarked tha.t Jjhe maid ad
dressed her uatres again aa "Mademoi
selle." ' .'
"I (did. not her Uv bell ring,1' he said,
looking sharply at the maid
Mr. Talcott caught the meaning of bis
MordJ, aa4 was qulek to take the (Irl's
Ptft
aMe n-itberfard, Hophle would never
allowed aw to come In, who
couH annoi mi, if Im4 mamt4
n
Sophie cast a grateful gianco toward
her inlstressj but Craig thought that he
observed a Ibok of Understanding flash
from her to the two mon, oh she turned
and left the 100m.
iluthcrford himself had recognized both
tho men at once. They wote tho seetct
nervine, men from the. shin. Plainly, he
was In a light corner, with the smuggled
booty visible In his possession. Neverthe
less, he endeavored to gain time by dis
sembling "What brought you hero?" he de
manded. "You know very well what wo want,
said one.
"I do not. But even It I did, tho secret
service has nothing lo do with me," an
swered Rutherford calmly
"We'll see about that. Tho Government
wants you nnd that diamond nocklaco you
smuggled In."
"Here's tho necklace, but I did not
smuggle it In' I'm perfectly willing to
go lo your superior, nnd explain how
tho thing carno Into mv possession "
He stopped suddenly, realizing that this
was precisely wlml he could not explain.
As ho half-extended tho gems, tho first
man paid no attention lo ltW hesitation,
but reached for them eagerly.
"Oh, that's nil right!" Ho saiu. -jusi
give up tho necklace quietly now, and
wo can (Ix If up at tho office later.
That's the best way to keep out of trou
hie. fJlve It un!"
Hut tho fellow had over-reached him
self. Ruthei ford had 'noted tho look of
cupidity which came Into his eyes, una
also realized that It was a declclodlv un
official proceeding to allow a suspect tn
go, merely upon relenso of property.
With n swift motion nr his wilst ho
slipped the Jewels Into his pocket.
"None of that!" cried the man, lung
ing nt him.
But ho reckoned without his host.
Rutherford met him half-way with a firm
sot of his muscles which halted tho man
with a Jolt. The other sprang to his
side, nnd tried to glower Rutherford oiu
of countenance.
"You're getting In bnd," ho said, "re
sisting an ofilcer. Bettor give up the dia
monds without any fuss!"
Rutherford wavered. After nil, why
should he care what bcenmo of tho neck
lace? Ho was tired of tho very sound of
the word. He would give thorn up now,
and make his peace with the customs of
fice later. But an objection came from
another quarter. Mrs. Talcott stood by
his side, facing tho men undaunted.
"Mr. Rulherfoid, don't do It! I wain
vou! If these men aro not what they
olnlm to be, jou will have to rclmburso
tho Government for the diamonds. Please
Via Hiire before vou act!"
"Rleht Oh!" ho said, smiling at her.
"It will be easy enough to make sure.
1 will Just call up the customs ofllco nnd
see "
While he spoke, ho had reached for tho
telephone, but ho never clasped the re
ceiver, "I guess not!" Interrupted one of tho
men. "We're In charge of this case see?"
And he blocked the way, while his part
ner took the Instrument away from Ruth
erford. Tho latter looked from one man to the
other In surprise, nnd Mrs. Tnleott's
warning took on a deeper Import. II
these inn were what they protended to
he. what he had nil along believed them
tn be. whv should they object to such a
simple proof?
"You're Just trying to gain time'"
blustered one. "But it won't work' Tou
needn't think thnt we are going to fool
around here nny longer. Give up that
necklace quick, or I'll know the reason
whv!"
Craig raged at the insult In tho words.
Tie realized with a start thnt ho wns not
in somo foreign land, but nt home, in old
New York, where he wns n respected
nnd well-known citizen, with friends and
influence nt his command The folly of
stJindlng here nnd letting a common ruf
fian, even If ho were an officer of the
law, Insult him, was more than be could
stand.
"Give ma that phone!" he commanded.
"If vou nre what you claim to he, a
simple question won't hurt j'ou. T de
mand tho right'"
Ho shoved the Intruding man nalde,
nnd stretched out Ills hand once more for
the Instrument The next Instant, both
of the fellows were upon him.
He struck out vigorously with his right
and left, but tho men were too close,
and quickly pinioned his arms.
"None of that, I tell vou! Resisting
nn officer!" shouted one, dinwlng an
ugly-looking club from his pocket.
Rutherford saw the weapon brandished
above his head and about to descend.
Ho knew In the Instant that these men
tn
Ing. But the expected blow did not fall
"Stdp! Don't strike! Don't you darel"
H wns Mrs. Talcott who1 spoke, nnd al
though sho scarcely raised her voice,
tho two men, relaxed tholr hold and
sprang bAck. Craig turned to seo tho
causo of their sudden accession of re
spect, and found It In tho hiuzzlo of the
icvolver, firmly held nnd well aimed.
"If yoii tako another step In this di
rection I shall shootl", sho said in even
tones to tho men.
They looked Into her steady eyoi, nnd
knew that Bha meant It, nnd could prob
ably shoot straight. Nevertheless, they
shifted unenMly, loalll to fall In what
they had undertaken,
"Don't shoot1" cxclalmod Craig. "It
would make trouble, and that Is what you
nro trying to avoid. These men. were
admitted Into jour house by your
ma'n "
"They are hero to steatl" sho asserted
calmly.
"Never mind that now don't shootl"
replied Crrig, stepping between her nnd
tho men. The courageous look In her
faco had made him bb fearful as tho two
assailants that she would flro nt a
moment's notice,
"That's right' You'll get Into all sorts
of trouble If you flro!" said tho stocky
man, stepping quickly1 to Rutherford a
side, In order to be still more out of
range. "Tho necktaoe, sir, and we'll gol"
Mrs. Talcott evidently thought that he
meant to glvo It up, for she again tried
to Interpose.
"No, nol t won't let yout I know they
are Impostcrsl Something tclU mt" she
cried. -
Her back wis turned to the second
nian, ns sho spoke htid with a, bound ho
had sprung forward arid w.rested (he
weapon from her grasp. .
"Now tako the diamond owa' from
him, Bam I" ho announced, triumphantly.
"I've got the gun!" ......
The stocky man gave ono look nt Mrs.
Talcott, and tho baffled expression upon
her face showed him that he had nothing
to fear from her. Ho leaped at Ruther
ford, and tho two went down, Had he
not been so eager, tho revolver In the
other's hands would have compelled an
easy victory. Now, Craig fought on even
terms, whllo ovor them hovered n white
faced helpless woman nnd n man who
dared not .shoot. Back and forth they
twisted and writhed, tho efforts of tho
stocky man being directed toward secur
ing the necklace.
Mrs, Talcott tried to run to tho desk.
(CONTINUED TOMORROW)
THE TEMPTING OF TAVERNAKE
By E, PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
CHAPTER IX.
1.-OR ALWAYS
Once again It neemed to Beatrice that
history was repeating Itself. The dingy,
oblong dining loom, with Its mosquito
netting, stained tablecloth and hard can
chairs, expanded until sho fancied hersolt
in tii .irnwiiiir room of Blenheim House.
Between tho landladies there was llttlo
enough to choose. Mrs. Halthby Law
rence, notwithstanding her rntistlc tongue
nnd suspicious nature, had at least made
somo pretense at genlllltv. The woman
who faced her now hard-featured, with
narrow, suspicious cc? and a mnss ol
florid hair wns unmlstnkably nnd bru
tally vulgar.
"What's the good of Jour keeping on
saving you hope to get an engagement
next week?" she demanded, with a sneer.
"Who's likely to cngago you? Why,
you've lost jour color and your looks and
your weight slnco you camo to stay hero.
They don't want such na you In tho
chorus. And for tho rest, j-ou'ro too high
nnd mighty, that's my opinion of you.
Tnko what you can get, nnd bo thank
ful Hint's my motto. Day nfter dny j'ou
tramp nhout the streets with your head
In the nlr, nnd won't tnko this and won't
tnko that, and mean while my bill gets
bigger and bigger. Now where havo you
been to this morning, I should llko to
know?"
Beatrice, who was faint nnd tired,
slinking In every limb, tried to pass out
of tho room, but her questioner barred tho
wav.
"I have been up town," sho answered,
nervously.
"Hear of nnythlng?"
Beatrice shook her head.
"Not yet. Plensp let me go upstairs and
lie down. I nm tired nnd T need to rest."
"And I ni-eri my money," Mrs. Rellnn P.
Watklns dcclnird, without quitting het
position, "nnd It's no good jpur going up
to vour room because the door's locked."
"What do vou mean?" Beatrice faltered.
"I mean that I've done with you," tho
lodging-house keeper nnnounced. "Your
room's locked up nnd tho key's In my
pocket, and the sootier jou get out of this
the b-tter t shall be pleased."
"But my box my clothes," Beatrice
cried.
"I'll ketip 'em a week for 'ou," tho
woman answered. "Bring mo the monoy
bv then nnd j-ou shall have them. If I
don't hear nnythlng of jou they'll go to
the auction mart."
Something of her old spirit fired tho girl
for n moment. Sho wns nngrj-, nnd sho
forgot that her knees weie trembling with
fatigue, thnt she was weak and aching
with hunger.
"Ho'v dare vou talk like that!" she ex
claimed. "You shall have your money
shortlv, but I must have my clotheo. I
cannot go nnj-where without them "
Tile woman laughed harshlj-.
"Look here, my joung lady." she said,
"j'ou'll see j-oilr box ngnln when I see
the color nf jour money, and not before.
And now out you go, please out you go!
If you'ro going to make any troubIcrSolIy
will havo to show j-ou the: way down tho
steps."
The woman hnd opened the door and a
colored servant, half dressed, with a
broom in her hand, came slouching down
the passage. Beatrice turned and fled
out of tho greas.v. noisome atmosphere,
down tho wooden, uneven steps, out into
tho ugly street. She turned toward tho
nearest elevated ns though bj' instinct,
but when sho camo to the bottom of tho
stairs sho stopped short with a; llttlo
groan. Sho know very well that alio had
not a nickel to pay the fare. Her pockets
were empty. All daj sho had eaten noth
ing, and her Inst coin had gono for tho
car which had brought her back from
Broadway. And here she was on the
other side of Now York, In the region of
Iow-cIips lodging houses, with tho Bowery
between her nnd BrOadwaj', Sho had
nolthor tho strength nor the courago to
walk, With a half-stlfted eob Bhe took off
her ono romalnlng ornament, a. cheap en
ameled brooch, and entered a pawnbrok
er's shop closo to where she had been
standing. '
"Will you give me something on this,
pleaso?" she nsked, desperatel.v.
A man who seemed to be sorting a pllo
of rcadv-modo conts paused In his task
for a moment, took tho ornament Into his
hand nnd thiew It contemptuously upon
tho counter.
"Not worth anything." ho answered.
"But It must bo worth something," Bea
trice protested. "I only want a very llt
tlo." Something In her voice compelled tho
man's attention. He looked at her white
faco.
"Whit's tho trouble?" he Inquired.
"I must got up to 6th nvenuo some
how," sho declared. "I can't walk nnd
I havon't a nickel."
Ho puBhcd tho brooch back to her and
threw u dlmo upon tho counter.
"Well," he said, "you don't look fit to
walk, nnd that's a fact, but tho brooch
isn't woith entering up. There's a dlmo
for you. Now git, please, I'm busj."
Bcatrlco clutched tho coin nnd, almost
forgetting to thank him, found her way
up tho iron stairs on to tho platform of
the elevated. Soon she wob seated In
the train, rattling and shaking on Its way
through tho Blums Into the heart of tho
wonderful city. There was only ono thing
left for her to tr.v, a thing which sho hod
haa In her mind for dnys. Yet sho found
herself, even now she wns committed to
It, thinking of what lay before her with
something like black horror. It was hor
last resource, Indeed. Strong though she
was, she know by many small signs that
her strength was almost at an end. The
days and weeks of disappointments, the
long fruitless ttudges from office to of
fice, tho heart-sickness of constant re
fusal, poor food, the long fasts, had all
told their talc. She was attractive enough
still. Her pallor seemed to have given
her 11 wonderful dcllcacj'. Tho curvo of
her lips and tho soft light In her gray
eves vvcro still as potent ns ever. When
sho thought, though, what 11 poor asset
her appearance had been the color flamed
In her cheeks.
In Broadway sho mudo her way to a.
very magnificent block of buildings, and,
passing inside, took the lift to the seventh
floor. Here sho got out and knocked tim
idly at n glass-paneled door, on which
was Inscribed tho name of Anthony Crux
hall. A verj' superior young man bade
her enter and Inquired her business,
"I wish to seo Mr. Cruxhall for a mo-
.ment, 'privately," gho said. "I shall not
detain him for more than a minute, iiy
name Is .Franklin Miss Beatrice Frank
lin." The young man's lips seemed about to
shape thomselves Into a whistle, but
something in the girl's face made htm
change his mtnd.
"I guess the boss Is in," ho admitted,
"He's Just got back from a big meeting,
but I nm not sure abdut his seeing any
one todnj-. However, I'll tell him that
you're hero."
Ho disappeared Into nn Inner roofn.
Presently ho' camo out again and held
the door open.
"Will you walk right in, Miss Frank
lin?" ho Invited.
It Strengthens the
Public's Hand
Here, briefly, is the bill just introduced in the Pennsylvania
, Legislature which by repealing the Full Crew Law gives the public
greater power in its place: J
"The Public Service Commission . . . shall have power
... to require any railroad corporation ... to employ a
sufficient and adequate number of men upon any of its trains."
The railroads urge the repeal of the Full Crew Law because it,
is right that this inequitable law compelling the railroads to waste . '
two million dollars a year in unearned wages should be off the
statute books, .
That the citizens of Pennsylvania, who directly or indirectly
suffer from this tremendous waste, are back of the railroads in
their fight is abundantly evident. Public sentiment, expressed in
actions of boards of trade throughout the State, in countless petiv - '
tions and in hundreds of thousands of letters urging the repeal of
the Full Crew Law, has spoken and spoken emphatically, ' '-
But the railroads are not asking for the repeal of this law be
cause they seek more power for themselves. The very act repealing
the Full Crew Law places in the hands of the Public Service Com
mission, authorized guardian of the public, the trainmen and the
railroads alike, the power properly to man trains. ' '
By putting this control wreVe it belongs, efficiency of operation ,
is assured and the money now wasted in unearned wages can be
spent for your better, and safer service.
If this bill is passed you citizens of Pennsylvania will be
relieved of the injurious effects of an unjust law and at the sarne- 1jf '
time retain to an even greater degree your power of control over
your servants', the railroads of your State,
Tell your Representatives at Harrisburg to work and vote.for,
-this amendment. It strengthens the Public's hand, ' " " '
SAMUEL REA.
Pnttdcot, Pcnaijrlysala Kaltread.
DANIEL WILLARD,
President. Biltunare sJod.Ohlo IUllro4.,
THEODORE "yaORHEES,
Puiidint, Philadelphia aodRetiiiac JUjJwajr. . . ;
R, L. O'DONNEL, Chairman," '.'.
Kcutl Committee, AnocUtci Hilro0 of PasylvaU ao4 Nw Jiny.
1U CemmtieUl Tru.t liuildlic, Pblldthhl, '
JJeatflee went In bravely enough, but
her knees began to tremble when sho
found herself in the presence ; of the 1 man
she had como to visit. Anthony Crux
hall was not a pleasant looking person.
His cheeks wero fat nnd puffy, he wore
a diamond ring Upon tho flng6r of h s too
white hand and ft diamond pin 1 In his
somewhat flashily arranged necktie, Ho
was smoking a black cigar, which he
omitted to remove from bottveon his teeth
as he welcomed his visitor.
"3o v6u'vo come lo seo mo nt last, llttlo
Bliss Bcatrlco!" ho said, with a particu
larly unpleasant smile. "Como and sit
down here by the side of ml-. That's right,
ch' Now what can I do for you?
Beatrlco was trembling nil over. I he
man's eye wore hateful, his smllo was
hideous. ,,
"1 have not n-ccnt In the world, Mr.
Cruxhall," she faltered! "I cannot get an
engagement, I havo been turned out of
my rooms and 1 nm hungry. Mv father
always told mo that you would bo a
friend If nt nny tlmo It happened that I
needed help. I nm very sorry to have to
-.. n.i i,oc-. vnt thnt Is what I nm
doing. Will you lend or glvo me $10
or J20. so thnt I can go on for a llttlo
longer? Or will you help mo to get ft
place among some of vour theatrical
PMr.CCruxhall puffed steadily nt his cigar
for a moment and, leaning back In his
chair, thrust his hand Into his trousors
pockot. , .
"So bad ns that. Is it7" he remarked.
"So bad as thnt, eh?"
"It l.i very bad Indeed," sho answered,
looking nt him quietly, "or you know that
I Rhotild not havo come to you. '
Mr. Cruxhall smiled.
"I romember tho last time we talked, to
gether," ho said, "we didn't get On very
well. Too high nnd mighty tn those days,
wilren't you, Mlso Bentrlco7 Wouldn t
have nnythlng to say to a bad lot llko
Anthony Cruxhall. You'ro having to
como to It, eh?
Sho begnn to tremble again, but sho
held herself In. . , ,
"T must live," she murmured. "Give mo
n little money nnd let mo go away."
Ho lRiighed.
"Oh, I'll do better thnn thnt for you,
ho answered, thrusting his hand into hln
wlastcoat pocket nnd drawing out n, pllo
of dollar bills "Let's look nt you. Geo
whlsil Tes, you'ro shabby, aren't you?
Take this," ho went on, slamming somo
notes down before her. "Go nnd get
yourself a now frock nnd a hat fit to
wear nnd tnect mo at tho (Madison Square
roof garden at 8 o'clock. Wo'll havo somo
dinner nnd I guesi wo can fix matters
up."
Then ho smiled at her again, and Bea
trice, whoso hand was already upon tho
bills, suddenly felt her knees shake. A
great black horror was upon her. She
turned and fled out of tho room, pnst tho
astonished clerk, into tho lift and was
downstairs on the main floor beforo she
remembered where sho was, what she
had done. Tho clerk, after gazing nt her
retreating form, hurried Into the Inner
office.
"I'oung woman hasn't bolted with any
thing, ch?" he aBkcd.
Mr. Cruxhall smiled wickedly.
"Why, no," ho replied; "I guess she'll
como hack!"
Tavernako left tho meeting on that
same afternoon with his future practically
assured for life. Ho had been appointed
surveyor to tho company at a salary of
$10,000 n year, and tho mltio in which his
savings wero Invested was lively to re
turn him his small capital a hundredfold.
Very kind things had been said of him
and to him.
Prltchard and ho had left the. place to
gether. When they had reached tho
street they paused for n moment.
"I am going to moko a call near here,"
Prltchard said. "Don't forget that wo
are dining togethor, unless j'ou find some
thing better to do, and In the mean
time" he took a card from his pocket and
hnnded it to Tnvernnke "I don't know
whether I am n fool or not to glvo you
this," ho added. "However, there it is.
Do as you chooso about it."
He walked away a little abruptly. Tav
ernako glanced nt tho address upon tho
card: 11M East 3d street. For a momont
he was puzzled. Then the light broke, in
upon him suddenly. His heart gavo a
leap. He turned back Imt i.
nsk for sotn6 directions and 1 1S
stopped short. Down ih-. -1. !
llko one who files from .aLTOM
came a slim black, figure, wuy2fil&
and set, hofrlned stare, ?i Wi
out his hands and she came ih tVl
n great wondering sob. ".
"Leonardl" Bhe cried "Ij.si'
"There's no doubt t,n,.ril
swercd, quickly. "Am I such , 5i$
nrying ooject?" " "ff,
Mtr ntnn1 oiiIIa -m .. . J
hard. By nnd by the RldauVti. 'iu!
"Leonard," B,e murmurM w?l
Then sho began to smiu. ag
"It Is too absurd," she fib.,
yoit'yo got to do It a I oyer tr.T,
"What do ybU mean-' S US
"Get me something to eit 3P1
she begged. "I nm starvln RiSSw
where it'o cool. Leonard. ta.lHll
full
in 1
ilo called a carriage and U&tAli
on rodf garden, Thrc, as 1 ?Jp
thSy got a seat near lit palihri ,
nake talked clumsily about "imii-fe
f ihn limn ThkJ. .T WSlkM
throat. Ho fill All he wbluSM
was very near. By degrees llS
she ate nnd dranki the color eii
to her cheeks, the1 fear 6l w
even cheerful. B VB
"Wo aro really tho most isuJLpV
pie, Leonard," she declares. ys.B
bled Into my lifo once beta, i
my rooms. You've com Im. Vi
and you find me one m.. v.1'
Ilnti't annml inn ,,,.!. '" "'W
dinner, for I warn you thai I i
to borrow from you." ra4i
vm
xmL
He laughed.
"That's good iiew" vk
"but I'm not s"uro that I'm toliikti
nnythlng." 'I
Ho leaned across tho tabu tiM
ner had tnken long Ih prepatln Si
duilc wns falling now Ovr iki-fJ
the stars, the band wA phyi,,
music, the hubbub of the slrtetVilj
helmv. Allnn.l H, ,... i. i.."."'
r ,. "c' '" a-huh
f 1111:1111,1:1,1:1,.
Dear Beatrice.
h6 said. 'U,..M
I nsked you to marry me and yoiS
not, nnd I asked you becaul t Lx
selfish brute, ahd because IkntwhiH
ti'iia tvrtnA nt ran nn1 tL.i il .TLB
"rr ;?."-:"L'v- "i.t
,,, u i.vu, cuugo ui wiucn .1 wai Ut
And now I am asking you ths sinta
again, but I have a blcrirer
trice. I havo boen alone moit of UhS
two years, I havo lived the iotl
which brings n man faco to ftugB
tho truth, helps him to knon'lkB
uiiu umcio, uiiu a 4iu.vo lounrj ou
thing." i.
"Yes?" sho faltered. "TU njj.
'T fntmrl nnf flint ft- .... ..... J I
for always," ho continued, "tnl ttul
...... u... .n,,,ta jum ij ju,rry pkSj
iirauice, amy mis lime I lei jh,
causo I love you, and becam." t
elso In the world could ever tikjuB
place or bo anything at all to Mt,'; hB
r.onnnpill" otlA milrmtUAJ I ., K
Vi,, n n ,rtf ant' it,. V .i
M VK ... MWfc nv; .MM A Jikffl
misr no Deggca.
Sho opened hor eyes again.
"I nlways prayed that I ralrtii
you say It," sho ahswered, "but htia
oh. It seems so one-sldedj Ishftjl
eiarviug nuu pennuoss, and yoa-m
suppose aro well on tho wdyikfftril
success jou worshiped," -ft
"I am well on the way," ha ild,i
cstly. "toward something greiltcAi
trice. I nm well on the way torJfc
derstandlng what success really Ix, lit
things count nnd what don't, lit
oven found out," ho whlspri),f ft
thing which counts for moro tnia ;
thing else in tho world, and now U
have found it out, I shall niffi)a
go again." i j
Ho pressed her hand and sh,w
across tho table at him wilh.twteB
eyes. Tho waiter, who haa; beta t
pronchlng, turned discreetly aworTi
band started to play a fresh tiineJM
down In tho streets came thecuarj
of the cars, A curious, cottMSo&l
murmur of sounds, but betntwtbH
two thcro was the wonderful illtatt'l
THE END. tM
m
I
km Can Count
jr B H U s
LJuc&ens o
our
eiom
They Are Hatched!
And start in the poultry business without a sitting?
hen or an incubator if you use day-old chicks.
Millions of chicks are produced each year in great
hatcheries that supply big commercial plants anfil
small backyard flocks.
To buy these baby chicks is probably the easiest vajl
for you to start your flock for this spring and!
summer.
HATCHING WHOLESALE
in this week's issue, tells you all about the business.
You'll want to read EVERYMAN'S GARDEtyJ
also, with advice about the1 first planting and sced-j
ing in the open garden.
In the issue of
The COUNTRY
GENTLEMAN
That Is Out TODAY.
Five Cents the Copy of all Newsdealers
THE CURTIS PUBLISHING COMPAN
' PHIUUJEWWA
B--aSJfjaKlBl