Constance Dunlap 🕵️‍♀️ A Brilliant Female Detective Solves the Ultimate Mystery🕵️‍♀️ Arthur B. Reeve

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Welcome to Classic Detective Mysteries! In today’s episode, we bring you ‘Constance Dunlap’ by Arthur B. Reeve, a thrilling detective mystery filled with suspense, intelligence, and a brilliant female detective who outsmarts her adversaries at every turn. Join Constance as she delves into a world of crime, deception, and complex puzzles that require all of her cunning to solve. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 🕵️‍♀️💡

🔍 **Story Overview**:
Constance Dunlap, an astute and fearless detective, takes center stage in this captivating mystery. With her sharp intellect and quick thinking, she tackles a criminal case involving stolen treasures and an array of intricate clues. As she uncovers secrets hidden deep within a web of lies and deception, Constance’s determination leads her closer to exposing the truth. Can she outwit a master criminal and solve the case before it’s too late? The story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 🎩✨

🕵️‍♀️ **Why You Should Watch**:
– **Clever Female Detective**: Constance Dunlap is one of the earliest female detectives in literature, breaking the mold with her intelligence and resourcefulness.
– **Suspenseful Plot**: The twists and turns of this mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Prepare for plenty of surprises! 🔄
– **Classic Crime Drama**: A timeless story from the golden age of detective fiction, full of intrigue, deception, and nail-biting suspense. 🕰️🔐
– **Engaging Characters**: From the brilliant Constance to the dangerous criminals she faces, every character adds depth to the story. 💥
– **Perfect for Mystery Lovers**: Whether you’re a fan of detective stories or new to the genre, this one is sure to captivate your attention! 📚

🌟 **Don’t Miss Out** 🌟
If you love classic mysteries, crime-solving, and female detective stories, this is a must-watch! Be sure to **LIKE** and **SUBSCRIBE** for more thrilling detective tales. 🔔

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00:00:30 Chapter 1.
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01:52:12 Chapter 4.
02:30:38 Chapter 5.
02:58:24 Chapter 6.
03:32:01 Chapter 7.
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06:16:22 Chapter 12.,

, 1101, 20, , , 2d, hd, Welcome to classic detective mysteries in today's story constant Dunlap by Arthur B reev we follow the brilliant and fearless heroine as she navigates a web of crime and deception with her Keen intellect and unmatched skill in solving Mysteries Constance takes center stage in this gripping tale of intrigue and suspense prepare yourself for a.

Thrilling Journey as the plot unfolds and secrets are uncovered piece by piece chapter 1 the forgers there was something of the look of the hunted animal brought to Bay at last in Carlton dunlap's face as he led himself into his apartment late one night toward the close of the year on his breath was the lingering odor of whiskey yet in his eye.

And had none of the effects he entered quietly although there was no apparent reason for such excessive caution then he locked the door with the utmost care although there was no apparent reason for caution about that either even when he had thus barricaded himself he paused to listen with all the elemental fear of the caveman who dreaded the footsteps of.

His pursuers in the dim light of the studio apartment he looked anxiously for the figure of his wife Constance was not there as she had been on other nights uneasily awaiting his return what was the matter his hand shook a trifle now as he turned the knob of the bedroom door and pushed it softly open she she was asleep he leaned over not realizing.

That her every faculty was keenly alive to his presence that she was acting apart throw something around yourself Constance he whispered hely into her ear as she moved with a little well- feigned start at being suddenly wakened and come into the studio there is something I must tell you tonight my dear my dear she exclaimed bitterly now seeming to.

Rouse herself with an effort and pretending to put back a stray wisp of her dark hair in order to hide from him the tears that still lingered on her flushed cheeks you can say that Carlton when it has been every night the same old threadbear excuse of working at the office until midnight she set her face in hard lines but could not catch his.

Eye Carlton Dunlap she added in a tone that rasped his very soul I am nobody's fool I may not know much about bookkeeping and accounting but I can add and two and two when the same man but different women compose each two do not make four according to my arithmetic but three from which she finished almost hysterically the little speech she had.

Prepared but it seemed to fall flat before the man's curiously altered manner from which I shall subtract one she burst into tears listen he urged taking her arm gently to lead her to an easy chair no no no she cried now thoroughly aroused with eyes that again snapped accusation and Defiance at him don't touch me talk to me if you want to.

But don't don't come near me she was now facing him standing in the high ceilinged Studio as they called the room where she had kept up in a desil manner for her own Amusement the art studies which had interested her before her marriage what is it that you want to say the other night you said nothing at all have you at last thought up an excuse I.

Hope it is at least a clever one Constance he remonstrated looking fearfully about instinctively she felt that her accusation was unjust not even that had dulled the hunted look in his face perhaps perhaps if it were that of which you suspect me we could patch it up I don't know but Constance I I must leave for the West on the first train in.

The morning he did not pause to notice her startled look but raced on I have worked every night this week trying to straight written out those accounts of mine by the first of the year and and I can't do it an expert begins on them in a couple of days you must call up the office tomorrow and tell them that I am ill tell them anything I must get at.

Least a day or two start before they Carlton she interrupted what is the matter what have you she checked herself in surprise he had been fumbling in his pocket and now laid down a pile of green and yellow Bank notes on the table I have scraped together every last scent I can spare he continued talking jerkily to suppress his emotion they cannot take.

Those away from you constant and when I am settled in a new life he swallowed hard and averted his eyes further from her startled gaze under a new name somewhere if you have just a little spot in your heart that still responds to me I I know it is too much even to Hope Constance the accounts will not come out right because I am I am an embezzler he.

Bit off the word viciously and then sank his head into his hands and bowed it to a depth that alone could express his shame why did she not say something do something some women would have fainted some would have denounced him but she stood there and he dared not look up to read what was written in her face he felt alone all alone with every man's.

Hand against him he who had never in all his life felt so or had done anything to make him feel so before he groaned as the sweat of his mental and physical Agony poured coldly out on his forehead all that he knew was that she was standing there silent looking him through and through as cold as a statue was she the personification of Justice.

Was this but a foretaste of the ostracism of the world when we were first married Constance he began sadly I was only a clerk for green and Company at 2,000 a year we talked it over I stayed and in time became cashier at 5,000 but you know as well as I that 5,000 does not meet the social obligations laid on us by our position.

In the circle in which we are forced to move his voice had become cold and hard but he did not allow himself to be betrayed into adding as he might well have done Injustice to himself that to her even $1,000 a month would have been only a beginning it was not that she had been accustomed to so much in the station of life from which he had taken.

Her the plain fact was that New York had had an over tonic effect on her you were not a nagging woman Constance he went on in a somewhat softened tone in fact you have been a good wife you have never thrown it up to me that I was unable to make good to the degree of many of our friends in purely commercial lines all you have ever said is the truth a.

Banking house pays low for its brains my God he cried stiffening out in the chair and clenching his fists it pays low for its Temptations too there had been nothing in the world Carlton would not have given to make happy the woman who stood now leaning on the table in cold Silence with averted head regarding neither him nor the pile of greenbacks.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars pass through my hands every week he resumed that business owed me for my care of it it was taking the best in me and in return was not paying what other businesses paid for the best in other men when a man gets thinking that that way with a woman whom he loves as I love you something happens he paused in the.

Bitterness of his thoughts she moved as if to speak no no he interrupted hear me out first all I asked was a chance to employ a little of the money that I saw about me not to take it but to employ it for a little while a few days perhaps only a few hours money breeds money why should I not use some of this Idol money to pay me what I ought to have when Mr.

Green was away last summer I heard some inside news about a certain stock so it happened that I began to juggle the accounts it is too long a story to tell how I did it anybody in my position could have done it for a time it would not interest you anyhow but I did it the first Venture was successful also the spending of the money was very.

Successful in its way that was the money that took us to the fashionable Hotel in Atlantic City where we met so many people instead of helping me it got me in deeper when the profit from this first deal was spent there was nothing to do but to repeat what I had done successfully before I could not quit now I tried again a little hypothecation of.

Some bonds stocks went down I had made a Bad Bet and $5,000 was wiped out a whole year's salary I tried again and wiped out 5,000 more I was at my wits end I have borrowed under fictitious names used names of obscure persons as borrowers have put up dummy security it was possible because I controlled the audits but it has done no good the.

Losses have far outbalanced the winnings and today I am in for $225,000 she was watching him now with dilating eyes as the horror of the situation was burned into her soul he raced on afraid to pause lest she should interrupt him Mr Green has been talked into introducing scientific management and a new system into the business by a.

Certified public accountant an expert in installing systems and discovering irregularities here I am faced by certain exposure he went on pacing the floor and looking everywhere but at her face what should I do borrow it is useless I have no security that anyone would accept there is just one thing left he lowered his voice until it.

Almost sank into a horse whisper I must Cut Loose I have scraped together what I can and I have borrowed on my life insurance here on the table is all that I can spare tonight the last night I worked frantically in a vain hope that something some way would at last turn up it has not there is no other way out in despair I have put this off until the.

Last moment but I have thought of nothing else for a week good God Constance I have reached the mental state where even intoxicants fail to intoxicate he dropped back again into the deep chair and sank his head again on his hands he groaned as he thought of the agony of packing a bag and slinking for the Western Express through the.

Crowds at the railroad terminal still Constance was silent through her mind was running the single thought that she had misjudged him there had been no other woman in the case as he spoke there came flooding into to her heart the sudden realization of the truth he had done it for her it was a rude and bitter Awakening after the past months.

When the increased income with no questions asked had made her feel that they were advancing she passed her hands over her eyes but there it was still not a dream but a harsh reality if she could only have gone back and undone it but what was done was done she was amazed at herself it was not horror of the that sent an icy shudder over her it was.

Horror of exposure he had done it for her over and over again that thought raced through her mind she stealed herself at last to speak she hardly knew what was in her own mind what the conflicting surging emotions of her own heart meant and so you are leaving me what is left leaving me in disgrace and you are going to do the best you can to.

Get away safely you want me to tell one last lie for you there was an unnatural holess in her voice which he did not understand but which cut him to the quick he had killed love he was alone he knew it with a final effort he tried to moisten his parched lips to answer at last in a husky voice he managed to say yes but with all his power of will he.

Could not look at her Carlton Dunlap she cried leaning both hands for support on the table bending over and at last forcing him to look her in the eyes do you know what I think of you I think you are a damned coward there instead of tears and recriminations instead of the conventional how could you do it instead of burning denunciation of him for.

Ruining her life he read something else in her face what was it coward he repeated slowly what would you have me do take you with me she tossed her head contemptuously stay and face it he hazarded again is there no other way she asked still leaning forward with her eyes fixed on his think is there no way that you could avoid Discovery just for.

A Time Carlton you we are corned is there no desperate chance he shook his head sadly her eyes wandered momentarily about the studio until they rested on an easel on it stood a watercolor on which she had been working trying trying to put into it some of the feeling which she would never have put into words for him on the walls of the apartment were.

Pen and ink sketches scores of little things which she had done for her own Amusement she bit her lip as an idea flashed through her mind he shook his head again mournfully somewhere she said slowly I have read that clever forgers use watercolors and pen and ink like regular artists think think is there no way that we that I could Forge a check.

That would give us breathing space perhaps rescue us Carlton leaned over the table toward her fascinated he placed both his hands on hers they were icy but she did not withdraw them for an instant they looked into each other's eyes an instant and then they understood they were partners in crime amateurs perhaps but Partners as they had been in.

Honesty it was a new idea that she had suggested to him why should he not act on it why hesitate why stop at it he was already an embezzler why not add a new crime to the list as he looked into her eyes he felt a new Strength together they could do it hers was the brain that had conceived the way out she had the.

Will the compelling power to carry the thing through he would throw himself on her intuition her brain her skill her daring on his desk in the corner where often until far into the night he had worked worked on the huge ruled sheets of paper covered with figures of the firm's accounts he saw two Goose necked vials one of lemon colored liquid the.

Other of raspberry color one was of tartaric acid the other of chloride of lime it was an ordinary ink Eradicator near the bottles lay a rod of glass with a curious tip an ink eraser made of finely spun glass threads which scraped away the surface of the paper more delicately than any other tool that had been devised there were the.

Materials for his their Rehabilitation if they were placed in his wife's deaft artist fingers here was all the chemistry and Artistry of forgery at hand yes he answered eagerly there is a way Constance together we can do it there was no time for tenderness between them now it was cold hard fact and they understood each other too well.

To stop for endearments far into the night they sat up and discussed the way in which they would go about the crime they practiced with erasers and with brush and watercolor on the protective coloring tint on some cancelled checks of his own Carlton must get a check of a firm in town a check that bore a genuine signature in it they would make such.

Trifling changes in the body as would attract no attention in passing yet would yield a substantial sum toward wiping out Carlton's unfortunate deficit late as he had worked the night before nervous and shaky as he felt after the sleepless hours of planning their new life Carlton was the first at the office in the morning his hand trembled as he.

Ran through the huge batch of mail already left at the first delivery he paused as he came to one letter with the name W J Reynolds company on it here was a check in payment of a small Bill he knew it was from a firm which habitually kept hundreds of thousands on deposit at the Goram Bank it fitted the case admirably he slit open the letter there.

Neatly folded was the check number 15711 deck 27 the Goram National Bank pay to the order of green and Company 25001 100th do $251 100 WJ Reynolds company per Chaz m brown trus it flashed over him in a moment what to do 25,000 would just about cover his shortage the Reynolds firm was a big one doing big.

Transactions He Slipped the check into his pocket the check might have been stolen in the mail why not the journey up town was most excruciatingly long in spite of the fact that he had met no one he knew either at the office or outside at last he arrived home to find Constance waiting anxiously did you get a check she asked.

Hardly waiting for his reply let me see it give it to me the coolness with which she went about it amazed him it has the amount punched on it with a check punch she observed as she ran her quick eye over it while he explained his plan we'll have to fill up some of those holes made by the punch I know the kind they used he answered I'll get one and a.

Desk check from the gorum you do the artistic work my dear my knowledge of check punches watermarks and paper will furnish the rest I'll be back directly don't forget to to call up the office a little before the time I usually arrive there and tell them I am ill with her light fingered touch she worked feverishly partly with the Liquid Ink.

Eradicator but mostly with the spun glass eraser first she rubbed out the scense after the written figure 25 carefully with a blunt instrument she smoothed down the roughened surface of the paper so that the ink would not run in the fibers and blot over and over she practiced writing the thousand in a hand like that on the check she.

Already had the capital T in 20 as a guide during the night in practicing she had found that in raising checks only seven capital letters were used o in one t in two 3 10 and thousand F in four and five s in six and 7 e in 8 n in nine and H in 100 at last even her practice satisfied if IED her then with a coolness borne only of desperation she.

Wrote in the words, 100th when she had done it she stopped to wonder at herself she was amazed and perhaps a little frightened at how readily she adapted herself to the crime of forgery she did not know that it was one of the few crimes in which women had proved themselves most proficient though she felt her own.

Proficiency and Native ability for copying again the Eraser came into play to move the sense after the figure 25 a comma and three zeros following it were inserted followed by a new 00001 100th the signature was left untouched erasing the name of green and Company presented greater difficulties but it was accomplished with as little.

Loss of the protective coloring on the surface of the check as possible then after the pay to the order of she wrote in as her husband had directed The Carlton realy company NeXT came the water color to restore the protective tint where the glass eraser and the acids had removed it there was much delicate matching of tints and careful.

Painting in with a fine camel's hairbrush until at last the color of those parts where there had been an eraser was apparently as good as any other part of course under the microscope there could have been seen the angry crisscrossing of the fibers of the paper due to the harsh action of the acids and the glass eraser still.

Painting the whole thing over with with a little resinous liquid somewhat restored the glaze to the paper at least sufficiently to satisfy a cursory glance of the naked eye there remained the difficulty of the protective punch marks there they were a star cut out of the check itself a dollar sign and 25 followed by another star she was still.

Admiring her handiwork giving it here and there a light little philli with the brush and comparing this check with some of those which had been practiced on last night to see whether she had made any Improvement in her technique of forgery when Carlton returned with the punch and the blank checks on the Goram Bank from one of the blank checks he.

Punched out a number of little stars until there was one which in Watermark and scroll work corresponded precisely with that punched out in the original check Constance whose fingers had long been accustomed to fine work fitted in the little star after the $25 then took it out moistened the edges ever so lightly with glue on the end of.

A toothpick and pasted it back again a hot iron completed the work of making the edges smooth and unless a rather powerful glass had been used no one could have seen the pasted in insertion after the $25 careful not to deviate the fraction of a hair's breadth from the alignment Carlton took the punch added three Z.

Feets and a star after the 25 making it $25,000 finally the whole thing was again ironed to give it the smoothness of an original here at last was the completed work the first product of their combined skill in crime number 15,71 December 27,000 191 the Gorham National Bank pay to the.

Order of the Carlton realy company T 25,000 100th 25 ,000 100w J Reynolds company per Chaz m brown trus how completely people may change even within a few hours was well Illustrated as they stood side by side and regarded their work with as much pride as if it had been the result of their honest efforts of years they were.

Now pen and brush Crooks of the first caliber had reduced forgery to a fine art and demonstrated what an amateur might do for although they did not know it nearly half the 15 millions or so lost by forgeries every year was the work of amate such as they the next problem was presenting the check for collection of course Carlton could not.

Put it through his own bank unless he wanted to leave a blaze Trail straight to himself only a colossal Bluff would do and in a city where only colossal Bluffs succeed it was not so impossible as might have been first imagined luncheon over they sauntered casually into a highclass office building on Broadway where there were offices to.

Rent the agent was duly impressed by the couple who talked of their large real estate dealings where he might have been thoroughly suspicious of a man and might have asked many embarrassing but perfectly proper questions he accepted the woman without a murmur at her suggestion he even consented to take his new tenants around to the Uptown bank.

And introduce them they made an excellent impression by a first cash deposit of the money Caron had thrown down on the table the night before a check for the first month's rent more than MiFi the agent and talk of a big deal that was just being signed up today duly impressed the bank the next problem was to get the forged check.

Certified that also proved a very simple matter anyone can walk into a bank and get a check for $25,000 certified while if he appears a stranger before the window of the paying teller to cash a check for $25 he would almost be thrown out of the bank banks will certify at a glance practically any check that looks right.

But they pass on the responsibility of cashing them thus before the close of banking hours Dunlap was able to deposit in his new bank the check certified by the gorum 24 hours must elapse before he could draw against the check which he had deposited he did did not propose to waste that time so that the next day found him at Green and companies feeling.

Much better really he had come prepared now to straighten out the books knowing that in a few hours he could make good the first hesitation due to the newness of the game had worn off by this time nothing at all of an alarming nature had happened the new month had already begun and as most firms have their accounts balanced only once a month he had he.

Reasoned nearly the entire four weeks in which to operate conscience was dulled in constant also and she was now busy with ink eraser the watercolors and other paraphernalia in a wholesale raising of checks mostly for amount smaller than that in the first attempt we are taking big chances anyway she urged him why quit yet a few days more.

And we may land something worthwhile the next day he excused himself from the office for a while and presented himself as his new bank with a sheath of new checks which he had raised all certified and totaling some thousands more his own check for 25,000 was now honored the relief which he felt was tremendous after the weeks of grueling anxiety at.

Once he hurried to a broker's and placed an order for the stocks he had used on which to borrow he could now replace everything in the safe straighten out the books could make everything look right to the system at ER could blame any apparent irregularity on his old system even ignorance was better than dishonesty Constance meanwhile had.

Installed herself in the little office they had hired as stenographer and secretary once having embarked On the Hazardous Enterprise she showed no disposition to give it up yet an office boy was hired and introduced at the bank the mythical realy company prospered at least if prosperity is measured merely by the bank book in less than a week the.

Skillful pen and brush of constance had secured them a balance after straightening out Carlton's debts that came well up to $100,000 mostly in Small Checks some with genuine signatures and amounts altered others complete forgeries as they went deeper and deeper constant began to feel the truth of their.

Situation it was she who was really at the helm in this Enterprise it had been her idea the execution of it had been mainly her work Carlton had furnished merely the business knowledge that she did not possess the more she thought of it during the hours in the little office while he was at work downtown the more uneasy did she become what if he should.

Betray himself in some way she was sure of herself but she was almost afraid to let him go out of her sight she felt a sinking sensation every time he mentioned any of the happenings in the banking house could he be trusted alone alone not to betray himself when the first hint of discovery of something wrong came it was now near the middle of.

The month it would not pay to wait until the end some one of the many firms whose checks they had forged might have its book balanced at any time now from day to day small amounts in cash had already been withdrawn until they were $20,000 to the good they plann to draw out 30,000 now one time that would give them 50,000 roughly half of their forgeries.

The check was written and the office boy was started to the bank with it Carlton followed him at a distance as he had on other occasions ready to note the first sign of trouble as the boy waited at the teller's window at last the boy was at the head of the line he had passed the check in and his Satchel was lying open with voracious Moore on the ledge below.

The Wicket for the greedy feeding of stacks of bills why did the teller not raise the wicket and shove out the money in a coveted pile Carlton seemed to feel that something was wrong the line lengthened and those at the end of the queue began to grow restive at the delay one of the banks officers walked down and spoke to the boy Carlton waited no.

Longer the game was up he rushed from his coin of observation out of the bank building and dashed into a telephone booth quick Constance he shouted over the wire leave everything they're holding up our check they have discovered something take a cab and Drive slowly around the square you will find me waiting for you at the North.

End that night the newspapers were full of the story there was the whole thing exaggerated distorted multiplied until they had become swindlers of millions instead of thousands but nevertheless it was their story there was only one grain of consolation it was in the last paragraph of the news item and read there seems to be no trace of the man.

And woman who worked this clever Swindle as if by a telepathic message they have vanished at just the time when their whole house of cards collapsed they removed every vestage of their work from the apartment everything was destroyed Constance even began a new watercolor so that that might suggest that she had not laid aside her painting they had played.

For a big stake and lost but the $220,000 was something now the great problem was to conceal it and themselves they had lost yet if ever before they loved it was as nothing to what it was now that they had tasted together the bitter and the sweet of their Mutual crime Carlton went down to the office the next day just as before the anxious.

Hours that his wife had previously spent thinking whether he might betray himself by some slip were comparative safety as contrasted with the uncertainty of the hours now but but the first day after the alarm of the discovery passed off all right Carlton even discussed the case his case with those in the office commented on it condemned the swindlers.

And carried it off he felt proud to say as well as constant herself might have done had she been in his place another day passed his account of the first day reassuring as it had been to her did not lessen the anxiety yet never before had they seemed to be bound together by such ties as knitted their very souls in this crisis she tried with a devotion that.

Was touching to impart to him some of her own strength to ward off detection it was the afternoon of the second day that a man who gave the name of Drummond called and presented a card of the Reynolds company have you ever been paid a little Bill of $25 by our company he asked down in his heart Carlton knew that this man was a detective I can't.

Say without looking it up he replied Carlton touched a button and an assistant appeared something outside himself seemed to nerve him up as he asked look up our account with Reynolds and see if we have been paid what is it a bill for $25 do you recall it yes I recall it replied the assistant no Mr Dunlap I don't think it has been paid it.

Is a small matter but we sent them a duplicate bill yesterday I thought the original must have gone astray Carlton cursed him inwardly for sending the bill but then he reasoned it was only a question of time after all when the forgery would be discovered Drummond dropped into a half- confidential half quizzing.

Tone I thought not somewhere along the line that check has been stolen and raised to $225,000 he remarked is that so gasped Carlton trying hard to show just the amount of surprise and not too much is that so no doubt you have read in the papers of this clever realy company Swindle well it seems to have been part of that I sure that we shall.

Be glad to do all in our power to cooperate with Reynolds put in Dunlap I thought you would commented Drummond dryly I may as well tell you that I fear someone has been tampering with your mail tampering with our mail repeated Dunlap AUST impossible nothing is impossible until it is proved so answered Drummond.

Looking him straight in the eyes Caron did not flinch he felt a new power within himself gained during the past few days of new association with constant for her he could face anything but when Drummond was gone he felt as he had on the night when he had finally realized that he could never cover up the deficit in his books with an almost.

Superhuman effort he gripped himself interminably the hours of the rest of the day dragged on that night he sank limp into a chair on his return home a man named Drummond was in the office today my dear he said someone in the office sent Reynolds a duplicate Bill and they know about the check well I wonder if they suspect me if you act.

Like that they won't suspect they'll arrest she commented sarcastically he had braced up again into his new self at her words but there was again that sinking sensation in her heart as she realized that it was after all herself on whom he depended that it was she who had been the will even though he had been the intellect of their Enterprise.

She could not overcome the feeling that if only their positions could be reversed the thing might even yet be carried through Drummond appeared again at the office the next day there was no concealment about him now he said frankly that he was from the bird detective agency whose business it was to guard the banks against forgeries the.

Pen work or as we detectives call it the Penning he remarked in the case of that check is especially good it shows rare skill but the pitfalls in this forgery game are so many that in avoiding one a forger ever so clever falls into another Carlton felt the polite third degree as he proceeded nowadays the forger has science to contend with too the.

Microscope and Camera may come in a little too late to be of practical use in preventing the forger from getting his money at first but they come in very neatly later in Catching him what the naked eye cannot see in this check they reveal besides a little iodine vapor brings out the original Green and Company on it we have found out also.

That the protective coloring was restored by watercolor that was easy where the paper was scratched and the sizing taken off it has been painted with a resinous substance to restore the glaze to the eye well a little alcohol takes that off too oh the amateur forger may be the most dangerous kind because the.

Professional regularly follows the same line leaves tracks has Associates but he concluded impressively all are caught sooner or later sooner or later Dunlap managed to maintain his outward composure admirably still the little lifting of the curtain on the hidden mysteries of the new detective art produced its.

Effect they were getting closer and Dunlap knew it as Drummond intended he should and as in every crisis he turned naturally to Constance never had she meant so much to him as now that night as he entered the apartment he happened to glance behind him in the shadow down the street a man dodged quickly behind a tree the thing.

Gave him a start he was being watched there is just one thing left he cried excitedly as he hurried upstairs with the news we must both disappear this time Constance took it very calmly but we must not go together she added quickly her fertile mind as ever hitting directly on a plan of action if we separate they will be less likely to.

Trace us for they will never think we would do that it was evident that the words were being forced out by the conflict of common sense and deep emotion perhaps it will be best for you to stick to your original idea of going west I shall go to one of the Winter Resorts we shall communicate only through the personal column of the Star.

Sign yourself Weston I shall sign Easton the words fell on Carlton with his new and deeper love for her like a death sentence it had never entered his mind that they were to be separated now dissolve their partnership in crime to him it seemed as if they had just begun to live since that night when they had at last understood each other and it had.

Come to this separation a man can always shift for himself better if he has no impediments she said speaking rapidly as if to bolster up her own resolution a woman is always an impediment in a crisis like this in her face he saw what he had never seen before there was love in it that would sacrifice everything she was sending him away from her not to.

Save her herself but to save him vainly he attempted to protest she placed her finger on his lips never before had he felt such overpowering love for her and yet she held him in check in spite of himself take enough to last a few months she added hastily give me the rest I can hide it and take care of myself even if.

They trace me I can get off a woman can always do that more easily than a man don't worry about me go somewhere start a new life if it takes years I will wait let me know where you are we can find some way in which I can come back into your life no no Carlton had caught her passionately in his arms even that cannot weaken me the die is cast we must.

Go she tore herself away from him and fled into her room where with set face and Ashen lips she stuffed article after article into her grip with a heavy heart Carlton did the same the bottom had dropped out of everything yet try as he would to reason it out he could find no other solution but hers to stay was out of the question if indeed it was not.

Already too late to run to go together was equally out of the question Constance had shown that seek the woman was the first rule of the police as they left the apartment they could see a man across the street following them closely they were shadowed in despair Carlton turned toward his wife a sudden idea had flashed over her there were two taxi.

Cabs at the station on the corner I will take the first she whispered take the second and follow me then he cannot Trace us they were off leaving the baffled Shadow only time to take the numbers of the cab Constance had thought of that she stopped and Carlton joined her after a short walk they took another cab he looked at her inquiringly but she.

Said nothing in her eyes he saw the same fire that blazed when she had asked him if there was no way to avoid Discovery and had suggested it herself in the forgery he reached over and caressed her hand she did not withdraw it but her averted eyes told that she could not trust even herself too far as they stood before the.

Gateway to the steps that led down into the long under River tunnel which was to swallow them so soon and project them each into a new life hundreds perhaps thousands of miles apart Carlton realized as never before what it all had meant he had loved her through all the years but never with the wild love of the past two weeks now there was nothing.

But Blackness and blankness he felt as though the hand of Fate was tearing out his wildly Beating Heart she tried to smile at him bravely she understood for a moment she looked at him in the old way and all the pent up love that would have that had done and de dared everything for him struggled in her rapidly rising and falling breast it was.

Now or never she knew it the Supreme effort one word or look too many from her and all would be lost she flung her arms about him and kissed him remember one week from today a personal in the star she panted she literally tore herself from his arms gathered up her grip and was gone a week passed the quiet little woman at the Ocean View.

House was still as much a mystery to the other guests as when she arrived travel stained and worn with the repressed emotion of her sacrifice she had appeared to show no interest in anything to take her meals mechanically to stay most of the time in her room never to enter into any of the Recreations of the famous winter Resort only once a day did.

She betray the slightest concern about anything around her that was when the New York papers arrived then she was always first at the new stand and the boy handed out to her as a matter of habit the star yet no one ever saw her read it directly afterward she would retire to her room there she would pour over the first page reading and.

Rereading every personal in it sometimes she would try reading them backward and transposing the words as if the message they contained might be in the form of a cryptograph The Strain and the suspense began to show on her day after day passed asked until it was nearly 2 weeks since the parting in New York day after day she grew more worn by worry and fear.

What had happened in desperation she herself wired a personal to the paper Weston write me at the ocean view easn for 3 days she waited for an answer then she wired the personal again still there was no reply and no hint of reply had they captured him or was he so close pursued that he did not dare to reply even in the cryptic manner on which they.

Had agreed she took the file of papers which he kept and again ran through the personals even going back to the very day after they had separated perhaps she had missed one though she knew that she could not have done so for she had looked at them a hundred times where was he why did he not answer her message in some way no one had followed her were.

They centering their efforts on capturing him she haunted the news stand in the lobby of the beautifully appointed Hotel her desire to read newspapers grew she read everything it was just two weeks since they had left New York on their separate Journeys when on the evening of another news day she was passing the news stand from force of.

Habit she glanced at an early edition of an evening paper the big black type of the heading caught her eye noted forger a suicide with a little shriek half suppressed she seized the paper it was Carlton there was his name he had shot himself in a room in a hotel in St Louis she ran her eye down the column hardly able to read in heavier type than the.

Rest was the letter they had found on him my dearest Constance when you read this I who have wronged and deceived you beyond words will be where I can no longer hurt you forgive me for by this act I am a confessed embezzler and forger I could not face you and tell you of the double life I was leading so I have sent you away and have gone away.

Myself and may the Lord have mercy on the soul of your devoted husband Carlton Dunlap over and over again she read the words as she clutched at the edge of the news stand to keep from fainting wronged and deceived you the double life I was leading what did he mean had he after all been concealing something else from her had there really been another woman.

Suddenly the truth flashed over her tracked and almost overtaken lacking her hand which had guided him he had seen no other way out and in his last act he had shouldered it all on himself had shielded her nobly from the penalty had opened wide for her the only door of Escape chapter 2 the embezzlers I came here to hide to vanish forever from.

Those who know me the young man paused a moment to watch the effect effect of his revelation of himself to constant Dunlap there was a certain cynical bitterness in his tone which made her shudder if you were to be discovered what then she hazarded Mari Dodge looked at her significantly but said nothing instead he turned and gazed silently at the.

Ruffled Waters of Woodlake there was no mistaking the utter hopelessness and Grim determination of the man why why have you told so much to me an absolute stranger she asked searching his face might I not hand you over to the detectives who you say will soon be looking for you you might he answered quickly but you won't there was a note.

Of appeal in his voice as he pursued slowly not as if seeking protection but as if hungry for friendship and most of all her friendship Mrs Dunlap I have heard what the people at the hotel say is your story I think I understand as much as a man can anyhow I know that you can understand stand I have reached a point where I must tell someone or go.

Insane it is only a question of time before I shall be caught we are all caught tell me he asked eagerly bending down closer to her with an almost breathless intensity in his face as though he would read her thoughts am I right the story of you which I have heard since I came here is not the truth the whole truth it is only half the.

Truth is it not Constance felt that this man was dangerous ously near understanding her as no one yet had seemed to be it set her heart beating wildly to know that he did and yet she was not afraid somehow although she did not betray the answer by a word or a look she felt that she could trust him through the door of escape from the.

Penalty of her forgeries which Carlton Dunlap had thrown open for her by the manner of his death Constance had passed unsuspected to return to New York however had become out of the question she had plenty of money for her present needs although she thought it best to say nothing about it lest someone might wonder and stumble on the truth she had.

Closed up the little studio apartment and had gone to a quiet Resort in the Pines here at least she thought she might live unobserved until she could plan out the Tangled future of her life there had seemed to be no need to conceal her identity and she had felt it better not to do so she knew that her story would follow her and it had she.

Was prepared for that she was prepared for the pity and condescension of the gossips and had made up her mind to stand aloof then came a day when a stranger had registered at the hotel she had not noticed him especially but it was not long before she realized that he was noticing her was he a detective had he found out the truth in some uncanny.

Way she felt sure that the name on the hotel register Malcolm Dodd was not his real name Constance had not been surprised when the head waiter had seated the young man at her table no doubt he had maneuvered it so nor did she avoid the guarded acquaintance that resulted in the natural course of events one afternoon shortly after his arrival.

She had encountered him unexpectedly on a walk through the Pines he appeared surprised to meet her yet she knew intuitively that he had been following her still it was so different now to have anyone seek her company that in spite of her uncertainty of him she almost welcomed his speaking there was a certain difference in his manner too.

Which did not Accord with constant's ideas of a detective yet he did know something of her how much was it merely what the rest of the world knew she could not help seeing that the man was studying her while she studied him there was a Fascination about it a Fascination that the human mystery always possesses for a woman on his part he showed keenly.

His interest in her Constance had met him with more frankness as she encountered him often during the days that followed she had even tried to draw him out to talk of himself I came here he had said one day when they were passing the spot where he had overtaken her first without knowing a soul not expecting to meet anyone I should care.

For indeed hoping to meet no one Constance had said nothing but she felt that at last he was going to crash down the barrier of Reserve he continued earnestly somehow or other I have come to enjoy these little walks so have I she admitted facing him but do you know sometimes I have thought that Malcolm Dodd is not your real name not my real.

Name he repeated and that you are here for some other purpose than just to rest you know you might be a detective he had looked at her searchingly then in a burst of confidence he had replied no my name is not Dodd as you guessed but I'm not a detective as you suspected at first I've been watching you because ever since I heard your story here I.

Have been well not suspicious but attracted you seem to me to have faced a great problem I too have come to The Parting of the ways shall I run or shall I fight he had handed her a card without hesitation it bore the name Murray Dodge Treasurer Globe importing company what do you mean she had asked quickly hardly expecting an answer what have you.

Done oh it is the usual trouble I suppose he had replied wearily much to her surprise I began as a boy in the company and ultimately worked myself up as it grew until I became Treasurer to cut it short I have used funds belonging to the company lost them I don't need to tell you how a Treasurer or a cashier can do that constant was actually.

Startled was he what he represented himself to be or was he leading her on in this way to a confession of her own part which she had covered so well in the forgeries of her dead husband how did you begin she asked tentatively a few years ago he answered with a disconcerting lack of reserve the company found that we could beat our.

Competitors by a very simple means the largest stockholder Mr Dumont was friendly with some of the Customs officials and well we undervalued our Goods it was easy the only thing necessary was to bribe some of the officials the president of the company Walton Beverly put the dirty work on me as Treasurer now you can imagine what.

That meant he had fallen into a cynical tone again it meant that I soon found or rather thought I found that every man has his price some higher some lower but a price nevertheless it was my business to find it to keep it as as low as I could with safety so it went from one crooked thing to another I knew I was crooked but not as bad I think as the.

Rest who put the actual work on me I was unfortunate weak perhaps that is all I tried to get mine too I lost what I meant to put back after ID used it they are after me now soon will be the crooks and here I am momentarily expecting someone to walk up quietly behind me tap me on the shoulder and Whisper you're wanted time had not softened the.

Bitterness of constant's feelings somehow she felt that the world or at least Society owed her for taking away her husband the world must pay she sympathized with the young man who was appealing to her for friendship why not help him do you really really want to know what I think asked Constance after he had at last told her his wretched.

Story it was the first time that she had looked at him since she realized that he was unburdening the truth to her yes he answered eagerly catching her eye yes he urged I think she said slowly that you are running away from a fight that has not yet begun it thrilled her to be talking so once before she had tasted the sweetness and the bitterness of.

Crime she did not stop to think about right or wrong if she had done so her ethics would have been strangely illogical it was enough that short as their acquaintance had been she felt unconsciously that there was something latent in the spirit of this man akin to her own maray also felt rather than understood the bond that had been.

Growing so rapidly between them his was the temperament that immediately translates feeling into action he reached into his breast pocket there was the blue black glint of a cold steel automatic a moment he balanced it in his hand then with a rapid and decisive motion of the arm he flung it far from him as it struck the water with a sound.

Horribly suggestive of the death gurgle of a lost man he turned and faced her there he exclaimed with a new light in the defiant desperate smile that she had observed many times before there the curtain Rises instead of Falls neither spoke for a few moments at last he added what shall I do next do she repeated she felt now the weight of responsibility.

For interfering with his desperate plans but it did not oppress her on the contrary it was a pleasant burden according to your own story she went on they know nothing yet as far as you can see you would have forestalled them by taking this little vacation during which you could disappear while they would discover the shortage do go back and.

When they discover it he asked evidently prepared for the answer she had given and eager to know what she would propose next constant had been thinking rapidly listen she cried throwing aside restraint now no one in New York outside my former little circle knows me I can live there in another Circle unobserved for weeks I have been amusing Myself by.

The study of shorthand I have picked up enough to be able to carry the thing off discharge your secretary put an advertisement in the newspapers I will answer it then I will be able to help you I cannot say at a distance what you should do next there perhaps I can tell you what was it that had impelled her to say it she could not have told Murray.

Looked at her her very presence seemed to infuse new determination into him it was strange about this woman what a wonderful effect she had on him a few days before he would have laughed at anyone who had suggested that any woman might have aroused in him the passions that were now surging through his heart 10,000 years ago perhaps he would have.

Seized her and carried her off in Triumph to his clan or tribe today he must he would win her by more subtle means his mind was made up she had pointed the way that night Dodge left Woodlake hastily for New York to constant a new purpose seemed to have entered into a Barren life she was almost gay as she packed her Trunks and.

Grips and quietly slipped into the city a few hours later and registered at a quiet hotel for business women sure enough in the star the next morning was the advertisement she wrote in a formal way giving her telephone number that afternoon apparently as soon as the letter had been delivered A call came the following morning she was the.

Private Secretary of Murray Dodge sitting unobtrusively before a typewriter desk in a sort of little anti- room that guarded the door to his office she took pains to act the part of private secretary and no more as appeared natural to the rest of the office Force At first she was much with Murray who made the most elaborate.

Explanations of the detail of the business do they suspect anything she asked anxiously as soon as they were absolutely alone I think so he replied they said nothing except that they had not expected me back so soon I think the so soon was an afterthought they didn't expect me back at all for he added significantly I've been in fear and.

Trembling until I could get you they already have asked the regular audit company to go over the books in advance of the time when we usually employ them I didn't ask why I merely accepted it with a nod it might have meant bringing matters to a crisis now he felt safer with Constance installed as his private secretary true Beverly and Dumont had.

Viewed her from the start with suspicion Constance had been thinking hard out in her little office since she had had begun to understand how matters stood well she demanded what of it don't try to conceal it let them Discover it go further dare them caught exposure it was bold and ingenious what a woman she was for meeting emergencies Murray who had a.

Will that had been accustomed to bend others to his purposes except in the instance where they had bent him and nearly broken him recognized the masterful mind of con conance he was willing to allow her to play the game thus Constance began collecting the very data that would have sent Murray to jail for bribery day by day as she worked on.

The situation became more and more delicate they found themselves alone much of the time now Beverly was or pretended to be busy on other matters and avoided Dodge as much as possible only the regular routine Affairs passed through his hands but he said nothing it gave him more time with Dumont came in as rarely as it was.

Possible and as they worked along Gathering the data constant came to admire Murray more than ever she worked patiently over the big books taking only those on which the accountant was not engaged at such times as she could get them without exciting suspicion together they dug out the extent of the frauds that had been practiced on the.

Government for years back from the letter files they rescued notes and orders and letters piece them together into as near a continuous record as they could make with his own knowledge of the books Dodge could count on making better progress on the essential things than the regular accountant of the audit company he felt sure that they would.

Finish sooner and that they would have a closer report of the frauds of all kinds than could be uncovered by the man who had been set on the trail of Dodge to discover just how much of the illicit gains he had taken for himself Constance became aware soon that whenever she left the office at night she was being followed she had at first studiously.

Repelled the offers of Murray to see her home it was not that he had taken advantage of the situation into which she had put herself he would never have done that still she wished a little more time to analyze her own conflicting feelings toward him then too several times in the crowded subway cars she had noticed a face that was familiar it was.

Drummond never looking directly at her always engrossed in something else yet never failing to note where she was going that must be she reasoned some of the work of Beverly and Dumont Murray was now working feverishly as he worked he found himself feeling differently toward the whole Affair he actually came to enjoy it with all its risks and.

Uncertainty to enjoy Gathering the data which he should have said ought really to be destroyed often he caught himself wishing that everything had come come out all right in the end and that Constance really was his private secretary every moment with her seemed now to pass so quickly that he would willingly have smashed all the clocks.

And destroyed all the calendars association with other women had been tame beside his new friendship with her she had suffered felt lived she fascinated him as often over the books they would stop to talk talk of things the most irrelevant yet to him the most interesting until she would bring him back inevitably to the point of their.

Work and start him again with a new power and incentive toward the purpose she had in mind to Constance he seemed to fill a blank spot in her empty life if she had been bitter toward the world for what had happened to her the pleasure of helping another to beat that harsh World seemed an unspeakably sweet compensation at last even Constance.

Herself began to realize it it was not after all merely the bitterness towards societ iety that lured her on she was not a woman carved out of a block of stone there was a sweetness about this Association that carried her along as if in a dream she was actually falling in love with him one day she had been working later than usual the accountant.

Had shown signs of approaching the end of his task sooner than they had expected Murray was waiting as was his custom for her to finish before he left there was no sound in the almost deserted office building save the banging of a door echoing now and then or an insistent ring of the elevator Bell as an anxious office boy or.

Stenographer sought to escape after an extra period of work Murray stood looking at her admiringly as she deafly shoved the pins into her hat then he held her coat which brought them close together it will soon be time for the final scene he remarked his manner was different as he looked down at her we must succeed con an he went on slowly of.

Course after it is over it will be impossible for me to remain here with this company I have been looking around I must we must clear ourselves I already have an offer to go with another company much better than this position in every way honest square with no Dirty Work such as I have had here it was a moment that constant had foreseen without.

Planning what she would do she moved to the door as if to go take dinner with me tonight at the Riverside he went on mentioning the name of a beautifully situated Inn Uptown overlooking the lights of the Hudson and thronged by gay parties of Pleasure Seekers before she could say no even though she would have said it he had.

Linked his arm in hers banged shut the door and they were being whisked to the street in the elevator this time as they were about to go out of the building she noticed Drummond standing in the shadow of a corner back of the cigar counter on the first floor she told Murray of the time she had seen Drummond following her Murray ground his teeth he'll have to.

Hustle this time he muttered handing her quickly into a cab that was waiting for a fair before he could give the order where to drive she had leaned out of the window to the ferry she cried Murray looked at her inquiringly then he understood not to the Riverside yet she whispered that man has just summoned a cab that was passing in her eyes Murray.

Saw the same fire that had blazed when she had told him he was running away from a fight that had not yet begun as the cab Whirled through the now nearly deserted downtown streets he reached over in sheer admiration and caressed her hand she did not withdraw it but her averted eyes and quick breath told that a thousand thoughts were hurrying.

Through her mind divided between the man in the cab beside her and the Man in the cab following perhaps half a block behind and at the ferry they halted and pretended to be examining a timetable though they bought only Ferry tickets Drummond did the same and sauntered leisurely within easy distance of the gate nothing seemed to escape him and.

Yet never did he seem to be watching them the gateman shouted all aboard the door began to close come she tugged at his sleeve they dodged in just in time Drummond followed they started across the wagonway to the opposite side of the slip he kept on the near side constant swerved back again to the near side Drummond had been opposite them and they.

Had now fallen in behind him he was now ahead but going slowly Murray felt her pulling back on his arm with a little exclamation she dropped her purse which contained a few coins she had contrived to open it and the coins ran in every possible Direction Drummond was now on the boat all aboard rled the guards Surly All Aboard go ahead go ahead.

Shouted Murray trying to pick up the scattered change and scattering it the more at last he understood go ahead we'll take the next boat can't you see the lady has dropped her purse the gates closed the warning whistle blew and the ferry booat departed bearing off Drummond alone another cab took them to the Riverside a new Bond of experience.

Had been established between them they dined Qui quietly and as the lights grew mellow she told him more of her story than she had ever breathed to any other living Soul as Murray listened he looked his admiration for the daring of the little woman opposite him at the table they drifted it was the day of the threatened exposure curiously enough.

Dodge felt no nervousness the understanding which he had reached or felt that he had reached with constant made him rather eager than otherwise to have the whole Affair over with at once Drummond had been shut up for some time in the office of Beverly with Dumont going over the report which the accountant had prepared and other.

Matters he had come in without seeing either Constance or Murray though they knew he must be nursing his Chagrin over the episode of the night before they are waiting to see you reported constant to Dodge half an hour later after one of the office boys had been sent over as formal Messenger to their office we are ready for them he asked smiling at her.

Con nodded then I shall go in wait a moment when they have hurled their worst at me I shall call on you have the stuff ready there was no hesitation no misgiving on the part of either as he stro into Beverly's office Constance had prepared the record which they had been working on and for days had been momentarily expecting this crisis she.

Felt that she was ready an ominous silence greeted Dodge as he entered we have had experts on your books Dodge began Beverly clearing his throat as Murray seated himself waiting for them to speak first I have seen that he replied dry they are $50,000 short shot out Dumont indeed Dumont gasped at the coolness of the man what what you have.

Nothing to say why sir he added raising his voice you have actually made no effort to conceal it Dodge smiled cynically a consultation will Rectify it was all he said a conference will show you that it is all right a consultation broke in Beverly in Rage a consultation in jail still Dodge merely smiled then you consider yourself trapped you admit.

It grounded out Dumont anything you please repeated Dodge I am perfectly willing let us end this fast now cried Beverly hotly Drummond the detective had been doing some rapid thinking just a moment he interrupted Ed don't be too precipitate hear his side if he has any I can manage him besides I have something else to say about another.

Person that will interest us all then you are willing to have the consultation Drummond nodded Miss Dunlap called Murray taking the words almost from the detective's lips as he opened the door and held it for her to enter no no alone almost shouted Beverly the detective signaled to him and he subsided ing as she entered Drummond looked hard at her.

Constance met him without wavering an instant I think I've seen you before Mrs Dunlap insinuated the detective perhaps replied Constance still meeting his sharp feret ey squarely which increased his animosity your husband was Carlton Dunlap cashier of green and Company was he not she bit her lip the manner of his raking up of old scores though she had.

Expected it was cruel it would have been cruel in court if she had had a lawyer to protect her rights it was doubly cruel merciless here before Dodge could interrupt the detective added who committed suicide after forging checks to meet his Murray was at Drummond like a hound another word from you and I'll throttle you he blurted out no Murray no.

Don't pleaded Constance she was burning with indignation but it was not by violence that she expected to prevail let him say what he has to say Drummond smiled he had no Scruples about a third degree of this kind and besides there were three of them to dodge you were both of you at Woodlake not long ago were you not he asked calmly there was.

No escaping the implication of the tone still Drummond was taking no chances of being misunderstood there was one man he went on who embezzled for you here is another who has embezzled how will that look when it goes before a jury he concluded the fight had shifted before it had well begun instead of being between Dodge on.

One side and Beverly and deont on the other it now seemed to be a clash between a cool detective and a clever woman Mrs Dunlap interrupted Murray with a mocking smile at the detective will you tell us what you have found out since you have been my private secretary Constance had not lost control of herself for a moment I have been.

Looking over the books a little bit myself she began slowly with all eyes riveted on her I find for instance that your company has been undervaluing its imported goods undervaluing merchandise is considered I believe one of the meanest forms of smuggling the undervalue has frequently to make a tool of a man in his employ then that tool.

Must play on the frailties of an unfortunate or weak examiner at the public store where all invoices and merchandise from foreign countries are examined Drummond had been trying to interrupt but she had ignored him and was speaking rapidly so that he could get no chance you have cheated the government of hundreds of.

Thousands dollars she hurried on facing Beverly and Dumont it would make a splendid newspaper story Dumont moved uneasily Drummond was now staring it was a new phase of the matter to him he had not counted on handling a woman like constant who knew how to take advantage of every weak spot in the armor we are wasting time he interrupted Brusly get.

Back to the original subject there is a $50,000 shortage on these books the attempt clumsily to shift the case away again from constant to dodge was apparent Mrs dunlap's past troubles Dodge asserted vigorously have nothing to do with the case it was cowardly to drag that in but the other matter of which she speaks has much to do with it.

One moment Murray cried constant let me finish what I began this is my fight too now she was talking with blazing eyes and in quick cutting tone for three years he did your dirty work she flashed he did the bribing and you saved half a million dollars he has stolen 50,000 put in Beverly White with anger I have kept an account of everything.

Pursued Constance without pausing I have pieced the record together so that he can now connect the men higher up with the actual acts he had to do he can gain immunity by turning States evidence I am not sure but that he might be able to obtain his moyy of what the government recovers if the matter were brought to suit and one on the information he conf.

Finish she paused no one seemed to breathe now she added impressively at 10 10% commission the half million that he saved for you yields $50,000 that gentleman is the amount of the shortage and offset the deuce it is exclaimed Beverly Constance reached for a telephone on the desk near her get me the Lord division at the customs house.

She asked simply Dumont was pale and almost speechless Beverly could ill suppress his smothered rage what could they do the tables had been turned if they objected to the amazing proposal Constance had made they might all go to jail Dodge even might go free Rich they looked at Dodge and Mrs Dunlap there was no weakening they were as Relentless as.

Their opponents had been before dant literally tore the telephone from her never mind about that number Central he muttered then he started as if toward the door the rest followed outside the accountant had been waiting patiently perhaps expecting Drummond to call on him to corroborate the report he had been listening there was no sound of.

High voices as he had expected what did it mean the door opened Beverly was pale and Haggard Dumont worn and Silent he could scarcely talk Dodge again held the door for constant as she swept past the amazed accountant all eyes were now fixed on dumont's Chief spokesman he has made a satisfactory explanation was all he said I would lock all that stuff up.

In the strongest safe deposit vault in New York remarked Constance laying the evidence that involved them all on Murray's desk it is your only Safeguard Constance he burst forth suddenly you were superb the crisis was passed now and she felt the nervous reaction there is one thing more I want to say he added in a low tone he had crossed to where.

She was standing by the window and bent over speaking with with great emotion since that afternoon at Wood Lake when you turned me back again from the foolish and ruinous course on which I had decided you you have been more to me than life Constance I have never loved until now nothing has ever mattered except money I never had anyone else to.

Think of care for except myself you have changed everything she was gazing out of the window at the tall buildings there in a myriad of offices lay wealth Untold opportunity as yet untasted to seize that wealth only for an instant she turned and looked at him then dropped her eyes what lay that way you are clear now respected respectable she said.

Simply yes thank God clear and with a new ambition thanks to you she had been expecting this ever since that last night the relief of Murray to feel that the old score that would have ruined him was now wiped off the Slate was precisely what she had anticipated yet somehow it disappointed her she felt instinctively that her Triumph was.

Burning fast to ashes keep clear she faled Constance he urged approaching closer and taking her cold hand was she to be the one to hold him back in any way from the new life that was now before him what if Drummond in his animosity ever got the truth she gently unclasped her hand from his no that happiness was not for her I am afraid I.

Am a crooked heart not Murray she said sadly I have gone too far to turn back the brand is on me but I am not altogether bad yet think of me always with Charity yes she cried wildly I must return to my loneliness no do not try to stop me you have no right she added bitterly as the reality of her situation burned itself into her heart she broke.

Away from him wildly but with set purpose the world had had taken away her husband now it was a lover the world must pay Chapter 3 The Gun Runners we'll land here Mrs Dunlap Ramon Santos Terror of the Washington State Department and of a half dozen consulates in New York stuck a pin in a map of Central America spread.

Out on a table before constant insurrectos will meet us he pursued then added but we must have money first my dear Senora plenty of money dark of eye and skin with black Imperial and mustache tall straight as an arrow Santos had risen and was now gazing down with wrapped attention not at the map but at constant herself every curve of.

Her face and wave of her hair every line of her trim figure which her filmy gown seemed to accentuate rather than conceal added fire to his Arden glances he touched lightly another pin sticking in a little almost microscopic ey of the Caribbean our plan it is simple he continued with animation in spite of his foreign accent on this island a plant to.

Print paper money to coin silver with that we shall land pay our men as they flock to us collect forces seiz cities appropriate the Customs once we start it is easy Constance looked up quickly but that is counterfeiting she exclaimed no rejoined Santos it is a war measure we the provisional government merely coin our own money besides it will not.

Be done in this country it will not come under your laws there was a magnetism about the man that fascinated her as he stood watching the effect of his words instinctively she knew that it was not alone enthusiasm over his scheme that inspired his confidences though we are not counterfitters he went on we do not know what moment our opponents May set.

Your secret service to destroy destroy all our hopes besides we must have money now to buy Machinery arms ammunition we must find someone he lowered his voice who can persuade American bankers and Merchants to take risks to gain valuable concessions in the new state Santos was talking rapidly and earnestly urging his case on her we are prepared he hurried.

On confidentially to give you Senora half the money that you can raise for these purposes he paused and stood before her he was certainly a handsome figure this Soldier of Fortune and he was at his best now Constance looked out of the window of her sitting room this was a business proposition not to be influenced by any sentiment she watched.

The lights moving Up and Down the River and Bay there were craft from the ends of the Earth she speculated on the Romantic Secrets hidden in Lina and surely they could scarcely be more romantic than the appeal Santos was making will you help us urged Santos leaning further over the map to read her averted face in.

Her loneliness after she had given up Murray Dodge life in New York had seemed even more bitter to constant than before yet the great City cast a spell over her with its countless opportunities for adventure she could not leave it but had taken a suite in a quiet boarding house overlooking the Bay from the Heights in Brooklyn one guest in particular had.

Interested her he was a Latin American Ramon Santos she noticed that he seldom appeared at breakfast or luncheon but at dinner he often ordered much as if it were 7:00 in the morning instead of the evening he was a mystery and Mysteries interested her did he work all night and sleep all day what was he doing she was astonished a few nights after her.

Arrival to receive a call from the mysterious evening breakfasteria intrude he began gracefully presenting his card but I have heard how clever you are Senora Dunlap a friend in an importing firm has told me of you a Mr Dodge Constance was startled at the name Murray had indeed written a little note expressing his.

Entire confidence in Mr Santos formal as it was Constance thought she could read between the lines the same feeling toward her that he had expressed at their parting Santos gave her no time to live over the past you see Mrs dun lap he explained as he led up to the object of his visit the time has come to overthrow the regime in Central America.

For a revolution which will bring together all the countries in a union like the old United States of Central America he had spread out the map on the table only he added we would call the new state vespia we queried Constance yes my colleagues you call it in English we have already a hunter with headquarters in an old Loft on South.

Street in New York Santos indicated the plan of campaign on the map we shall strike a blow he cried bringing his fist down on the table as if the blow had already fallen that will paralyze the Enemy at the very start he paused will you help us raise the money he repeated earnestly Constance had been inactive long enough the appeal was romantic.

Almost irresistible besides no at the outset she put out of consideration any thought of the fascinating young Soldier of Fortune himself the spirit of defiance of Law and custom was strong upon her that was all yes she replied I will help you Santos leaned over and with a graceful gesture that she could not.

Resent raised her fingertips gallantly to his lips thank you he said with a courtly smile we have already won the next day Ramon introduced her to the other members of the hunter it was evident that he was in in fact as well as name their leader but they were not like the usual oily plotters of Revolution who congregate about the.

Round tables in dingy back rooms of South Street cafes apportioning The Gold Lace the offices and the revenues among themselves there was an air about them that was different let me present captain Lee Gordon of the remarked Santos coming to a Sterly built sunburned man with the unmistakable look of the Anglo-Saxon who has spent much.

Time in the neighborhood of the Tropical Sun the aroyo is the ship that is to carry the arms and the plant to the Island from Brooklyn we choose Brooklyn because it is quieter over there fewer people late at night on the streets Captain Gordon bowed without taking his eyes off constant I am like yourself Mrs Dunlap a recent recruit he explained it.

Is a wonderful plan he added enthusiastically we shall sweep the country with it he flicked off the ash of his inevitable cigarette much as if it were the opposition of the governments they were to encounter it was evident that the captain was much impressed by constant yet she instinctively disliked the man his.

Camaraderie had something offensive about it as contrasted with the differential friendship of Santos with all her energy however constant plunged directly into her work indeed even at the start she was amazed to find that money for a revolution could be raised at all she soon found that it could be done more easily in New York than.

Anywhere else in the world there seemed to be something about her that apparently appealed to Those whom she went to see she began to realize what a tremendous Advantage a woman of the world had in presenting the case and convincing a Speculator of the rich returns if the revolution should prove successful more than that she quickly.

Learned that it was best to go alone that it was she quite as much as the promised concessions for tobacco salt Telegraph telephone monopolies that loosed the purse strings her first week's report of pledges ran into the thousands with a substantial immediate payment of real dollars how did you do it asked Santos.

In undisguised admiration as she was telling him one night of her success in the dusty cobwebbed little ship chandlery on South Street where the hunter headquarters had been established Dollar Diplomacy she laughed not displeased at his admiration we shall soon convert American dollars into thepo and bullets they were alone and a week.

Had made much difference in the fascinating friendship to Constance let me show you what I have done Ramon confided already I have started together the counterfeiting plant as you call it Peace by piece as he had been able to afford them he had been ordering the presses the stamping machine and a little reading or milling.

Machine for the edges of the coins the paper the ink and the bullion we shall order now as we can he explained resting his head on his elbow at the table beside her everything will be secured from firms which make mint supplies for foreign governments a photo engraver is now engaged on the work of copying the notes he is making the plates by the.

Photo etching process the same as that by which the real money plates are made then too there will be dyes for the coins coined silver will be worth twice the cost of the bullion to us why he added eagerly a few more successful days senora and we shall have even arms and ammunition a key turned in the door Santos sprang to his feet it was Gordon.

Ah good evening the captain greeted them the fact that they had been talking so earnestly alone was not lost on him may I join the conspir y he smiled what luck today by the way I have just heard of a consignment of a thousand rifles as good as new that can be bought for a song Santos elated at the progress so far told hastily of constant's success let.

Us get an option on them for a few days he cried good agreed Gordon only he added shaking his finger playfully at constant as the three left the headquarters don't let the commanderin-chief monopolize all your time remember we all need you now Santos that was an inspiration to get Mrs Dunlap on our side somehow she felt.

Uncomfortable she half imagined that a frown had flitted over Santos's face are you going to Brooklyn she asked him no we shall be working at the hunter late tonight he replied as they parted at the subway he and Gordon to secure the option on the guns she to plan for the tomorrow I've made a good beginning she congratulated herself when later in her.

Rooms she was going over the list of names of commission Merchants who handled produce of South American countries there was a tap on the door quickly she shoved the list into the drawer of the table a gentleman to see you downstairs ma'am announced the maid as she pushed aside the portier her heart gave a leap it was.

Drummond Mrs Dunlap began the Wy detective seeming to observe everything with eyes that seldom had the appearance of at anything I think you will recall that we have met before Constance bit her lip and why again she queried curtly I am informed he went on cooly ignoring her curtness that there is a guest in this house named Santos Ramon Santos he.

Said it in a half insinuating half questioning tone you might inquire of the landl replied Constance now perfectly composed Mrs Dunlap he burst forth exasperated what is the use of beating about do you know the real character of this Santos it is a matter of perfect indifference she returned then you do.

Not think a warning from me worth troubling about demanded the detective Constance continued to stand as if to terminate the interview I came here continued the detective showing no evidence of taking the hint to make a proposition to you Mrs Dunlap you are in bad again but this time there is a chance for you to get out without risk I.

I think I may talk plainly we understand each other his manner had changed Constance could not have described to herself the loathing she felt for the man as it suddenly flashed over her what he was after if she had resented his familiarity before it brought the stinging blood to her cheeks now to realize that he was actually seeking to.

Persuade her to betray her friends do you want to know what I think she scorned then without waiting added I think you are a crooker blackmailer that's what I think of a private detective like you the Defiance of the little woman amazed even Drummond instead of fear as of the pursued constant Dunlap showed all the boldness.

Of the pursuer you have got to stop this swindling the detective raged taking a step closer to her I know the bankers you have fooled I know how much you have worked them for swindling she repeated cooly in in assumed surprise who says I am swindling you know well enough what I mean this revolution that is being planned to bring about the new state to.

Vespa as your friends Santos and Gordon call it vespia Santos Gordon yes he shouted vespia Santos Gordon and I'll go further I'll tell you something you may not care to hear Drummond leaned over closer to her in his favorite bulldozing manner when he dealt with a woman all the malevolence of the human blood hound seemed concentrated ated in his look who.

Forged those Carlton realy checks he hissed who played off the weakness of Dumont and Beverly against the clever thefts of Murray Dodge who is using a counterfeit and a soldier of fortune and swindling honest American bankers and businessmen as no man crook you seem to like that word crook could ever do Constance met him calmly oh she laughed.

Aily I suppose you mean to imply that it is I I don't imply he grounded out I assert accuse Constance Shrugged her pretty shoulders I want to tell you that I am employed by the Central American consulates in this city blustered Drummond and I am waiting only for one thing the moment an order is given for the withdrawal of that stuff from The.

Little Shop in South Street you know what I mean I am ready I shall not be alone then you will have the power of the United States Secret Service to deal with this time my clever lady well what of that there is this much of it I warn you now against working with this Santos he you can make no move that we do not know why had Drummond come to see her.

Constance was asking herself the very insolence of the man seemed to arouse all the combativeness of her nature the detective had thought to throw a scare into her she turned suddenly and swept out of the room I thank you for your kindness she said icily it is unnecessary good night in her own room she paced the.

Floor nervously now that the strain was off should she desert Santos and save herself he had more need of her help now than ever before she did not stop to analyze her own feelings she knew he had been making love to her during the past week as only a Spaniard could it fascinated her without blinding her yes she would match her wits against this.

Detective clever though she knew he was was but Santos must be warned Santos and Gordon were alone when she burst in on them breathlessly an hour later at the hunter what is the matter inquired Ramon quickly placing a chair for her Gordon looked his admiration for the little woman though he did not speak it she saw him cast a sidewise glance at Santos and.

Herself though the three were friends it was evident to her that Gordon did not trust Santos any further than the suspicious Ang Anglo Saxon trusts a foreigner usually when there is a woman in the case the Secret Service exclaimed Constance I've just had a visit from a private detective employed by one of the consulates they know too much he has.

Threatened to tell all to the secret service has even had the affron to ask me to betray you the scoundrel burst out Santos impulsively you are not frightened Gordon asked quickly on the contrary I expected something of the sort soon but not from this man I can meet him good exclaimed the captain there was that in his voice that caused.

Her to look at him quickly Santos had noticed it too and a sullen scowl spread over his face intuitively constant read the two men before her she had fled from one problem to a greater both Santos and Gordon were in love with her in the Whirl of this new discovery two things alone crowded all else from her mind she must contrive to hold off Drummond until.

That part of the Expedition which was ready could be got off and she must play the jealous Rivals against each other with such finesse as to keep them separated far into the night after she had left the hunter she debated the question with herself she could not turn back now the attentions of Gordon were offensive yet she could have given no.

Other reason than that she liked Santos the better yet what was Santos to her her after all once she had let herself go too far she must be careful in this case she must not allow this to be other than a business proposition the crisis for her came sooner than she had anticipated it was the day after the visit of Drummond she was waiting at the.

Hunter alone for Santos when Gordon entered she had dreaded just that there was no mistaking the man Mrs Dunlap began Gordon bending down close over her she was almost trembling with emotion and he saw it you can read me like a book he hurried on mistaking her feelings I can see that you know how much I think of you how much I no no she.

Implored don't talk to me that way remember there is work to do after it is over then work he scorned what is the whole of Central America to me compared to you Captain Gordon she stood facing him now you must not listen to me you do not know I please please leave me let me think she did not dare accept him she could not reject him it seemed that with.

An almost superhuman effort Gordon gripped himself but he did not go constant was distracted what if Santos with his fiery nature should find Gordon talking to her alone she must temporize one week she murmured when the aroyo sails that night I shall give you my answer Gordon shot A peculiar glance at at her half doubt half surprise but she.

Was gone as she hurried unexpectedly out of the hunter she fancied she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure it must have been Drummond every move at the hunter was being watched at the boarding house all night she waited she must see Santos plan after plan Whirled through her brain as the hours dragged it was.

Not until almost morning that seeing a light he tapped cautiously at her door you were not at the hunter tonight he remarked there was something of jealousy in the tone no there is something I wanted to say to you where we should not be interrupted she answered as he sat down a fold of her filmy house dress fluttered near him involuntarily he.

Moved closer his eyes met hers she could feel the passions surging in the man beside her I saw Drummond again today she began Captain Gordon the intense look of hatred that blazed in the eyes of Santos frightened her what might have happened if he instead of Gordon had met her at the hunter she could not have said but now she must guard against it.

It flashed over her that there was only one thing to be done she Rose and laid her hand on his arm as quickly the look changed there was only one way to do it she must make this man think they understood each other without saying so you must get the counterfeiting plant down on the island immediately alone don't tell any of the others until it is.

There safely you are going to send it down on the aroyo next week it must not go from New York at all it must be shipped by Rail and then from New Orleans you must but Gordon his voice was horar she looked at Santos long and earnestly I will take care of him she said in a tone that Santos could not mistake no Ramon no After the revolution.

Perhaps who shall say but now to work it was with a sigh of relief that she sank to rest at last when he had gone for the moment she had won piece by piece Santos and she secretly carried out the goods that had already been collected at the hunter during the next few days without a word to a soul they were shipped South the boxes and barrels remained in the.

Musty shop apparently undisturbed next the order for the arms and ammunition was quietly diverted so that they too were on their way to New Orleans instead cases resembling them were sent to the hunter headquarters Drummond least of all must be allowed to think that there was any change in their plans while Santos was at work Gathering the parts.

The stamping machine the press the dyes the plates and the rest of the counterfeiting plant which had not yet been delivered constant during the hours that she was not collecting money from the concession Grabbers horn haed the hunter there was every evidence of activity there as the weak Advanced she was between two fires yet never had she.

Enjoyed the Tang of Adventure more than now it was a keen pleasure to feel that she was outwitting Drummond when as some apparently insurmountable difficulty arose she would overcome it more delicate was it however to preserve the balance between Santos and Gordon in fact it seemed that the more she sought to avoid Gordon the more jealously did.

He pursue her it was a tangled scce of romance and Intrigue that Constance was weaving at last all was ready it was the night before the departure of Santos for the South Constance had decided on the last interview in her own rooms where the first had been I shall go ahead preparing as if to ship the things on the she said let me know by the code the.

Moment you are ready Santos was looking at her oblivious of everything else he reached over and took her hand she knew this was the moment against which she had stealed herself come with me he asked suddenly she could feel his breath hotly on her cheek it was the final struggle if she let go of herself all would be.

Lost no Ramon she said softly but without withdrawing her hand it can never be listen it was terrific to hold in check a nature such as his I went into this scheme for for money I have it we have raised nearly $440,000 20,000 you have given me as my share she paused he was paying no attention to her words his whole self.

Was centered on her face with me she continued half wearily withdrawing her hand as she assumed the part she had decided on for herself with me Ramon love is dead dead I've seen too much of the world nothing has any Fascination for me now except excitement money he gently leaned over and recovered the hand that she had withdrawn quickly he.

Raised it to his lips as he had done that first night you are mine he whispered not his she did not withdraw the hand this time no not his nobody's for a moment the adventurers understood each other not his he muttered fiercely as he threw his arms about her wildly passionately nobody's she panted as she gave one answering caress then struggled.

From him she had conquered not only Ramon Santos but constant Dunlap early the next morning he was speeding Southward over the clicking rails every energy must be bent toward keeping the new scheme secret until it was carried out successfully not a hint must get to Drummond that there was any change in the activities of the hunter as for the.

Hunter itself there was no one of those who believed implicitly in Santos whom constant need fear except Gordon Gordon was the bait Noir 2 days passed and she was able to guard the secret as well as to act as though nothing had happened Santos had left a short note for the hunter telling them that he would be away for a short time putting the.

Finishing touches on the purchase of the arms the arrival of a cartload of cases at the hunter which constant arranged for herself bore out the letter still she waited anxiously for word from him the day set for the sailing of the aroyo arrived and with it at last a telegram buy corn oats wheat sell cotton it was the code telling of the safe arrival of.

The rifles cartridges and the counterfeiting plant in New Orleans a little late but safe sell cotton meant I sail tonight on the way over to the hunter she had noticed one of Drummond's Shadows dogging her she must do anything to keep the secret until that night she hurried into the dusty ship.

Chandery there was Gordon good morning Mrs Dunlap he cried you are just the person I am looking for where is Santos has the plan been changed Constance thought she detected a shade of jealousy in the tone at any rate Gordon was more attentive than ever I think he is in Bridgeport she replied as casually as she could your ship you know.

Sails tonight he has sent word to me to give orders that all the goods here at the hunter be ready to cart over by truck to Brooklyn there has been no change the papers are to be signed during the day and she is to be scheduled to sail late in the afternoon with the tide only as you know some pretext must delay you you will hold her.

At the pier for us he trusts all that to you as a Master Hand at framing such excuses that seem plausible Gordon leaned over closer to her he was positively revolting to her in the role of admirer but she must not offend him yet and my answer he asked there was something about him that made Constance almost draw away involuntarily tonight.

At the pier she murmured forcing a smile shortly after dark the teams started their lumbering way across the city and the bridge Messengers stationed on the way were to report the safe progress of the trucks to Brooklyn constant Slipped Away From The Boarding House down through the deserted streets to the Waterfront leaving word at home that any.

Message was to be sent by a trusty boy to the pier it was a foggy and Misty night on the water an ideal night for the Gunrunner she was relieved to learn that there had been not a hitch so far still she reasoned that was natural Drummond even if he had not been outwitted would scarcely have spoiled the game until the last moment on the.

Aroyo everyone was chafing below decks the engine engineer and his assistants were seeing that the Machinery was in perfect order men in the streets were posted to give Gordon warning of any danger in the river a tug was watching for a possible police boat on the warf the only footfalls were those of Gordon himself and an assistant from the hunter.

It was dreary waiting and constant Drew her coat more closely around her as she shivered in the night wind and tried to brace herself against the unexpected at last the welcome muffled rum of heavily Laden carts Disturbed The Midnight Silence of the street leading to the river at once a score of men sprang from the hold of the ship as if by Magic one.

By one the cases were loaded the men were working feverishly by the light of battle lanterns big lamps with reflectors so placed as to throw the light exactly where it was needed and nowhere else they were taking aboard the aroyo dozens of coffin like wooden cases and bags and boxes small ER and even heavier silently and swiftly they toiled.

It was risky work too at night and in the tense haste there was a muttered exclamation a heavy case had dropped a man had gone down with a broken leg it was a common thing with the Gun Runners the crew of the aroyo had expected it the victim of such an accident could not be sent to a hospital ashore he was carried as gently as the rough hands.

Could carry anything to one side where he lay silently waiting for the ship surgeon who had been engaged for just such an emergency constant bent over and made the poor fellow as comfortable as she could there was never a whimper from him but he looked his gratitude scarcely a fraction of a minute had been lost the last cases were now being loaded the tug.

Crawled up and made fast already the empty trucks were Vanishing in the misty Darkness one by one as muffled as they came suddenly lights flashed through the fog on the river there was a hurried tread of feet on the land from around the corner of a bleak forbidding black Warehouse they were surrounded on one side was the police boat Patrol on the.

Other was Drummond with both was the Secret Service the surprise was complete Constance turned to Gordon he was gone before she could move someone seized her where's Santos demanded a horar voice in Her Ear she looked up to see Drummond she shut her lips tightly secure in the secret that Ramon was at the moment or soon would be on the gulf Out Of Reach.

Across in the fog she strained her eyes was that the familiar figure of Gordon moving in the dim light there he was now with Drummond the police and the Secret Service it was exactly as she had suspected to herself and a smile played over her face all was excitement shouts muttered imprecations con was the calmest in the.

Crowd deaf to even Drummond's thirdd degree they had begun to break open the boxes marked salt and corn a loud exclamation above the sharp crunching of the axes escaped Gordon damn them they've put one across on us the boxes of salt and corn contain salt and corn not a stock of a rifle not a barrel not a cartridge was in any of them as the.

Axes crashed in one case after another a boy with a telegram emerged indiscreetly from the Misty Shadows Drummond seized it tore it open and read by cotton it was the code I am off safely the double cross had worked constant was thinking as she smiled to herself of the money her share which she had hidden there was not a scrap of tangible evidence against.

Her except what Santos had carried with him in the filibustering Expedition already off from New Orleans her word would stand against that of all of the victims combined before any jury that could be impanel you thought I needed a warning she cried facing Drummond with eyes that flashed scorn at the skullking figure of Gordon behind him but the next.

Time you employ a stool pigeon to make love she added reckon in that thing you detective scorn a woman's intuition chapter 4 the gamblers won't you come over to see me tonight just a friendly little game my dear our own crowd you know there was something in the purring tone of the invitation of the woman across the hall from constant dunlap's.

Apartment that aroused her curiosity thank you I believe I will answered Constance it's lonely in a big city without friends indeed it is agreed Bella Lamar I've been watching you for some time and wondering how you stand it now be sure to come won't you I shall be glad to do so assured constant as they reached their floor and parted at the.

Elevator door she had been watching the other woman too although she had said nothing about it a friendly little game repeated Constance to herself that sounds as if it had the Tang of an adventure in it I'll go the Mayfair arms in which she had taken a modest Suite of rooms was a rather reer apartment and one of her Chief Delights since she had.

Been there had been in watching the other occupants there had been much to interest her in the minage across the hall Mrs Bella Lamar as she called herself was of a type rather common in the city an attractive Widow on the safe side of 40 well- groomed often daringly gowned a brown eyes snapped vivacity and the per little nose and racy expression.

Of the mouth confirmed the general impression that Mrs Lamar liked the good things of Life quite naturally constant observed her neighbor had hosts of friends who often came early and stayed late friends who seemed to exude as it were an air of prosperity and high living clearly she was a woman to cultivate Constance felt even more.

Interest in her now that Mrs Lamar had pursued a bowing acquaintance to the point of an unsolicited invitation a friendly little game she speculated what ice the game that night found constant at the buzzer beside the heavy mahogany door across the hall she wore a new evening gown of warm red her face glowed with heightened color and her nerves.

Were on the que Vive for the unlocking At Last of The Mystery of the fascinating Mrs Lamar so glad to see you my dear smiled Bella holding out her hand engagingly you are just in time already several of the guests had arrived there was an air of bonamy as Bella presented them to Constance a stocky red-faced man with a wide chest.

And narrow waist Ross Watson a tall sloping shouldered man who inclined his head forward earnestly when he talked to a lady and spoke with animation Haden Holly and a fair-haired baby blue-eyed little woman gowned in becoming pink Mrs Lancing Noble now we're all here just enough for a game remarked Bella in a business-like tone Oh I beg pardon you.

Play Mrs Dunlap she added to constant oh yes Constance replied almost anything a little bit she had already noted that the chief object in the room after all appeared to to be a round table about it the guests seemed naturally to take their places what shall it be toon night Bridge asked Watson nonchalantly fingering a little.

Pack of guilt edged cards which Bella had produced oh no cried Mrs Noble bridge is such a bore rum no no the regular game poker a dollar Limit Oh make it five drawed Hy impatiently Watson said nothing but Bella patted Holly's hand in approval as if all were on very good terms in indeed I think that will make a nice little game she.

Cut in opening a drawer from which she took out a box of blue red and white chips of real Ivory Watson seemed naturally to assume the role of Banker aren't you going to join us asked Constance oh I seldom play you know I'm too busy entertaining you people excused Bella as she bustled out of the room reappearing a few minutes later with the.

Maid and a tray of Slender Hollow stem glasses with a bottle wrapped in a white napkin in a pale of ice Mrs Noble shuffled the cards with practiced hand and Watson kept a calculating eye on every face luck was not with constant on the first deal and she dropped out Mrs Noble and Holly were betting eagerly Watson was cooly following along until.

The Showdown which he won of all things exclaimed the little woman in pink plainly betraying her vexation at losing will luck never turn Hy said nothing Constance watched in amazement this was no friendly little game the faces were too tense too hectic the play was too high and the desire to win too great Mrs Lamar was something more than a gracious.

Hostess in her solicitude for her guests all the time the pile of chips in front of Watson kept building up at each New Deal a white chip was placed in a little box the kitty for the cards and refreshments it was in reality one of the new style gambling joints for men and women the gay parties of callers on Mrs Lamar were nothing other than.

Gamblers the old gambling dens of the ice boox doors and steel gratings of white-coated servants and free food and drink had passed away with reform here was a remarkable new phase of Sporting Life which had gradually taken its place Constance had been looking about curiously in the meantime on a table she saw copies of the newspapers which.

Published full accounts of the races something that looked like a racing sheet and a telephone conveniently located near writing materials it was a pool room too then in the daytime she reasoned surely in the Next Room when the light was on she saw what looked like a miniature roulette wheel not one of the elaborate Affairs of bright metal.

And Ebony but one of those that can almost be packed into a suitcase and carried about easily that was the secret of the flashily dressed men and women who called on Bella Lamar they were risking everything perhaps even honor itself on a turn of a wheel the fall of a card a guess on a horse why had Bella Lamar invited her here she asked herself.

At first Constance was a little bit afraid that she might have plunged into too deep water she made up her mind to quit when her losses reached a certain nominal point but they did not reach it perhaps the gamblers were too clever but constant seemed always to keep just a little bit ahead of the game one person in particular in the group interested.

Her as she endeavored intuitively to take their measure it was Haden Holly immaculately garbed with all those little touches of smartness which women like to see once she caught Hy looking intently at her was it he who was letting her win at his expense or was his attention to her causing him to neglect his own game and play it poorly.

She decided to quit she was a few dollars ahead for excuse she pleaded a headache Bella accepted the excuse with a cordial nod and a kind inquiry whether she might not like to lie down no thank you murmured constant but the cards make me nervous tonight just let me sit here I'll be all right in a minute as she lulled back on.

A Divan near the players's constant noted or thought she noted now and then exchanges of looks between Bella and Watson what was the bond of intimacy between them she noted on Mrs Noble's part that she was keenly alive to everything that Hy did it was a peculiar quadrangle Hy was losing heavily in his efforts to retrieve his fortunes he said.

Nothing but accepted the losses grimly Mrs Noble however after each successive loss seemed more and more nervous at last with a hasty look at her wristwatch she gave a little suppressed scream how the time flies she cried who would have thought it as late as that really I must go I expect my husband back from a director's meeting at 10:.

And it's much easier to be home than to have to think up an excuse no Haden don't disturb yourself I shall get a cab at the door let me see $228 she paused as if the loss staggered her I'll have to sign another IOU for it Bella there she left in a flutter as if someone had winked out the light by which she poor little butterfly had.

Singed her wings and there was nothing for her but to fly away alone in the darkness with her secret Olie accompanied her to the door for a moment she raised a questioning face to his and shot a half covert glance at Constance then as if with an effort adhering to her first res resolution to go alone she whispered earnestly I hope you win luck.

Must turn Hy plunged back into the game now with Bella holding a hand he played recklessly then conservatively it made no difference the cards seemed always against him Constance began really to feel alarmed at his manner once however he chanced to look up at her something in her face must have impressed him turning he flung down the cards in.

Disgust that's enough for tonight he exclaimed rising and draining another glass on the tray luck will come your way soon again urged Bella it all averages up in the end you know it has to how did you enjoy the evening insinuated Bella very much replied Constance enthusiastically it is so exciting you.

Know you must come again when more of my friends are here I should like to but to night was very nice Holly looked at her contemplatively she had risen to go as she took a step or two toward the door still facing them she found Hy at her side shall we go over to jaxs for a bite to eat he whispered there was as much of appe peal.

In his undertone as of invitation thank you I should be glad to go Constance ascented quickly there was something about Haden Holly that interested her perhaps Beller and Watson exchanged a knowing glance as she crossed the hall for her wraps whatever it was constant determined to see the thing through to a finish confident that she was quite able.

To take care of herself outside the raw night air smokee dankly on their fevered faces as they walked along briskly too glad to get into the open to summon a car constant happened to turn she had an uncomfortable feeling she could have sworn someone was following them she said nothing about a figure a few feet behind them the Lively allight.

Restaurant was thronged Holly seemed to throw himself into the G with Reckless abandon ordering about twice as much as they could eat and drink but in spite of the fascination of the scene constant could not forget the dark figure skulking behind them in the shadow of the street once she looked up at another table she could just catch a glimpse of.

Drummond of the bur detective agency alone abl ious never did he look at them there was nothing to indicate that he was even interested but Constance knew that that was the method of his shadowing never for a moment she knew did he permit himself to look into the eyes of his Quarry even for the most fleeting glance she knew too that there.

Must be some psychological reason for his not looking at them as he otherwise must have done if only by chance it was the method followed by the expert Modern Trailer she knew that if one looks at a person intently while in a public place for instance it will not be long before the Gaze will be returned try as she would she could not catch Drummond's eye.

However Holly now that the strain of the game was off was rattling along about his losses in an undertone to her but what of it he concluded any day luck may change as for myself I go always on the assumption that I am the one exception unlucky both at cards and love if the event proves I am right I am not disappointed if I am wrong then I am.

Happy there was something in the tone of the whimsicality that alarmed her it covered a desperation which she felt instinctively why was he talking thus to her almost a stranger surely it could not have been for that that Bella Lamar had brought them together gradually it came to her the man had really honestly been struck by her from the moment of.

Their introduction instead of allowing others to say nothing of himself to lead her on in the path he and Mrs Noble and the others had entered he was taking the bit in his teeth like a high strung racehorse and was running away now that Bella Lamar for the moment did not hold the Reigns he was warning her openly against the.

Game somehow the action appealed to Constance it was genuine disinterested as secretly it was flattering still she said nothing about Bella nor about Mrs is Noble Hy seemed to appreciate the fact his face showed plainly as if he had said it that here at least was one woman who was not always talking about others there had been a rapid fire.

Suddenness about his confidences which had fascinated her are you in business she ventured oh yes he laughed grimly I'm in business treasurer of the exporting and manufacturing company but she pursued looking him frankly in the face I should think you'd be afraid to have become involved I know I am being watched he broke in impatiently you see.

I'm bonded and the bonding companies keep a pretty sharp Lookout on your habits oh the crash will come someday until it does let us make the most of it while it lasts he said the words bitterly Constance was confirmed in her original suspicion of him now Hy was getting deeper and deeper into the moral quag M.

She had seen his interest in Mrs Noble had Bella Lamar hoped that she too would play will of the Wisp in leading him on over the still half-eaten supper she watched Hy keenly a thousand questions about himself about Mrs Noble rushed through her mind should she be perfectly Frank are you are you using the company's money she asked at length.

Pointedly he had not expected the question and his evident intention was to deny it but he met her eye he tried to escape it but could not what was there about this little woman that had compelled his attention and interest from the moment he had been introduced quickly he tried to reason it out in his heart it was not that she was physically.

Attractive to him Mrs Noble was that it was not that Fascination which Bella aroused The Adventurous the siren the Gorgon in Constance there was something different she was a woman of the world a man's woman then too she was so brutally Frank in inviting his confidences over and over he turned the answer he had.

Intended to make he caught her eye again and knew that it was of no use yes he muttered as a cloud spread over his face at not being able as usual to let the gay life put the truth out of his mind yes I have been using their funds as if a switch had been turned the light broke on constant she saw herself face to face with one of the Dark Shadows in the.

Great city of High lights how she asked simply leaning forward over the table there was no resisting her quickly he told her all at first with what little money of my own I had I played then I began to sign i o U's and notes now I have been taking blank stock certificates some of those held as treasury stock in the the company's safe.

They have never been issued so that by writing in the signatures of myself and the other officers necessary I have been able to use it to pay off my losses in gambling as he unfolded to her the plan which he had adopted Constance listened in amazement and you know that you are watched she repeated changing the subject and sensing rather than seeing.

The Drummond was watching them then yes he continued freely the international shity in which I'm bonded has a sort of Secret Service of its own I understand it is the eye that is never closed but is screen from the man under Bond when you go into the Broadway night life too often for instance he pursued waving his hand about at the gay tables run around.

In fast motors with faster company well they know it who is watching I do not know but with me it will be as it has been when others came to the end someday they will come to me and they are going to say we don't like your conduct where do you get this money they will know then too but before that time comes I want to win to be in a position to tell.

Them to go Holly clenched his fist it was evident that he did not intend to quit no matter what the odds against him Constance thought of the silent figure of Drummond at the other table watching watching she felt sure that it was to him him that the shity company had turned over the work of shadowing Holly day after day probably the unobtrusive.

Detective had been trailing Hy from the moment he left his apartment until the time when he returned if he did return there was nothing of his goings and comings that was not already an open book to them of what use was it then for Holly to fight it was a situation such as she delighted in she had made up her mind she would help Haden hold to beat.

The law already it seemed as if he knew that their positions had been reversed he had started to warn her she now was saving him yet even then he showed the better side of his nature there is someone else Mrs Dunlap he remarked earnestly who needs your help even more than I do it had cost him something to say that he had not been able to accept.

Her help even under false pretenses eagerly he watched to see whether jealousy of The Other Woman played any part with her I understand she said with a hasty glance at her watch and a covert look at Drummond let us go if we are to win we must keep our heads clear I shall see you tomorrow for hours during the rest of.

The night constant tossed fitfully in half sleep thinking over the problem she had assumed how was she to get at the inside truth of what was going on across the hall that was the first question in her perplexity she Rose and looked out out of the window at the now lightening gray of the courtyard there dangled the Lemar telephone wire only a few feet.

From her own window suddenly an idea flashed over her in her Leisure she had read much and thought more she recalled having heard of a machine that just fitted her needs as soon as she was likely to find places of business open constant started out on her search it was early in the for noon before she returned successful the machine which.

She had had in mind proved to be an oak box perhaps 18 in Long by half the width and a foot deep on its face it bore a little dial inside there appeared a fine wire on a spool which Unwound gradually by Clockwork and after passing through a peculiar small Arrangement was wound up on another spool flexible silk covered copper wires LED from the box carefully.

Constance reached across the dizzy intervening space and Drew in the slack Lamar telephone wires with every care she cut into them as if she were making an extension and attached the wires from the box perhaps half an hour later the door buzzer sounded constant could scarcely restrain her surprise as Mrs Lancing Noble stepped in quickly and.

Shut the door herself I don't want her to know I'm here she whispered nodding across the hall won't you take off your things asked constant cord no I can't stay returned her visitor nervously pausing constant wondered why she had come was she too trying to warn a newcomer against the place she said nothing but now that the effort had been.

Made and the little woman had gone actually so far she felt the reaction she sank down into an easy chair and rested her pretty head on her delicately gloved hand oh Mrs Dunlap she began convulsively I hope you will pardon an entire stranger for breaking in on you so informally but but I can't I can't help it I must tell.

Someone accustomed as she was now to strange confidences Constance bent over and patted the little Hand of Mrs Noble comfortingly you seem to take it so cooly went on the other woman for me the Glamour the excitement are worse than champagne but you could stop even when you were winning oh my God what am I to do.

What will happen when my husband finds out what I have done tearfully the little woman poured out the sworded story of her Fascination for the game of her losses of the porning of her jewels to pay her losses and keep them secret if only for a few days until that mythical time when luck would change when I started she blurted out with a.

Bitter little laugh I thought I'd make a little pin money that's how I began with that and the excitement and now this is the end she had risen and was pacing the floor wildly Mrs Dunlap she cried pausing before constant today I am nothing more nor less than a Capper as they call it for a gambling resort she.

Was almost hysterical the contrast with the gay respectable prosperous looking woman at Bell was appalling constant realized to the full what were the tragedies that were enacted elsewhere as she looked at the despairing woman She Could reconstruct the terrible situation cultivated well-bred fashionably gowned a woman like Mrs Noble served admirably.

The purpose of luring men on if there had been only women or only men involved it perhaps would not have been so bad but there were both constant saw that men were wanted men who could afford to lose not hundreds but thousands men who are always the heaviest players and so Mrs Noble and other unfortunate women no doubt were sent out on Broadway to the.

Cafes and restaurants sent out even among those of their own Social Circle always to lure men on to involve themselves more and more in the web into which they had flown Bella had hoped even to use constant Mrs Noble had paused again there was evidence sincerity in her as she looked deeply into the eyes of constance nothing but.

Desperation could have rung her her inmost secrets from her to another woman I saw them trying to throw you together with Haden Hy she said almost tragically it was I who introduced Haden to them I was to get a percentage of his losses to pay off my own but her feelings seemed to overcome her and wildly desperately she added but I can't I can't I I must.

Rescue him I must it was a strange situation constant reasoned it out quickly what a wreck of Life the these two were making not only they were involved but others who as yet knew nothing Mrs Noble's husband the family of Holly as she must help Mrs Noble said Constance calmly can you trust me she shot a quick glance at constant yes she.

Murmured then tonight visit Mrs Lamar as though nothing had happened meanwhile I will have thought out a plan it was late in the afternoon when constant saw Holly again this time in his office where he had been waiting impatiently for some word from her the relief at seeing her showed only too plainly on his face this inaction is killing me he remarked.

Huskily has anything happened today she said nothing about the visit of Mrs Noble perhaps it was better that each should not know yet that the other was worried yes she replied much has happened I cannot tell you now but tonight let us all go again as though nothing had occurred they have $25,000 in stock certificates already which I.

Have given them he remarked anxiously someway any way you must get them back for a time let me see some of the blanks Holly shut the door from a secret drawer of his desk he drew a package of beautifully engraved paper Constance looked at it a moment then with a fountain pen across the front of each she made a few marks Hy looked on.

Eagerly as she handed them back to him not a sign showed on any part of them you must tell them that there is something wrong with the others that you will give them other certificates of your own about which there is no question tell them anything to get them back here take this other fountain pen sign the new certificates with that in.

Their presence so that they will suspect nothing tonight I shall expect you to play up to the limit to play into Mrs Noble's hand and assume her losses too I shall meet you there at 9 constant had laid her plans quickly that night she waited in her own apartment until she heard Hy enter across the hall she had determined to give him plenty of time to.

Obtain the old forged certificates and substitute for them the new forgeries perhaps half an hour later she heard Mrs Noble enter as constant followed her in the effusive greeting of Bella Lamar showed that as yet she suspected nothing a quick glance at Holly brought an answering nod and an unconscious motion toward his pocket where he had stuffed.

The old certificates carelessly a moment later they had plunged into the game the play that night was Spirited soon the limit was the roof from the start things seemed to run against Holly and Mrs Noble even worse than before at the same time Fortune seemed to favor constant again and again she won until even Watson seemed to think there was.

Something uncanny about it beginnner luck remarked Bella with a forced laugh still Constance won not much but steadily though not enough to offset the larger winnings of Watson Fast and Furious became the play and as steadily did it go against Holly Mrs Noble retired scarcely repressing the tears constant dropped out only Holly and.

Watson remained fighting as if it were a duel to the death please stop Holly pleaded Mrs Noble what is the use of tempting Fortune an insane halflight seemed to Glow in his eyes as with a quick glance at constant and a covert nod of approval from her he forced a smile and playfully laid his finger on Mrs Noble's lips double or quits Watson.

He cried return the new certificates or take others for twice the amount are you game I'm on agreed Watson cooly Hy laid down his hand in Triumph there were four Kings I win ground out Watson viciously as he tossed down four aces Constance was on her feet in a moment you are a lot of cheats and swindlers she cried seizing the cards before anyone could.

Interfere deftly she laid out the Four Aces beside the four duces the Four Kings beside the Four Queens it was done so quick that even Holly in his amazement could find nothing to say Mrs Noble paled and was speechless as for Bella and Watson nothing could have aroused them more than the open charge that they were using false devices yet.

Never for a moment did Watson lose his iron cynicism prove it he demanded as for Mr Holly he may pay or I'll show the stock I already hold to the proper people Constance was facing Watson as calm as he show it she said quietly there was a knock at the door don't let anyone in ordered Bella of the maid who had already opened the door a man's foot.

Had been inserted into the opening what's the matter Chloe good Lord Miss Bella we done been raided burst out the maid as the door flew wholly open Hy staggered back a detective he exclaimed oh what shall I do wailed Mrs Noble my husband will never forgive me if this becomes known Bella was as calm as a good player with a royal straight flush.

I've caught you at last fairly hissed Drummond and you too Mrs Dunlap Watson I overheard something about some stock let me see it I think it will interest International shity as well as exporters and manufacturers through the still open door constant had darted across the hall to her apartment not so fast cried Drummond you can't escape the front door.

Is guarded you can't get out she was gone but a moment later emerged Ed from the darkness of her rooms carrying the oak box as she set it down on the card table no one said a word deliberately she opened the box disclosing two spools of wire inside to the machine she attached several headpieces such as a telephone operator wears she turned a.

Switch and the wire began to unroll from one spool and wind up on the other again a voice or rather voices seemed to come from the box itself it was uncanny hello is this Mrs Lamar came from it what is it whispered Hy as if fearful of being overheard a telegraph replied Constance shutting it off for a moment a telegraph what is that a machine for registering.

Telephone conversations dictation anything of the sort you wish it was invented by valdemar pson the Danish Edison this is one of his new wire machines the record is made by a new process localized charges of magnetism on this wire it is as permanent as the wire itself there is only one thing that can destroy them rubbing over the wire.

With this magnet listen she had started the machine again whose voice was it calling Bella constant was looking fixedly a Drummond he shifted uneasily how much is he in for now pursued The Voice Hy gasped it was Drummond's own voice 250 shares replied Bella's voice good keep it him don't lose him tonight I'll drop in and your client will make.

Good she anxiously absolutely we will pay $5,000 for the evidence that will convict him constant's little audience was stunned but she did not let the telegraph pause skipping some unimportant calls she began again this was a call from Bella to Watson Ross that fellow Drummond called up today yes he's going to pull.

It off tonight his client will make good 5,000 if they catch Holly with the goods how about it pretty soft aella came back from Watson my God it's a plant exclaimed Hy staggering and dropping heavily into a chair I'm ruined there is no way out wait interrupted Constance here's another call it may serve to explain why luck was with me tonight I.

Came prepared yes Mrs Lamar came another strange voice from the machine we do anything for Mr Watson what is it a pack of strippers yes the aces stripped from the ends the Kings from the sides the group looked eagerly at constant from the maker of fake gambling apparatus I find she explained shutting off the machine they were ordering from him.

Cards cut or trimmed so that certain ones could be readily drawn from the deck or stripped small wedge shaped strips are trimmed off the edges of all the other cards leaving the aces say projecting just the most minute fraction of an inch beyond the others everything is done carefully the rounded edges at the corners are recut to look right when.

The cards are shuffled the aces protrude a trifle over the edges of the other cards it is a simple matter for the dealer to draw or strip out as many aces as he wants stack them on the bottom of the pack as he shuffles the cards and draw them from the bottom whenever he wants them strippers are one of the newest things in swindling marked cards.

Are out of date but some decks have the aces stripped from the ends the Kings from the sides with this pack as you can see a sucker can be dealt out the Kings while the house player gets the aces Drummond brazened it out with a muttered oath he turned to Watson again what rot is this the stock Watson he repeated where is that stock I heard them talking.

About Mrs Noble forgetting all now but Holly paled Bella Lamar was fumbling at her gold mesh bag she gave a sudden suppressed little scream look she cried they are blank those stock certificates he gave me Drummond seized them roughly from her hands where the signatures should have been there was nothing at all across the face of the stock were.

The words in deep black sample certificate written in an angular feminine hand what did it mean Hy was as amazed as any of them mechanically he turned to constant I didn't say anything last night she remarked incisively but I had my suspicions from the first I always look out for the Purry kind of my dear woman they have claws last night I.

Watched today I learned learned that you Mr Drummond were nothing but a blackmailer using these gamblers to Do Your Dirty Work Haden they would have thrown you out like a squeezed lemon as soon as the money you had was gone they would have taken the bribe the Drummond offered for the stock and they would have left you nothing but jail I learned.

All that over the telegraph phone I learned their methods and knowing them even I could not be prevented from winning tonight Holly moved as if to speak but he asked eagerly the stock certificates what of them the stock she answered with deliberation did you ever hear that writing in quinoline will appear blue but will soon fade away.

While other writing in silver nitrate and ammonia in visible at first after a few hours appears black you wrote on those certificates in sympathetic ink that Fades I in ink that comes up soon Mrs Noble was crying softly to herself they still had her notes for thousands Hy saw her instantly he forgot his own case what was to be done about her he.

Telegraphed a mute appeal to Constance forgetful of himself now Constance was fingering the switch of the telegraph Drummond remarked constant significantly as though other Secrets might still be contained in the marvelous little mechanical detective Drummond don't you think for the sake of your own reputation as a detective it might be as.

Well to keep this thing quiet for a moment the detective gripped his wrath and seemed to consider the damaging record of his conversation with Bella Lamar perhaps he agreed sullenly Constance reached into her chatan from it she Drew an ordinary magnet and slowly pulled off the Armature if I run this over the wires she hinted holding.

It near the spools the record will be wiped out she paused impressively let me have those IO of Mrs Nobles by the way you might as well give me that blank stock too there is no use in that now as she laid the papers in a pile on the table before her she added the Old Forge certificates from Holly's pocket there it lay the incriminating ruining.

Evidence deliberately she passed the magnet over the thin steel wire wiping out what it had recorded as if the recording Angel were blotting out from The Book of Life try it Drummond she cried dropping on her knees before the open fireplace you will find the wire a blank there was a hot sudden Blaze as the pile of papers from the table flared.

Up there she exclaimed these gambling debts were not even debts of Honor if you will call a cab Haden I have reserved a table at Jades for you and Mrs Noble it is a farewell Drummond will not occupy his place in the corner tonight but after it you are to forget both of you forever you understand chapter 5 the.

Eavesdroppers I suppose you have heard something about the Troubles of the motor trust the other directors you know are trying to force me out odman Brainard president of the big motor corporation searched the magnetic depths of the big brown eyes of the woman beside his desk talking to constant Dunlap was not like talking to other.

Women he had known either socially or in business a friend of yours and of mine he added frankly has told me enough about you to convince me that you are more than an amateur at getting people out of tight places I asked you to call because I think you can help me there was a directness about Brainard which Constance liked it's very kind of you to.

Place such confidence in me on such short acquaintance she returned pointedly searching his face Brainard laughed I don't need to tell you Mrs Dunlap that anything I have said so far is an Open Secret in Wall Street they have threatened to drag in the Sherman law and in the reorganization that will follow the investigation they plan to.

Eliminate Rodman Brainard perhaps set in motion the criminal Clauses of the law it's nothing Mrs Dunlap but a downright hypocritical pose they reverse the usual process it is doing good that evil may result he watched her face intently something in her expression seemed to please him by George he thought to.

Himself this is a man's woman you can talk to her brainer accustomed to Quick decisions added aloud just now they're using Mrs Brainard as a cat they are spreading that Scandal about my acquaintance with blanch LeBlanc the actress you have seen her a stunning woman wonderful but I long ago saw that such a friendship could lead to nothing.

But ruin he met constant's eye squarely there was nothing of The Adventurous in it as there had been in blanch LeBlanc and he finished almost biting off the words I decided to cut it out how does blanch LeBlanc figure in the motor truss trouble asked constant keenly they had been shadowing me a long time before I knew it fiting back into my past.

Yesterday I learned that someone had broken into Miss leblanc's apartments and had stolen a package of letters which I wrote to her it can't hurt her people expect that sort of thing of an actress but it can hurt the president of the motor trust just at present who has been doing the shadowing Worthington the treasurer is the guiding Spirit of the.

Insurgence as they call themselves it sounds popular like reform I understand they have had a detective named Drummond working for them Constance raised her eyes quickly at the name was Drummond always to cross her Trail this story of the letters he went on puts on the Finishing Touch they have me all right on that I can tell by the way that cila.

Mrs Brainard a the she has read and reread those letters but by God he concluded bringing down his fist on the desk I shall fight to the end and when I go down he emphasized each word with an additional blow the crash will bring down the whole damned structure on their own heads too he was too Earnest even to apologize to her constant studied the.

Grim determination in the man's face he was not one of those destined to fail all is not lost that is in Peril Mr rard she remarked quietly that's one of the maxims of your own Wall Street what would you do he asked it was not an appeal rather it was an invitation I can't say yet let me come into the office of the trust can't I be your.

Private secretary consider yourself engaged name your figure after it is over my record on the street speaks for how I stand by those who Stand By Me but I hate a quitter so do I exclaimed constant rising and giving him her hand in a straight arm shake that made Brainard straighten himself and look down into.

Her face with unconcealed admiration the next morning Constance became private secretary to the president of the motor trust you will be Miss Dunlap remarked Brainard it sounds more plausible quietly he arranged her duties so that she would seem to be very busy without having anything which really interfered with the purpose of her.

Presence she had been thinking rapidly late in the for noon she reached a decision a little errand up town kept her longer than she expected but by the late afternoon she was back again at her desk on which rested a small package which had been delivered by messenger for her I beg you won't think as badly of me as it seems on the surface Miss.

Dunlap remarked Brainard stopping beside her desk I don't think badly of you she answered in a low voice you are not the only man who has been caught with a crowd of crooks who plan to leave him holding the bag oh it isn't that he hastened I mean this blanch LeBlanc Affair may I be frank with you it was not the first time Constance had been.

Made a confidant of the Troubles of the heart and yet there was something fascinating about having a man like Brainard consider her worthy of being trusted with what meant so much to him I'm not altogether to blame he went on slowly the estrangement between my wife and myself came long before that little Affair it began over well over what they.

Call a serious difference in temperament you know a man an ambitious man needs a partner a woman who can use the social position that money gives not alone for pleasure but as a means of advancing the partnership I never had that the more I Advanced the more I found her becoming a butterfly and not as attractive as the other butterflies either she went one.

Way I another oh well what's the use I went too far the wrong way I must pay only let me save what I can from the wreck it was not Constance the woman to whom he was talking it was Constance the secretary yet it was the woman not the secretary who listened Brainard stopped again beside her desk all that is neither here nor there he remarked.

Forcing a change in his manner I am in for it now the question is what are we going to do about it constant had unwrapped the package on her desk disclosing an Oblong Box what's that he asked curiously Mr Brainard she answered tapping the Box there's no limit to the use of this little machine for our.

Purposes we can get at their most vital secrets with it we can discover every plan which they have against us we may even learn the hiding place of those letters why there is no limit this is one of those new microphone detectives a microphone he repeated as he opened the box looked sharply at the two black little storage batteries.

Inside the coil of silk covered wire a little black rubber receiver and a curious black disc whose face was pierced by a circular row of holes yes you must have heard of them you hide that transmitter behind a picture or under a table or desk then you run the wire out of the room by listening in the receiver you can hear everything but.

That is what detectives use well she interrupted cooly what of it if it is good for them is it not just as good for us better he exclaimed by George you are the goods it was late before Constance had a chance to do anything with the microphone it seemed as if Worthington was staying perversely later than usual at last however he left with a Curt nod.

To her the moment the door door was closed she stopped the desalter clicking of her typewriter with which she had been toying in the appearance of being busy with brainage she entered the boardroom where she had noticed Worthington and Shepherd often during the day it was without exaggeration one of the most plainly furnished rooms she.

Had ever seen a long mahogany table with eight large mahogany chairs a halfin pile of velvety rug on the flooor and a huge chandelier in the middle of the ceiling constituted the furniture not a picture not a cabinet or filing case broke the blankness of the brown painted walls for a moment she stopped to consider Brainard waited and watched her.

Narrowly there isn't a place to put this transmitter except up above that chandelier she said at length he gave her his hand as she stepped on a chair and then on the table there was a glimpse of a trim ankle the warmth and softness of her touch caused him to hold her hand just a moment longer than was absolutely necessary a moment later he.

Was standing on the table beside her this is the place all right she said looking at the thick scum of dust on the top of the reflector quickly she placed the little black disc close to the center on the top of the reflector can you see that from the floor she asked no he answered walking about the room not a sign of it I'll sit here she said in.

Just a Tremor of excitement over the adventure and listen while you talk in the boardroom brain had entered it seemed ridiculous for him to talk to himself if the microphone works he said at length wrap on the desk twice then he added half laughing to himself if it doesn't wrap once Constance a single rap came in answer if you couldn't hear he.

Smiled entering her office why did you rap once it didn't work smoothly on that last word what constant he thought there was a change in their relations since the microphone incident at any rate she was not angry were they not Partners I think it will be better if I turn that microphone around she remarked I placed it face downwards let me change it again.

He helped her as she jumped up on the boardroom table this time his hand lingered a little longer in hers and she did not withdraw it so soon when she did there was a quick twinkle in her eyes as she straightened the microphone and offered her hand to him again jump he said as if daring her a moment she paused I never could take a dare she.

Answered she leaped lightly to the floor for just a moment she seemed about to lose her balance then she felt an arms steadying her he had caught her and for an instant their eyes met well Rodman I scarcely thought it was as Brazen as this they turned in Surprise Mrs Brainard was standing in the doorway she was a petite blonde little woman of the.

Deceptive age which the beauty parlors convey to thousands of their assiduous patrons for a moment she looked coldly from one to the other to what am I indebted for the pleasure of this unexpected visit syil asked Brainard with sarcastic emphasis I shall finish those letters tomorrow miss unlap you need not wait for them he held the door.

To his own office open for Mrs Brainard syil Brainard shot a quick glance at constant well young lady she said haughtily do you realize what you are doing and with whom you are it isn't necessary syil to bother about Miss Dunlap the lights were out of order and I found Miss Dunlap standing on the table trying to fix them you came just.

In time to see her jump down by the way Worthington seems to be another who works late he left only a few minutes ago constant passed a restless night to have got wrong at the very start worried her over and over she thought of what had happened and always she came back to one question what had Brainard meant by that reference to Worthington he came in.

Late the next day however still there was no change in his manner as he greeted her the incident had not affected him as it had her neither of them said anything about it a young man had been waiting to see Brainard and as he entered he asked him in just then shepher walked casually through the reception room and into the boardroom.

Constant quickly closed her door she heard the young man leave brainard's office but she was too engrossed to pay attention to anything but the voices that were coming through the microphone she was writing feverishly what she heard yes Shepherd I saw her again last night where she was to meet me here but he stayed later than usual with that new.

Secretary of his so I cut out and met her at the street entrance and I told her of the new secretary she did just what I wanted came up here and say Shepherd what do you think they were in this room and he had his arms about her the letters are all right are they how much did you have to pay the LeBlanc girl 20,000 that's all charged up.

Against the pool say LeBlanc is well give you my word Shepherd I can hardly blame Brainard after all you are the last word in Woman Haters Lee both men laughed and the letters don't worry they are where they'll do the most good cibil has them herself now what have you to report you saw the district attorney yes he is ready to promise us all immunity.

If we will go on the stand for the state the criminal business will come later only you have to play him carefully he's on the level a breath of what we really want and it will be all off then we'll have to hold the stock up as though nothing was going to happen they had left the boardroom Constance hurried into brainard's office he was sunk deep.

In his chair reading some papers what's the matter she asked she has entered a suit for divorce that young man was a process server yes you are named as co-respondent along with blash LeBlanc I yes it must have been an afterthought everything is going Fortune reputation even your friendship now Constance going not yet she read hastily what she had.

Overheard devil take Worthington grounded out Brainard gripping the arms of his chair for weeks I have suspected him they have been too clever for me Constance while I have been going around laying myself open to Discovery cibil has played a cool and careful game he was pacing the floor so that's the plan hold back keep the stock up until they.

Get started then let it go down until I'm forced to sell out at a loss buy it back cheap and control the reorganization well I hav't control now alone I wish I did have but neither have they the public owns the stock now I need it who'll get it first that's the question he was thinking rapidly if you could do a little bare manipulation.

Yourself she suggested that might get the public scared you could get enough to control perhaps then they wouldn't dare sell or if they did they would weaken their own control either way you get them going or coming exactly what I was thinking play their own game ahead of them accelerate it it was just after the lunch hour that constant resumed her.

Place at her desk with the receiver at her ear there were voices again in the boardroom my God Shepherd what do you think someone is selling Motors Five Points off and still going down who is it what shall we do who Brainard of course someone has peached what are you going to do wait let's call up the news agency hello yes what unofficial rumor.

Of prosecution of Motors by the government large selling orders placed in advance the DU say we'll have to meet this or meet nothing it's brainer he's going down in a big crash we pour our money into his pockets now and let him sell at the top and grab back control with our money not much I sell too already boys were on.

The street with extras crying the great crash in Motors it was only a matter of minutes before all the news reading public were thoroughly scared at the Apparently bursting bubble shares were dug up in small Lots in huge blocks and slammed on the market for what they would bring all day the pounding went on thousands of shares were poured out.

Until motors which had been climbing toward par in the ne neighborhood of 79 had declined 40 points Brainard had jumped in first and had realized the top price for his Holdings yet during all the wild scenes when the telephone was ringing insistently for him brainer having set the Machinery in motion and having been ostentatiously in the office.

When it started in order to avert suspicion could not now be found the market had closed and Constance was reading the account of the collapse as it was interpreted in the Wall Street editions of the papers when the door opened and Brainard entered this has been a good day's work Constance he said flinging himself into a chair yes I was.

Just reading of it in the papers the little microphone has put an entirely new Twist on Affairs and the best of it is that the financial writers all seem to think it was planned by Worthington and the rest Oh Hang Worthington hang Motors that is what I meant he slapped down a packet of letters on the desk you you found them gasped Constance she.

Looked at him keenly it was evident that a great weight had been taken off his mind yes indeed I knew there was only one place where she would put them in her safe with her Jewels she would think I would never suspect that she had them and besides she had the combination changed I went up to the house this afternoon when she was out I had an.

Expert with me he worked 2 hours steady but he opened it here they are now for the real game what do you mean I mean that I noticed the name of the manufacturer on your microphone I have had one installed in the room which she uses most of all the wires run to the next house where I've hired an apartment I intend to listen in there I'll get.

This Worthington yet that night Constance and Brainard sat for hours in The Empty Apartment patiently waiting for word over the microphone at last there was a noise as of a door opening show them in here syil whispered Brainard as if perhaps she might even hear then came more voices Worthington and Drummond he added they suspect.

Nothing yet Drummond knows this Dunlap woman said Worthington the detective launched forth in a tiate against constant but she is clever Drummond you admit that clever as they make them you will have her shadowed every moment Mrs Brainard what all this about the panic in Motors Lee some other time syil not now Drummond what do people say Drummond.

Hesitated out with it man well Mr Worthington it is said you started it The Duce I did but I guess shepher and I helped it along we'll go the limit too after all it had to come we'll load up after it reaches the bottom the voices trailed off good night Mrs Brainard good night Mr Drummond that was what I wanted to know a pause Lee how can I ever thank.

You a sound suspiciously like a kiss came over the wire Brainard clenched his fist good night Sybil I must go now again the voices trailed off it was several minutes before Brainard spoke then it was that he showed his wonderful power of concentration I have a conference in half an hour constant he remarked looking at his watch it is very.

Important it means getting money to support Ms on the opening tomorrow after I have gathered in again what I need I think I can come pretty near doubling my Holdings if I play it right that's important but so is this I will listen put in constant trust me if anything else occurs I will tell you she was at the office early the next day but not.

Before Brainard who bright and fresh even though he'd been up all night was primed for the Battle of his life at the opening of the market Brainard had swung in at the turn and had quietly accumulated the stock control which he needed he was now bullying the market by matching orders pyramiding stock which he owned using every device that was.

Known to his astute brain on up went Motors recovering the 40 points gradually and even going Beyond in the reaction Worthington and Shephard had been squeezed out Not For a Moment did he let up as the clock on Trinity Church struck three the clo closing hour Brainard wheeled suddenly in his chair Miss Dunlap he said quietly I wish that.

You would tell worington and shepher that I should like to see them in the boardroom at 4: constant looked at her watch there was time also to execute a little scheme of her own 4:00 came Brainard lounged casually across to the boardroom instantly Constance had the receiver of the microphone at her ear straining to catch every word and to.

Make notes of the stormy scene if necessary her door opened it was cibil Brainard the two women looked at each other coldly Constance was the first to speak Mrs Brainard she began I asked you to come down here not Mr Worthington more than that I asked the office boy to direct you here instead of to his office do you see that machine cibil looked at.

It without a sign of recognition it is a microphone detective it was the installing of that machine in the boardroom you interrupted the other night was it necessary that Mr Brainard should put his arm around you for that inquired Mrs Brainard with biting sarcasm I had just jumped down from the table and had almost lost my balance.

That was all pursued Constance imperturbably another of these microphone eavesdroppers told me of a conversation last night in your own apartment Mrs Brainard a face blanched you have one there yes Mr Brainard had heard the first conversation when Drummond and Mr Worthington were there after they left he had to attend a.

Conference himself I alone heard what passed when Mr Worthington returned you are at Liberty to Mrs Brainard you do not understand I have no reason to want to make you an office boy tapped on the door and entered Mr Brainard wants you miss unlap I cannot explain now resumed constant won't you sit here at my desk and listen over the microphone to what.

Happens she was gone before Mrs Brainard could reply what did it all mean syil put the black disc receiver to her ear as she had seen Constance do her hand trembled why did she tell me that she murmured you can't prove it shouted a voice through the black disc at her ear she was startled it was the voice of Worthington Miss Dunlap have you that.

Notebook came the Deep tones of her husband constant read from her first notes that part relating to the conspiracy to control Motors carefully omitting the part about the LeBlanc letters it's a lie a lie no it is not a lie it is all good legal evidence the record taken over the new microphone detective look up there over the.

Chandelier Worthington the other end is in the top drawer of Miss dunlap's desk I'll fight that to a finish Brainard you are clever but there are other things besides Motors that you have to answer answer for no those letters um that is what you mean are in my possession now you didn't know that all the eavesdropping if you choose to call it.

That was not done here either by a Longshot Worthington I had one of these machines in my wife's reception room I have all sorts of little scraps of conversation he boasted I also have an account of a visit there from T Scoundrels Mrs Brainard to see you sir announced a boy at the door constant had risen her face was flushed and her.

Breast Rose and fell with excitement Mr Brainard she interrupted I must explain confess Mrs Brainard has been sitting in my office listening to us over the microphone I arranged it I asked her to come down using another name as a pretext but I didn't think she would interrupt so soon before you see her let me read this it was a conversation I got.

After you had left last night and so far I have had no chance to tell you of it someone she laid particular stress on the word came back after that first interview listen no Lee Constance read rapidly from her notes no don't think I am ungrateful you have been one friend in a thousand through all this I shall have my decree soon now don't spoil it.

But Syble think of men what did he ever care for you he has made you free already he is still my husband take this latest ES aade with this MISD Dunlap well what do I really know about that you saw him yes but maybe it was as he said the door was flung open interrupting constant's reading and cibil Brainard entered the artificiality.

Of the beauty parlor was all gone she was a woman who had been wronged and deceived next friend a true next friend fiend would be better Lee Worthington she scorned how can you stand there and look me in the face how could you tell me of your love for me when all the time you cared no more for me or for any other woman than for that that LeBlanc.

You knew that I who was as jealous as I could be of Rodman had heard a little you added more yet when you had played on my feelings you would have cast me off too I know it I know you're kind she paused for breath then turned slowly to Brainard with a note of paos in her voice our temperaments may have been different Rodman they were not when we.

Were poor perhaps I have not developed with you the way you want of me but Rodman did you ever stop to think that perhaps perhaps if I had ever had the chance to be taken into your confidence more often will you forgive me Brainard managed to blurt out will you forgive me she returned frankly I forgive I have nothing to forgive I could have.

Understood Rodman if it had been miss Dunlap she is clever wonderful but that LeBlanc never Cil brainer turned to Constance Miss Dunlap Mrs Dunlap she sobbed forgive me you you are a better woman than I am chapter 6 The Clairvoyance Do You Believe In Dreams constant Dunlap looked searchingly at her interrogator.

As if her face or manner betrayed some new side of her character Mrs DeForest Caswell was an attractive woman verging on 40 a chance acquaintance at a Shopper's t- Room downtown who had proved to be an uptown neighbor I have had some rather strange experiences Mildred confessed Constance tentatively why because the other woman hesitated.

Then added why should I not tell you last night Constance I had the strangest dream it has left such an impression on me that I can't shake it off although I have tried all day yes tell me about it Mildred Caswell paused a moment then began slowly as if not to emit anything from her story I dreamt that forest was dying I could see him could see the.

Doctor and the nurse everything and yet somehow I could not get to him I was afraid with such an oppressive fear I tried oh how I tried I struggled and how badly I felt and she shuddered at the very recollection there seemed to be a wall she resumed a narrow wall in the way and I couldn't get over it as often as I tried I fell and then I seemed to.

Be pursued by some kind of animal half bull half snake I ran it followed closely I seemed to see a crowd of people and I felt that if I could only get to that crowd somehow I would be safe perhaps might even get over the wall and I woke up almost screaming the woman's face was quite blanched my dear remonstrated Constance you must not take.

It so remember it was only a dream I know it was only a dream she said but you don't know what is back of it Mildred Caswell had from time to time hinted to constant of the growing incompatibility of her married life but as Constance was getting used to confidences she had kept silent knowing that her friend would tell her in time.

You must have guessed faltered Mrs Caswell that forest and I are not not on the best of terms that we are getting further and further apart it rather startled Constance to hear frankly stated what she already had observed she wondered how far the estrangement had gone the fact was that she had rather liked DeForest Caswell although she had.

Only met her friend's husband a few times in fact she was surprised that momentarily there flashed through her mind the query as to whether Mildred herself might be altogether blameless in the growing uncongenial Mildred Caswell had drawn out of her chatain a bit of newspaper and handed it to Constance not as if it.

Was of any import importance to herself but as if it would explain better than she could tell what she meant constant read M Cassandra the veiled prophetess born with a double Veil educated in occult mysteries in Egypt and India without asking a question tells your name and reads your secret troubles and the remedy reads your dreams great.

Questions of Life quickly solved failure turned to success the separated brought together advice on all Affairs of life love marriage divorce business speculation and Investments overcomes all evil influences ever ready to help and advise those with capital to find a safe and paying investment no fee until it succeeds could anything be fairer The.

Retreat W 47th Street won't you come with me to Madame Cassandra asked Mrs Caswell as constant finished reading she always seems to do me so much good who is Madame Cassandra asked constant rereading the last part of the advertisement I suppose you would call her a dream doctor said Mildred it was a new idea to Constance this of a dream.

Doctor to settle the Affairs of Life only a moment she hesitated then she answered simply yes I'll go the retreat was just off Longacre Square among quite a nest of fakers a queue of automobiles before the place testified however to the prosperity of Madame Cassandra as they entered the bronze grilled plate glass door and turned on the first floor.

Toward the home of the Adept Constance had an uncomfortable feeling as they entered of being watched behind the shades of the apartment still they had no trouble in being admitted and a soft voice colored attendant welcomed them the esoteric flat of Madame Cassandra was darkened except for the electric lights glowing in Amber and rose-colored.

Shades there were several women there already as they entered constant had noticed a peculiar dreamy odor there did not seem to be any hurry any such thing as time here so skillfully was the place run there was no noise the feet sank in half inch piles of rugs and easy chairs and divans were scattered about once a puff of light smoke appeared and.

Constant awoke to the fact that some were smoking little delicately gold bandid cigarettes indeed it was all quite richers Mrs Caswell took one from a maid so did Constance but after a puff or two managed to put it out and later to secure another which she kept Madame Cassandra herself proved to be a tall.

Slender pale woman with dark hair and a magnetic eye an eye that probably accounted more than anything else for her success she was clad in a house gown of purplish silk which clung tightly to her and at her throat a diamond pendant sparkled as well as other Brilliance on her long slender fingers she met Mildred and constant with outstretched hands so.

Glad to see you my dears purred Madame leading the way into an inner sanctum Mrs Caswell had seated herself with the air of one who worshiped at The Shrine while Constance gazed about curiously Madame she began a little tremulously I've had another of those Dreadful dreams you poured dear Soul soothed Madame stroking her hand tell me of it.

All quickly Mrs Caswell poured forth her story as she had already told it to constant My Dear Mrs Caswell remarked The High Priestess slowly when the story was complete it is all very simple his love is dead that is what you fear and it is the truth the wall is the wall that he has erected against you try to forget it to forget him he would be.

Better off there are other things in the world ah but I cannot live as I am used to without money murmured Mrs Caswell I know replied Madame it is that that keeps many a woman with a brute when financial and economic independence come then woman will be free and only then now listen would you like to be free financially you remember that delightful.

Mr Davies who has been here yes well he's a regular client of mine now now he's a broker and never embarks in any Enterprise without first Consulting me just the other day I read his fortune in United traction it has gone up Five Points already and will go 15 more if you want I will give you a card to him let me see yes I can do that you too.

Will be lucky in speculation Constance with one ear open had been busy looking about the room in a bookcase she saw a number of books and paused to examine the titles she was surprised to see among the old style dream books several works on Modern psychology particularly on the interpretation of dreams of course Mrs Caswell I don't want to urge.

You Madame was saying I have only pointed out a way in which you can be independent and you know Mr Davies is a perfect gentleman so courteous and reliable I know you will be successful if you take my advice and go to him Mildred said nothing for a few moments but as she Rose to go she remarked thank you very much I'll think about it anyhow.

You've made me feel better so kind of you to say it murmured the Adept I'm sorry you must go but really I have other appointments please come again with your friend goodbye what do you think of her asked Mrs Caswell on the street very clever answered constant dubiously Mrs Caswell looked up quickly you don't like her to tell the truth.

Confessed constant quietly I have had too much experience in Wall Street myself to trust to a clairvoyant they had scarcely reached the corner before constant again had that peculiar feeling which some psychologists have noted of being stared at she turned but saw no one still the feeling persisted she could stand it no longer don't think me.

Crazy Mildred she said but I just have a desire to walk back a block Constance had turned suddenly as she glanced keenly about she was aware of a familiar figure gazing into the window of an art store across the street he had stopped so that although his back was turned he could by a slight shift of his position still see by means of a mirror in the.

Window what was going on across the street behind him one look was enough it was Drummond the detective what did it mean neither woman said much as they rode up town and parted on the respective floors of their apartment house still Constance could not get out of her head the recollection of the dream doctor and of Drummond Restless.

She determined that night to go down to the public library and see whether any of the books at the Clairvoyance were on the shelves fortunately she found some found indeed that they were not all as she had half suspected The Works of fakers but that quite a literature had been built up around the new psychology of Dreams deeply she delved into the.

Fascinating subjects that had been opened by the studies of the famous Dr Sigman Freud of Vienna and as she read she found that she began to understand much about Mrs Caswell and with a start about her own self At first she revolted against the unpleasant feature of the new dream philosophy the irresistible conclusion that all Humanity underneath.

The shell is sensuous or sensual in nature that practically all dreams portray some Delight of the senses and that sexual dreams are a large proportion of all Visions but the more she thought of it the more clearly was she able to analyze Mrs caswell's dream and to get back at the causes of it in the estrangement from her husband and.

Perhaps the brutality of his ignorance of woman and then to there was Drummond what was he doing in the case she did not see Mildred Caswell again until the following afternoon but then she seemed unusually bright in contrast with the depression of the day before constant was not surprised her intuition told her that something had happened and she.

Hardly needed to Guess that Mrs Caswell had followed the advice of The Clairvoyant and had been to see the wonderful Mr Davies to whom the mysteries of the stock market were an open book have you had any other dreams asked constant casually yes replied Mildred but not like the one that depressed me last night I had a very.

Pleasant dream it seemed that I was breakfasting with Mr Davies I remember that there was a hot cold fire in the great then suddenly a messenger came in with news that United traction had Advanced 20 points wasn't it strange constant said nothing in fact it did not seem strange to her at all the strange thing to her now that she was a sort of.

Amateur dream reader herself was that Mrs Caswell did not seem to see the real import of her own dream you have seen Mr Davies today Constance ventured Mrs Caswell laughed I wasn't going to tell you you seemed so set against speculating in Wall Street but since you asked me I may as well admit it when did you see him before went on constant did.

You have much invested with him already Mrs Caswell glanced up startled my you are positively uncanny Constance how did you know I had seen him before one seldom dreams said Constance about anything unless it has been suggested by an event of the day before you saw him today that would not have inspired the dream of last night therefore I.

Concluded that you must have seen him and invested before Madame Cassandra's mention of him yesterday caused the dream of last night the dream of last night probably influenced you to see him again today and and you invested in United traction that is the way dreams work probably more of conduct than we know is influenced by dream life now if.

You should get 15 or 20 points you would be in a fair way to join the ranks of those who believe the dreams do come true Mrs Caswell looked at her almost alarmed then attempted to turn it off with a laugh and perhaps breakfast with him when I do set up as interpreter of Dreams answered constant simply I'll tell you more on one point she had made.

Up her mind that was to visit Mr Davis herself the next day she found his office a typical bucket shop even down to having a section partitioned off for women clients of the firm she had not intended to risk anything and so was prepared when Mr Davies himself approached her courteously instinctively Constance distrusted him he was too.

Cordial too polite she could feel the fls hidden in his velvety pore as it were there was a debonaire Assurance about him the heir of a man who thought he understood women and indeed did understand a certain type but to Constance who was essentially a man's woman Davies was only revolting she managed to talk without committing.

Herself and he in his complacency was glad to hope that he was making a new customer she had to be careful not to betray any of the real and extensive knowledge about Wall Street which she actually possessed but the glib misrepresentations about United traction quite amazed her when she Rose to go Davies accompanied her to the door then.

Out into the Hall to the elevator as he bent over to shake hands she noted that he held her hand just a little longer than was necessary he's a swindler of the first water she concluded as she was whisked down in the elevator I'm sure Mildred is in badly with this crowd one urging her on in her trouble the other making it worse and fleecing her into.

The bargain at the entrance she paused undecided which was the quickest route home as by chance she turned just for a moment she thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of Drummond dodging behind a pillar it was only for an instant but even that Apparition was enough I will get her out of this safely resolved Constance I will keep one more.

Fly from his web Constance felt as if even now she must see Mildred and although she knew nothing at least put her on her guard she did not have long to wait for her chance it was late in the afternoon when her door buzzer sounded Constance I've been looking for you all day sighed Mildred dropping sobbing into a chair I am distracted why.

My dear what's the matter asked constant let me make you a cup of coffee over the steaming little cups Mildred grew more calm Foresters found out in some way that I am speculating in Wall Street she confided at length I suppose some of his friends he has lots down there told him momentarily the picture of Drummond back of the post in Davy's building flashed.

Over constant and he is awfully angry oh I never knew him to be so angry and sarcastic too was it holy of your money asked constant was there nothing else Mrs Caswell started you grow more we every day Constance yes there was something else Mr Davies Mildred had risen don't don't she cried then you do really care for him asked Constance.

Mercilessly no no a thousand times no how can I I have put all such thoughts out of my mind long ago she paused then went on more calmly Constance believe me or not I am just as good a woman today as I was the day I married for no I would not even let the thought enter my head never for perhaps an hour after her friend had gone constant sat.

Thinking what should she do something must be done and soon as she thought suddenly the truth flashed over her Caswell had employed Drummond to Shadow his wife in the hope that he might unearth something that might lead to a divorce Drummond like so many divorce detectives was not averse to guiding events to put it mildly he.

Had ingratiated himself perhaps with The Clairvoyant and Davies constant had often heard before of Clairvoyant and brokers who worked in conjunction to fleece the credulous now another and more serious element than the loss of money was involved added to them was a divorc detective and honor itself was at stake she remembered the doped.

Cigarettes she had heard of them before at Clairvoyance she saw it all madame Cassandra playing on Mildred's wounded affections the broker on both that and her desire to be independent and Drummond pulling the wires that all might take advantage of her woman's Frailty that moment Constance determined on action first she telephoned DeForest.

Caswell at his office it was an unconventional thing to do to ask him to call but she made some plausible pretext she was surprised to find that he accepted it without hesitating it set her thinking Drummond must have told him something of her and he had thought this as good a time as any to face her in that case Drummond would probably come.

Too she was prepared she had intended to have one last talk with Mildred but had no need to call her utterly wretched the poor little woman came in again to see her as she had done scores of times before to pour out her heart Forest had not come home to dinner had not even taken the trouble to telephone Constance did not say that she herself was.

Responsible do you really want to know the truth about your dreams asked Constance after she had prevailed upon Mildred to eat a little I do know she returned no you don't went on Constance now determined to tell her the truth whether she liked it or not that Clairvoyant and Mr Davies are in League playing you for a sucker as they say Mrs.

Caswell did not reply for a moment then she drew a long breath and shut her eyes oh you don't know how true what she says is to me she listen interrupted constant Mildred I'm going to be frank brutally Frank Madame Cassandra has read your character not the character as you think it is but your unconscious subconscious self she knows that there is no better.

Way to enter into the intimate life of a client according to the new psychology than by getting at and analyzing the dreams and she knows that you can't can't go far in dream analysis without finding sex it is one of the strongest natural impulses yet subject to the strongest repression and hence one of the weakest points of our culture she is.

Actually helping along your alienation for that broker you yourself have given me the clue in your dreams only I am telling you the truth about them she holds it back and tells you plausible falsehoods to help her own ends she is trying to arouse in you those passions which you have suppressed and she has not scrupled to use drugged cigarettes.

With you and others to do it you remember the breakfast dream when I said that much could be traced back to dreams a thing happens it causes a dream that in turn sometimes causes action no don't interrupt let me finish first take that first Dream continued Constance rapidly thrusting home her interpretation so that it would have its full effect you.

Dreamed that your husband was dying and you were afraid she said it meant love was dead it did not the fact is that neurotic fear in a woman has its origin in repressed unsatisfied love love which for one reason or another is turned away from its object and has not succeeded in being applied then his death that simply means that you have a feeling that you.

Might be happier if he were away and didn't devil you it is a Revival of childhood when death is synonymous with absence I know you don't believe it but if you had studied the subject as I have in the last few days you'd understand Madame Cassandra understands and the wall that was Wall Street probably which does divide you two you tried to get.

Over it and you fell that means your fear of actually falling morally of being a fallen woman Mildred was staring wildly she might deny but in her heart she must ad admit the thing that pursued you half bull half snake was Davies and his blandishments I have seen him I know what he is the crowd in a dream always denotes a secret he is pursuing you as.

In the dream but he hasn't caught you he thinks there is in you the same wild demim mondane Instinct that with many an Ardent woman Slumbers unknown in the back of her mind whatever you may say you do think of him when a woman dreams of breakfasting Co with someone other than her husband it has an obvious meaning as for the messenger and the.

Message about the United traction there too was a plain wish and as you must see wishes in one form or another disguised or distorted lie at the bases of Dreams take the coal fire that too is susceptible of interpretation I think you must have heard the couplet no coal no fire so hotly glows as the secret love that no one knows Mildred Caswell.

Had risen an indignant flush on her face Constance put her hand on her arm gently to restrain her knowing that such indignation was the first sign that she had struck at the core of Truth in her interpretation my dear she urged I'm only telling you the truth for your own sake and not to take advantage of you as Madame Cassandra is doing please.

Remember that the best evidence of your normal condition is just what I find that absence of Love would be abnormal my dear you are what the psychologists call a consciously frigid unconsciously passionate woman consciously you reject this Davies unconsciously you accept him and it is the more dangerous although you do not know it because someone else.

Is watching it was not one of his friends who told your husband Mrs Caswell had piled is is there a detective she faltered constant nodded Mildred had collapsed completely she was sobbing in a chair her head bowed in her hands her little lace handkerchief soaked what shall I do what shall I do there was a sudden tap at the door quick.

In there whispered Constance shoving her through the portier into the drawing room it was Forest Caswell for a moment constant stood irresolute wondering just how to meet him then she said good evening Mr Caswell I hope you will pardon me for asking you to call on me but as you know I've come to know your wife perhaps better than you do not.

Better he corrected seeming to see that it was directness that she was aiming at it is bad enough to get mixed up badly in Wall Street but what would you yourself say you are a businesswoman what would you say about getting into the clutches of a a dream doctor and worse he had put constant on the defensive in a sentence don't you ever.

Dream she asked quietly he looked at her a moment as if doubting even her mentality Lord he exclaimed in disgust you too defend it but don't you dream she persisted why of course I dream he answered somewhat petulantly what of it I don't guide my actions by it do you ever dream of Mildred she asked sometimes he admitted reluctantly ever.

Of other people she pursued yes he replied sometimes of other people but what is that to do with it I cannot help my dreams my conduct I can help and I do help Constance had not expected him to be frank to the extent of taking her into his confidence still she felt that he had told her just enough she discerned a vague sense of jealousy in.

His tone which told her more than words that whatever he might have said or done to Mildred he resented unconsciously the manner in which she had striven to gain sympathy outside for fortunately he knows nothing of the new theories she said to herself Mrs Dunlap he resumed since you have been Frank with me I must be equally Frank with you I think you.

Are far too sensible a woman not to understand in Just What A peculiar position my wife has placed me he had taken out of his pocket a few sheets of closely typewritten tissue paper he did not look at them evidently he knew the contents by heart Constance did not need to be told that this was a sheath of the daily.

Reports of the agency for which Drummond worked he paused she had been watching him searchingly she was determined not to let him justify himself first Mr Caswell she persisted in a low Earnest tone don't be so sure that there is nothing in this dream business before you read me those reports from Mr Drummond let me finish Forest Caswell.

Almost dropped them in Surprise dreams she continued her Advantage are wishes either suppressed or expressed sometimes the dream is Frank and shows an expressed wish other times it shows a suppressed wish or a wish which in its fulfillment in the dream is disguised or distorted you are the cause of your wife's dreams she feels in them anxiety.

And according to the modern psychologists who have studied dreams carefully and scientifically fear and anxiety represent love repressed or suppressed she paused to emphasize the point glad to note that he was following her that Clairvoyant she went on has found out the truth true it may not have been the part of wisdom for Mildred to.

Have gone to her in the first place I pass over that I do not know whether you or she was most to blame at the start but that woman in the guise of being her friend has played on every string of your wife's Lonely Heart which you have rung until it vibrates then she hastened on came your precious friend Drummond Drummond who has no doubt told you a.

Pack of lies about me you see that she had flung down on the table a cigarette which she had managed to get at Madam Cassandra's smoke it he lighted it gingerly took a puff or two puckered his face frowned and rubbed the lighted end on the fireplace to extinguish it what is it he asked suspiciously hashish she answered turly things were not going.

Fast enough to suit either Madame Cassandra or Drummond Madame Cassandra helped along the Dreams by a drug noted for its effect on the passions more than that added Constance leaning over toward him and catching his eye Madame Cassandra was working in League with a broker as so many of the fakers do Drummond knew it whether he told you the.

Truth about it or not that broker was a swindler named Davies she was watching the effect on him she saw that he had been reserving this for a last shot at her that he realized she had stolen his own ammunition and appropriated it to herself they were only too glad when Drummond approached them there you are three against that poor little woman no.

Four including yourself perhaps she was foolish but it was not so much to her discredit as to those who cast her a drift when she had a natural right to protection here was a woman with passions which she herself did not understand and a little money alone her case appealed to me I knew her dreams I studied them Caswell was listening in.

Amazement it is dangerous to be with a person who pays attention to such little things he said evidently Drummond himself must have been listening the door buzzer sounded and he stepped in perhaps to bolster up his client in case he should be weakening as he met constant's eye he smiled superciliously and was about to speak but she did not.

Give him time even to say good evening ask him she cried her eyes flashing for she realized that it had been part of the plan to confront her perhaps worm out of her just enough to confirm Drummond's Own Story to Caswell ask him to tell the truth if he is capable of it not the truth that will make a good Daily report of a hired Shadow who.

Colors his report the way he thinks his client desires it but the real truth Mr Caswell interrupted Drummond this woman Mr Drummond cried constant rising and shaking the burnt stub of the little gold banded cigarette at him to impress it on his mind Mr Drummond I don't care whether I am a a she devil she almost hisss the words at him but I have.

Evidence enough to go before the district attorney of this city and the grand jury and get indictments for conspiracy against a certain clairvoyant and a bucket shop operator to save themselves they will probably tell all they know about a certain crook who has been using them Caswell looked at her amazed at her denunciation of the.

Detective as for Drummond he turned his back on her as if to ignore her utterly Mr Caswell he said bitterly in those reports Forest Caswell insisted constant rising and facing him if you have in that heart of yours one shred of manhood it should move you you this man the others have placed in the path of a woman every provocation every Temptation.

For financial physical and moral ruin she has consulted a clairvoyant yes she has speculated yes yet she was proof against something greater than that and I know because I know her unconscious self which her dreams reveal her inmost soul I know her better than you do better than she does herself I know that even now she is as good and true.

And would be as loving as Constance had paused and taken a step toward the drawing room before she knew it the portier flew apart and an eager little woman had rushed past her and flung her arms about the neck of the man caswell's features were working as he gently disengaged her arms still keeping one hand half shoving her aside ignoring.

Constance he had faced Drummond for a moment the Brazen detective flinched as he did so DeForest Caswell crumpled up the mass of tissue paper reports and flung them into the fireplace get out he said suppressing his voice with difficulty send me your bill I'll pay it but mind if it is one penny more than it should be I'll I'll fight if it takes me.

From the district attorney and the grand jury to the highest court of the state now go Caswell turned slowly again toward his wife I've been a brute he said simply something almost akin to jealousy Rose in constant's heart as she saw Mildred safe at last then Caswell turned slowly to her you he said stroking his wife's hand gently but.

Looking at constant you are a real Clairvoyant chapter 7 the plungers they have the most select clientele in the city here constant Dunlap was sitting in the white steamy room of charman's beauty shop her informant reclining dreamily in a luxuri ious wicker chair bathed in the perspiring vapor had evidently taken a fancy to her and no.

Wonder either they fix you up so well she rattled on then confidingly now last night after the show a party of us went to supper and a dance and it was in the we small hours when we broke up but Madame here can make you all over again floretta she called to an attendant who had entered if Mr Warrington calls up on the phone.

Say I'll call him later yes Miss Laro Constance glanced up quickly as floretta mentioned the name of the popular young actress Stella laroo was a pretty girl on whom the wild dissipation of the night life of New York was just beginning to show its effects the name of Warrington too recalled to Constance instantly some gossip she had heard in.

Wall Street about the disagreement in the board of directors of the new rubber syndicate and the effort to OU the president whose escapades were something more than mere Whispers of Scandal this was the woman in the case Constance looked at Stella now with added interest as she Rose languidly Drew her bathro about her superb figure carelessly in.

Such a way as to show it at best Advantage I've had more or less to do with Wall Street myself observed Constance oh have you isn't that interesting cried Stella I hope you're not putting money in rubber queried Constance on the contrary rippled Stella then added you're going to stay let me tell you something have floretta do your.

Hair she's the best here then come around to see me in the dormitory if I'm here when you are through won't you Constance promised and Stella fluttered away like the pretty butterfly that she was leaving Constance to wonder at the natural gravitation of plungers in the money market toward plunges in the white lights charman's Beauty paror was indeed.

All its name implied a temple of the cult of adornment The Last Cry in the effort to satisfy what is more than health wealth and happiness to some women the fundamental feminine Instinct for beauty Constance had visited the beauty specialist to have an incipient wrinkle smoothed out frankly it was not vanity but she had come to realize that.

Her greatest asset was her personal appearance once that had a chance to work her wit and Keen ability would carry her to success Madame shamon herself was a tall dark skinned dark-haired Dark Eyed well-groomed woman who looked as if she had been stamped from a dye for a fashion plate and then the dye had been thrown away all others.

Like her were spirous copies counterfeits more than that she affected the name of Vera which in itself had the Ring Of Truth and so charmant had prevailed on Constance to take a full for in beautification and withhold the wrinkle at the source besides you know my dear she purred there's nothing discovered by the greatest minds of the.

Age that we don't apply at once constant was not impervious to feminine reason and here she was has Miss Laro gone she asked when at last she was seated in a comfortable chair again sipping a little aromatic cup of coffee no she's resting in one of the little dressing rooms she followed floretta down the corridor each little compartment had its neat.

Plain white enameled bed a dresser and a chair Stella smiled as constant entered yes she murmured in response to the greeting I feel quite myself now Mr Warrington on The Wire announced floretta a moment later coming down the corridor again with a telephone on a long unwinding wire hello Alfredo Rocky this morning Constance overheard I said.

To myself never again till the next time Vera oh she was as fresh as a lar can I lunch with you downtown of course then as she hung up the receiver she called floretta get me a taxi yes Miss laru I always have a feeling here whispered Stella that I'm being listened to I mean to speak to Vera about it sometime by the way wouldn't you like to join us.

Tonight Vera will be along and Mr Warrington and perhaps Diamond Jack Braden you know him Constance confessed frankly that she did not have the pleasure of the acquaintance of the well-known turfman and first nighter she hesitated perhaps it was that that Stella liked almost anyone else would have been overeager to accept but to.

Constance sure of herself now nothing of the sort was worth scrambling for besides she was wondering how a man with the fight of his life on his hands could find time to lunch downtown even with Stella I've taken quite a fancy to you pressed Stella thank you it's very kind of you constant answered I shall try very hard to be there I'll leave a box.

For you at the office come around after the performance to my dressing room miss laroo your taxi waiting announced floretta thanks are you going now Mrs done lap yes then ride down in the elevator with me they parted at the foot of the elevator and Constance walked through the arcade of the office building in which the beauty parlor.

Occupied the top floor she stopped at a florish stand to admire the flowers but more for an excuse to look back at Stella as Stella stepped into a taxi cab showing a generous wealth of silk and hosery beneath the Tango gown Constance was aware that the driver of another cab across the street was also interested she noticed that he turned and spoke to.

His fair through the open window the cab swung around to follow the other and constant caught a fleeting glimpse of a familiar face Drummond she exclaimed almost aloud what did it mean why had the detective been employed to follow Stella instinctively she concluded that he must be engaged by Mrs Warrington I must accept Stella's invitation she said.

To herself excitedly at least she should be put on her guard that evening as she was looking over the newspapers her eye caught the item in the Wall Street Edition rubber syndicate dissension break in stock follows effort of strong minority to OU Warrington from presidency Then followed a brief account of the struggle of a.

Powerful group of directors to force Warrington Braden and the rest out with a hint at the scandal of which everyone now was talking I never yet knew a man who went in for that sort of thing that lasted long in business she observed this is my chance a crowd riding for a fall Constance chose a modest orchestra seat in preference to the place in a box.

Which Stella had reserved for her at the office and aside from the purpose which was rapidly taking shape in her mind she enjoyed the play very much Stella Laro as the Grass Widow played her part with a peeny which constant knew was not wholly a matter of book knowledge as the curtain went down the audience its appetite for the risque wetted filed out.

On Broadway with its myriad lights and continuous film of motion Constance made her way around to Stella's dressing room she had scarcely been welcomed by Stella whose cheeks beneath the grease paint were now genuinely Ablaze with excitement when a man entered he was tall spare the type whose very bow is ingratiating and whose delighted I.

Assure you is swaave and compelling Alfred Warrington seemed to be on very good terms indeed with Stella as she introduced him him to Constance you will join us Mrs Dunlap he asked throwing an opera cloak over Stella's shoulders Vera charma and Jack Braden are waiting for us at the little mmart as he mentioned the famous Cabaret constant took a.

Little tighter grip on herself and decided to take the plunge and see the affair out although that sort of thing had very little attraction for her they were leaving the theater when she saw lurking in the crowd The Familiar figure of rumed she turned her head quickly and sank back into the dark recesses of the limousine should she tell them now about.

Him she leaned over to Warrington I saw a man in the crowd just now who seemed to be quite interested in us she said quickly can't we drive around a bit to throw him off if he should get into a cab Warrington looked at her keenly it was quite evident that he thought it was Constance who was being followed not Stella or himself Constance decided.

Quickly to say nothing more that would Prejudice Stella but as Warrington directed his driver to run up through the park she saw that far from alarming him the words had only added a zest of mystery about herself they left the park and the car jolted them quickly now over the uneven asphalt to the Palace of pleasure where already the two Advanced.

Guards were holding one of the best tables in a house crowded with all classes from debutants to deis Diamond Jack bra was a heavy set man with a Debon a Dap away about him he wore a flower in his button hole a Smart Touch which seemed very fetching evidently to the artistic Vera Constance fell to studying him as she did all men and.

Women his hands betray him she said to herself as she was introduced they were in fact shielded from view as he bowed one with the thumb tucked in the corner of his trousers pocket the other behind his back he is hiding something flashed through her mind intuitively and when she analyzed it she felt still that there was nothing fanciful about the.

Idea it was simply a little unconscious piece of evidence from the start the cabar was pretty rapid when they entered two of the performers were rendering the Apache dance with an abandon that improved on its namesake scarcely had they finished when the orchestra began all over again again and a couple of diners from the.

Tables glided past them on the dancing floor then another couple and another Tang Vu bowed Braden leaning over to Stella we tangai she nodded catching the spirit of the place it left Warrington and Constance at the table with Vera and as Constance looked eagerly after the graceful form of the little actress Warrington asked will you dance no thank.

You she said trying him out I haven't had time to learn these new steps and besides I have had a bad day in the market steel reading everything is off not that I have lost much but it's what I haven't made Warrington who had been about to repeat his question to Vera turned suddenly this was something new to him.

To meet a woman like Constance if she knew about other stocks she must know about The Syndicate already he had felt an attraction toward constant physically and an attraction of maturity which somehow or other seemed more satisfying at least novel in contrast with the gay butterfly talk of Stella he did not ask Vera to dance instead he began bantering.

To discuss Wall Street and in 5 minutes he found out that she really knew as much about certain features of the game as he did she did not need to be told that Alfred Warrington plunger man about town was quite unexpectedly struck by her personality now and then she could see Stella eyeing her covertly the little actress had had like many another.

A few dollars to invest or rather with which to speculate her method had been usually to make a quick profit on a tip from some Wall Street friend often if the tip went wrong the friend would return the money to the unsuspecting little girl with some muttered apology about having been unable to get it placed in time and then as the market.

Went down or up seeing that it was too late adding a congratulation that at least the principal was saved if there was no profit the little actress was plainly peaked she saw though she did not understand that constant was a different kind of plunger from what she had thought at first up at Chon's instead of trying to compete with.

Constance in her field she redoubled her efforts in her own was Warrington alive spender to slip through her grasp for a chance acquaintance another dance this time it was Stella and Warrington Braden who had served excellently as a foil to lead Warrington on when he had eyes for no one else not even Vera was left severely alone nothing was said not an.

Action done openly but constant woman likee could feel the contest in the air and she felt just a little quiver when they sat down and Warrington resumed the conversation with her where he had left it even the daring cut of Stella's gown and the exaggerated proximity of her dainty person had failed this time as they chatted gay constant enjoyed her.

Triumph to the fool yes she could see that Stella was violently jealous but she intended that she should be that was now a part of her plan as it shaped itself in her mind since she had plunged or perhaps better had been dragged into the game as the evening wore on and the dancing became more Furious Warrington seemed to catch the spirit of.

Recklessness that was in the very air he talked more recklessly once in a while with a bitterness not aimed at anyone in particular which passed among the others as blaz sarcasm of one who had seen much and to whom even the fastest was slow but to Constance as she tried to Fathom him it presented an entirely different interpretation for example she asked.

Herself why had he been so ready apparently to transfer his interest from Stella was it because having Cut Loose from the one feminine tie that morally bound him he no longer felt any restraint in Cutting Loose from others was it the same spirit that had carried him on in the money game having Cut Loose from One Financial principle to.

Let all go and to guide his course as close to the edge of things as he dared there had been the same Reckless bravado in the way he had urged on the driver of his car in the wild ride of the earlier evening violating the speed laws yet succeeding in escaping the traffic Squad Warrington was a plunger yet there was something about him that was different.

From others she had seen perhaps it was that he had a conscience even though he had succeeded in detaching himself from it and Stella there was something different about her too Constance more than once was on the point of revising her estimate of the little actress was she after all all wholly mercenary in her attitude toward Warrington was he.

Merely a live spender whom she could not afford to lose or was she merely a beautiful delicate creature caught in the merciless Maelstrom of the life into which she had been thrown did she realize the perilous position this all was placing her in they were among the last to leave and Vera and Braden offered to take constant to her.

Apartment in Braden's car while Stella contrived prettily to take so much of warrington's time with the Ws that by the time they were ready to go the manner of the breaking up of the party was as she wanted it in her final Triumph she could not help just an extra inflection on I hope I'll see you again at Vera soon my dear all night or at.

Least all that was left of it Constance tried to straighten out the Whirl of her thoughts with the morning she had an idea now in a moment when the exhilaration of the gay life was at low EB she must cease Stella it was early yet but Stella was not at her hotel when Constance cautiously called up the office to find out where was she.

Constant drove around to chance on the chance that she might be there Vera greeted her a trifle coldly she thought but then this was not Midnight at the mmart no Stella was not there she said but nevertheless Constance decided to wait I'm all unstrung confided Constance with an assumed air of Langer as she dropped into a chair charmont as fresh.

As if she had just emerged from the proverbial bandbox nodded knowingly a Turkish bath massage something to tone you up she advised with alert eyes Constance went patiently through the process of freshening first in the steamy hot room where she had met Stella the day before then the deliciously cool shower gentle massage and all the rest.

At one of the little white tables of the manicures she noticed a pretty rather sad face little woman there was something about her that attracted constant's attention although she could not have told exactly what it was you know her whispered floretta bursting with excitement no why and here she paused and dropped her voice even lower.

That's Mrs Warrington not the yes she nodded his wife you know she comes here twice a week we have to do some tall scheming to keep them apart no it's not vanity either it's well you see she's trying to get him back to look like a sport constant thought of the Hopeless fight so far which the little woman was waging to keep up with The Dashing.

Actress then she thought of Warrington of last night of how he had sought her so ready it seemed to leave even the other woman then floretta's remark repeated itself mechanically we have to do some tall scheming to keep them apart was Stella here after all Mrs Warrington was was not a badl looking woman and in fact it was difficult to see how she.

Expected to be improved by Cosmetics that would lighten her complexion bleaches that would flaxen her hair tortures for this that and the other defect real or imagined now however she was a creature of reinforcements from her puffy masses of light hair to her French heels and embroidered stockings that showed through the slash in the.

Drapery of her gown constant felt sorry for her deeply sorry sorry the whole thing seemed not in keeping with her she was a homemaker not a butterfly was Warrington worth it all asked constant of herself at least she thinks so flashed over her as Mrs Warrington rose and left the room watchfully Guided by floretta to the next process in her.

Course in beautification constant sank back luxuriously on the cushions of her Shay's long she longed to explore the beauty parlor to leave the restroom room and go down the narrow Corridor prying into the secrets of the little dressing rooms that opened into it what did they conceal why had Vera seemed so distant was it the natural reaction of the.

Morning after or was Stella really there and was she keeping her away from Mrs Warrington to prevent friction between two clients that would have been annoying to all she could reach no conclusion except that there was a feeling of luxurious well-being as she lulled back into the deep recesses of the L Lounge in the corner of the room.

Separated from the Next Room by a thin board partition suddenly her attention was arrested by muffled voices on the other side of the partition she strained her ears she could not of course see the speakers or even recognize their voices but they were a man and a woman we must get the thing settled right away she overheard the man's voice you see how he.

Is every new face attracts him see how he took to that new last night who knows what may happen by and by someone may come along and spoil all couldn't we use her asked the woman no you can't use that woman she's too clever but we must do something right away tonight if possible a pause how then another pause in the whispered monosyllable dope what.

I have it here use a dozen of them they can be snuffed as a powder or it can be put in a drink if you want more see I will put the bottle on this shelf way back no one will see it don't you think I ought to write a note something that will be sure to get him up here yes just a line or two as if in haste there was a sound as if of tearing a sheet of note.

Paper from a pad is that all right yes as soon as the market closes there will be nothing done today tomorrow's the day tonight we must get him going and in the meantime a meeting will be held the plan arranged at the Prince Henry tonight and then the smash between them all he won't know what has struck him all right you would better go out as you came in it's.

Better that no one up here should suspect anything the voices ceased what did it mean Constance Rose and sauntered around into the next room it was empty but when she looked hastily up on the Shelf there was a bottle of white tablets and on a table a pad of note paper from which a sheet had been torn she ped picked up the bottle gingerly.

Who had touched it her mind was working quickly somewhere she had read a fingerprints and the subject had interested her because the system had been introduced in Banks and she saw that it was going to become more and more important but how did they get them in a case like this she had read of some powder that adhered to the marks left by.

The sweat glands of the fingers there was the talcum powder perhaps it would do quickly she shook the Box gently over the glass then she blew it off carefully clear sharp distinct there were the imprints of fingers but the paper talcum powder would not bring them out on that it must be something black a lead pencil eagerly she seized it and with a little.

Silver pen knife whittel off the wood scrape scrape until she had a neat little pile of finely powdered graphite then she poured it on the paper and and taking the sheet daintily by the edges so that she would not mix her own fingerprints with the others she rolled the powder back and forth as she looked anxiously she could see the little.

Grains adhering to the paper a fine camel's hairbrush lay on the table for penciling she took it deftly it made her think of that first time when she painted the checks for Carlton a lump came into her throat there they were the second pair of Telltale Prints but what tail did they tell whose were they her reading on fingerprints had been very.

Limited but like everything she did to the point she studied those before her traced out as best she could the loops walls arches and composits even counted the ridges on some of them it was not so difficult after all she stopped in an uptown branch of her brokers in one of the hotels the market was very quiet and even the rubber Syndicate seemed to be.

Marking time as she went out she passed the telephone booths should she call up Warrington would he misinterpret it what if he did she was Mistress of her own tongue she need not say too much besides if she were going on a fishing Expedition a telephone line was as good as any other better than a visit this is Mrs Dunlap.

She said directly oh how do you do Mrs Dunlap I've been intending to call you up but he paused and add added you know we are having a pretty strenuous time down here there was a genuine ring to the first part of his reply but the rest of it trailed off into the old Blas tone I'm sorry she replied I enjoyed last night so much did you came back eagerly.

Before he could add anything she asked I suppose you're going to see Stellar again this afternoon why yes he hesitated I think so where at verus she asked adopting a tone not of curiosity but of chiding him for seeing Stellar instead of herself the moment of hesitation before he said that he didn't know told her the truth.

It was as good as a plane yes for a few moments they chatted as she hung up the receiver after his deferential goodbye Constance knew that she had gained a new angle from which to observe warrington's character he was intensely human and he was in wrong here was a mess all around the wore on yet brought no indecision as to what she would do though it brought.

No solution as to how to do it the inaction was worse than anything else the last quotations had come in over the ticker showing The Syndicate stocks still unchanged she left her Brokers and sat for a few moments in the Rotunda of the hotel considering she could stand it no longer whatever happened she would run around to charm some excuse would.

Occur when she got there as constant Al lighted from the private elevator a delicate scent as a vitar of roses smoked lightly on her and there was if anything a greater air of exotic warmth about the place everything from the electric bulbs buried deep in the clusters of Amber artificial flowers to the bright green leaves on the dainty.

Trellises the little square pained windows and white furniture bespoke luxury there was an inviting tone to it all I'm glad I found you began constant to Stella as though nothing had happened there is something I'd like to say to you besides thanking you most kindly for the good time last is there anything I can do for you interrupted Madame cha in.

A businesslike tone I am sure that Miss lar invited you last night because she thought you were lonely she and Mr Warrington you know are old friends charmont emphasized the remark to mean you trespassed on forbidden ground if you thought you could get him away constant seemed not to notice the implication there is something I'd like.

To say she repeated gently she picked up a little inking pad which lay on a mahogany secretary which Vera used as an office desk if you will be so kind Stella as to place your fingers flat on this pad never mind about the ink call floretta she will wipe them off afterwards and then on this piece of paper I won't bother you further almost.

Before she knew it the little actress had placed her dainty white hand on the pad and then on the paper constant did the same to illustrate then called floretta if Vera will do as I have done she said offering her the pad and taking her hand Shon complied and when floretta arrived her impressions were added to the others there's a man wishes to see.

You outside Madame said floretta wiping off the soil fingertips tell him to wait in the little room floretta opened the door door to go out and through it Constance caught sight of a familiar face a moment later the man was in the room with them it was drummed the same sneer the same Assurance in his manner so he snarled at constant you hear I.

Seem to be here she answered calmly why never mind why he blustered I knew you saw me the other night I heard you tell him to hit it up so as to shake me but I found out all right found out what asked constant coldly say that's about your style isn't it you always get in when it comes to trimming the good Spenders don't you Mr Drummond she replied I.

Don't care to talk to you you don't ehy well perhaps when the time comes you'll have to talk how about that she was thinking rapidly was Mrs Warrington preparing to strike a blow that would be the last impulse necessary to send the plunger down for the last time she decided to take a chance to temporize and until someone else made a move I'd.

Thank you to place your fingers on this pad said Constance quietly I'm making a collection of these things you are are you yes she cut short and if my collection isn't large enough I shall call up Mrs Warrington and ask her to come over too she added significantly floretta entered again please wipe the ink off Mr Drummond's fingers ordered.

Constance quietly still holding out the pad confound your impudence he grounded out seizing the pad there what do you mean by Mrs Warrington what is she to do with this have a care Mrs Dunlap you're on the wrong track here and going the wrong way Mr Warrington is began floretta show him in quick demanded Constance determined to bring the affair.

To a show down on the spot as the door swung open Warrington looked at the group in unfeigned Surprise Mr Warrington greeted Constance without giving any of the other was a chance this morning I heard a little conversation up here floretta will you go into the little room and on the top shelf you will find a bottle bring it.

Here carefully I have a sheet of paper also which I'm going to show you I had already seen the little woman Mr Warrington whom you have treated so unjustly she was here trying vainly to win You Back by those Arts which she thinks must appeal to you floretta returned with the bottle and placed it on the secret beside constant someone.

Took some tablets from this bottle and gave them to someone else who wrote on this paper she resumed bending first over the paper she had torn from the pad ah a loop with 12 ridges another loop a wall a wall a loop the marks on this paper correspond precisely with those made here just now by Vera charmant herself you get out of here quick SN.

Drummond placing himself between the now Furious Vera and constant one minute replied Constance calmly I'm sure Mr Warrington is a gentleman if you are not perhaps I have no fingerprints to correspond with those on the bottle if not I am sure that we can send for someone whose Prince will do so she was studying the bottle the other however.

She said slowly to conceal her own surprise was a person who has been set to Trail you and Stella Mr Warrington a detective named Drummond suddenly the truth flashed over her Drummond was not employed by Mrs Warrington at all then by whom by the directors and the rest of these people grafters who were using Stella to bait the hook Braden had gone.

Over to them had aided in plunging Warrington into the wildlife until he could no longer play the business game as before charmant was his Confederate Drummond his witness Stella said constant turning suddenly to the little actress Stella they are using you Diamond Jack and Vera using you to lead him on playing the game of the minority.

Of the directors of The Syndicate to get him out there is to be a meeting of the directors tonight at the Prince Henry he was to be in no condition to go are you willing to be mixed up in such a scandal Stella Laro was crying into a lace handkerchief you you are all against me she sobbed what have I done nothing soothed constant patting her shoulder as.

For charmant and Drummond they are tied by these proofs she added tapping the papers with the prince then picking them up and handing them to Warrington I think if the story were told to the directors at the Prince Henry tonight with reporters waiting downstairs in the lobby it might produce a quieting effect Warrington was speechless he saw them.

All against him Vera bradens Stella Drummond more than that added constant nothing that you can ever do can equal the patience the faith of the little woman I saw here today slaving yes slaving for beauty here in my hand in these scraps of paper I hold your old life not part of it but all of it she emphasized you have your chance will you.

Take it he looked up quickly at Stella laroo she had risen impulsively and flung her arms about constant yes he muttered husy taking the papers all of it chapter 8 the abductors take care of me please please please a slip of a girl smartly attired in a fur trim dress and a Chic Little Feather tipped hat hurried up to constant Dunlap late one afternoon.

As she turned the corner below her apartment it isn't faintness or illness exactly but it's also hazy stammered the girl breathlessly and I've forgotten who I am I've forgotten where I live and a man has been following me oh ever so long the weariness in the tone of the last words caused Constance to look more closely at the girl plainly she was on.

The verge of hysterics tears were streaming down her pale cheeks and there were dark Rings under her eyes suggestive of a haunting fear of something from which she fled Constance was astounded for the moment was the girl crazy she had heard of cases like this but to meet one so unexpectedly was surely disconcerting who has been.

Following you asked constant gently looking hastily over her shoulder and seeing no one a man exclaimed the girl but I think he is gone now can't you think of your name urged constant try no cried the girl no I can't I can't or your address repeated constant try try hard the girl looked vacantly about no she sobbed it's all gone all puzzled.

Constance took her arm and slowly walked her up the street toward her own apartment in the hope that she might catch sight of some familiar face or be able to pull herself together but it was of no use they passed a policeman who eyed them sharply the mere sight of the blue coated officer sent a shudder through the already trembling girl on.

Her arm don't don't let them take me to a hospital don't pleaded the girl in aoar whisper when they had passed the officer I won't reassured constant was that the man who was following you no oh no sobbed the girl nervously looking back who was he then asked Constance eagerly the girl did not answer but continued to look back wildly from time.

To time although there was no doubt that if he existed at all the man had disappeared suddenly Constance realized that she had on her hands a case of aasia perhaps real perhaps induced by a drug at any rate the fear of being sent away to an institution was so strong in the poor creature that Constance felt intuitively how disastrous to her might.

Be the result of disregarding the Obsession she was in a quandry what should she do with the girl to leave her on the street was out of the question she was now more helpless than ever they had reached the door of the apartment gently she led the trembling girl into her own home but now the question of what to do arose with redoubled Force.

She hesitated to call a physician at least yet because his first advice would probably be to send the poor little stranger to the psychopathic ward of some Hospital constant's eye happened to rest on the dictionary in her bookcase perhaps she might recall the girl's name to her if she were not shamming by reading over the list of women's names.

In the back of the book it meant many minutes perhaps hours but then constant reflected on what might have happened to the girl if she had chanced to appeal to someone who had not felt a true interest in her it was worth trying she would do it starting with a she read slowly is your name Abigail down through Barbara Camila Deborah Edith Faith she read.

Flora she asked the girl seemed to apprehend something appear less blank Florence persisted Constance oh yes she cried that's it that's my name but as for the last name and the address she was just as hazy as ever still there was now something different about her Florence Florence what reiterated Constance patiently there was no answer.

But with the continued repetition it seemed as if some depth in her nature had been stirred Constance could not help feeling that the girl had really found herself she had risen and was facing constant both hands pressed to her throbbing temples as if to keep her head from bursting Constance had assisted her off with her coat and hat.

And now the satorial wreck of her masses of blonde hair was apparent I suppose she cried incoherently I'm just one more of the thousands of girls who drop out of sight every year Constance listened in amazement as the spell of her influence seemed to calm the overwrought mind of the girl there succeeded a hardness in her tone that was wholly out.

Of keeping with her youth there was something that breathed of a past where there should have been nothing but the thought of a future tell me why soothed Constance with an air that invited confidence the girl looked up and again passed her hand over her white forehead with its mass of Tangled Fallen hair somehow Constance felt a tingling.

Sensation of sympathy in her heart impulsively she put out her hand and took the cold moist hand of the girl because she hesitated struggling now with re flooding Consciousness because I don't know I thought perhaps she added dropping her eyes you could help me she was speaking rapidly enough now I think they have employed detectives to trace.

Me one of them is almost up with me I'm afraid I can't slip out of the net again and I I won't go back to them I can't I Won't Go Back To whom queried her friend detectives employed by whom my folks she answered quickly Constance was surprised least of all had she expected that why won't you go home she prompted as the girl seemed about to lapse into a sort.

Of stolid reticence home she repeated bitly home no one would believe my story I couldn't go home now they have made it impossible for me to go home I mean every newspaper has published my picture there were headlines for days and only by chance I was not recognized she was sobbing now convulsively if they had only let me alone I might have gone back.

Then but now after the newspapers and the search never and yet I am going to have Revenge someday when he least expects it I am going to tell the truth and she stopped and what asked constant tell the truth and then do a cowardly thing I would you would not Blaze constant there was no mistaking the meaning leave it to me trust me I will.

Help you she pulled the girl down on the div beside her why talk of suicide mused constant you can plead this Aphasia I have just seen I know lots of newspaper women we could carry it through so that even the doctors would help us remember Aphasia will do for a girl nowadays what nothing else can do Aphasia Florence repeated harshly call it what you like.

Weakness anything I I loved that man not the one who followed me another I believed him but he left me left me in a place across in Brooklyn they they said I was a fool that some other fellow perhaps better with more money would take care of me but I left I got a place in a factory then someone in the factory became suspicious I had saved a little.

It took me to Boston again someone grew suspicious I came back here here the only place to hide I got another position as waitress in the Betsy Ross t- room there I was able to stay until yesterday but then a man came in he had been there before he seemed too interested in me not in a way that others have been but in me my name.

Somehow I suspected I put on my hat and coat I fled I think he followed me all night I have walked the streets and ridden in cars to get away from him at last I appealed to you the girl had sunk back into the soft pillows of the couch beside her new friend and hid her face softly Constance patted smooth the wealth of golden hair you you poor.

Little girl she sympathized then a film came over her own eyes New York took me at a critical time in my own life she said more to herself than to the girl she sheltered me gave me a new start what she did for me she will do for any other person who really wishes to make a fresh start in life I made few acquaintances no friends fortunately the.

Average New Yorker asks only that his neighbor leave him alone no hermit could find better and more complete Solitude than in the heart of this great City constant looked pityingly at the girl before her why can't you tell them she suggested that you wanted to be independent that you went away to make your own living but they my father is.

Well off and they have this detective who follows me he will find me someday for the reward and will tell the truth the reward yes $1,000 don't you remember reading the girl stopped short as if to check herself you you are Florence Gibbons gasped Constance as with a rush there came over her the recollection of a.

Famous unsolved mystery of several months before the girl did not look up as Constance bent over and put her arms about her who was he she asked persuasively Preston Lancing Preston she sobbed bitterly only the other day I read of his engagement to a girl in Chicago beautiful in society oh I could kill him she cried throwing out her arms.

Passionately think of it he Rich powerful respected I poor almost crazy an outcast Constance did not interfere until the Tempest had passed what name did you give at the t- room asked constant Viola Cole answered Florence rest here soothed Constance here at least you are safe I have an idea I.

Shall be back soon the Betsy Ross was still open after the rush of tired Shoppers and later of business women to whom this was not only a restaurant but a club Constance entered and sat down is the manager in she asked of the waitress Mrs Palmer no but if you care to wait I think she'll be back directly as constant sat toying absently with some.

Food at one of the snowy white tables a man entered a man in a t-o is an anomaly for the t- room is a woman's institution run by women for women men enter with diffidence and seldom alone this man was quite evidently looking for someone his eye fell on Constance her heart gave a leap it was her old enemy Drummond the detective for a moment he hesitated then.

Bowed and came over to her table peculiar places these t- rooms observed drum Constance was doing some quick thinking could this be the detective Florence Gibbons had mentioned the only thing lacking to make them complete he rattled on is a license now take those places that have a lady's bar that do openly.

What t- rooms do covertly they don't reckon with the attitude of women this is New York not Paris such things are years off I don't say they'll not come or that women won't use them but not by that name not yet Constance wondered what his cynical inconsequentiality masked I think it adds to the interest she observed watching him furtively this.

Evasion of the laws Drummond was casting about for something to do and naturally to a mind like his a drink was the solution evidently however there were degrees of brazenness even in t- rooms the Betsy Ross Not only would not produce a labeled bottle and an obvious glass but stoutly denied their ability to fill such an order even whispered.

Russian Tea suggested Drummond cryptically how will you have it with scotch or rye asked the waitress bourbon hazarded Drummond when the Russian Tea arrived it was in a neat little pot with two others the first containing real tea and the second hot water it was served virtuously in teacups so opaquely concealed that no one but the.

Clandestine drinker could know what sort of poison was being served Mrs Palmer was evidently later than expected Drummond fidgeted after the manner of a man out of his accustomed habitat and yet he did not seem to be interested really in Constance or even in Mrs Palmer for after a few moments he rose and excused himself how did he come.

Here Constance asked herself over and over as far as she could reason it out there could be only one reason Drummond was clearly up with Florence did he also know that constant was shielding her the more she thought of it the more she shuddered at the tactless way in which the detective would perform the act of Charity by discovering the Lost Girl and.

Pocketing the reward if her family only knew how eagerly they might let her come back in her own way she looked up the address of ever at Gibbons while she was waiting a half-formed plan taking definite shape in her mind what she did did must be done quickly here at the t- room at least Florence or rather Viola was known.

Perhaps the best way after all was to let her be discovered here they could not deny that she had been working for them acceptably for some time half an hour later Mrs Palmer a bustling businesswoman came in and the waitress pointed her out to constant did you have a waitress here named Viola Cole began constant watching keenly the effect of.

Her inquiry yes replied Mrs Palmer in a tone of interest that reassured constant that if there were any connection between Drummond's presence and Mrs Palmer it was wholly on his seeking but she disappeared last night a most peculiar girl but a splendid worker she has been ill Constance hastened to explain I am a friend of hers I have a.

Business downtown and could not come around until tonight to tell tell you that she will be back tomorrow if you will take her back of course I'll take her back I'm sorry she's ill and Mrs Palmer bustled out into the kitchen not unfeelingly but merely because that was her manner constant paid her check and left the te- room so far she had.

Succeeded the next thing she had planned was a visit to Mr Gibbons that need not take long for she was not going to tell anything her idea was merely to pave the way the Gibbons she found lived in a large house on one of the numerous side streets from the park in a neighborhood that was in fact something more than merely well to do fortunately she found.

Ever at Gibbons in and was ushered into his study where he sat pouring over some papers and enjoying an after dinner cigar Mr Gibbons began Constance I believe there is a $1,000 reward for news of the whereabouts of your daughter Florence yes he said in a colorless tone that betrayed the hopelessness of the long search but we have traced down so.

Many false clues that we have given up hope since the day she went away we have never been able to get the slightest trace of her still we welcome outside Aid of detectives she asked official and private paid and volunteer anybody he answered I myself have come to the belief that she is dead for that is the only explanation I can think of for her.

Long silence she is not dead replied Constance in a low tone not dead he repeated eagerly catching at even such a straw as an unknown woman might cast out then you know no she interrupted positively I cannot tell you anymore you must call off all other Searchers I will let you know when tomorrow perhaps the next day I will call you on the.

Telephone she Rose and made a hasty ad du before the man who had been prematurely aged might overwhelm her with questions and break down her resolution to carry the thing through as she had seen best cheerily constant turned the key in the lock of her door there was no light and somehow the silence smote on her ominously Florence.

She called there was no answer not a sign indicated her presence there was the Divan with the pillows disarranged as they had been when she left the furniture was in the same position as before hastily she went from one room to another Florence had disappeared she went to the door again all seemed right there if anyone had entered it must have.

Been because he was admitted for there were no marks to indicate that the lock had been forced she called up the t- room Mrs Palmer was very sympathetic but there had been no trace of Viola Cole there yet you will let me know if you get any word asked constant anxiously surely came back Mrs Palmer's cordial reply a 100 Di possibilities crowded.

Through her mind might Florence be held somewhere as a white slave not by physical Force but by circumstances ignorant of her rights afraid to break away again or was it suicide as she had threatened she could not believe it nothing could have happened in such a short time to change her resolution about revenge the.

Recollection of all the stories she had read recently crossed her mind could it be a case of drugs the girl had given no evidence of being a dope fiend perhaps someone had entered after all she thought of the so-called poison needle cases might she not have been spirited off in that way Constance had doubted the stories she knew that almost any.

Doctor would say that it was impossible to inject a narcotic by a sudden jab of a hypodermic syringe that was rather a slow careful and deliberate operation to be submitted to with patience yet Florence was gone suddenly it flashed over constant that Drummond might not be seeking the reward primarily after all his first object might be shielding.

Preston she recollected that Mr Gibbons had said nothing about Drummond either one way or the other and if he were both shielding Preston and working for the reward he would care little how much Florence suffered he might be playing both ends to serve himself she rang the elevator Bell has anybody called at my apartment while I was out she asked.

Yesam a man came here and you let him up I didn't know you were out you see I had just come on he said he was to meet someone at your apartment and when he pressed the buzzer the door opened and I ran the elevator down again I thought it was all right ma'am and then what inquired constant breathlessly well in about 5 minutes my bell rang I ran the.

Elevator up again and waiting was this man with a girl I had never seen before you understand I thought it was all right he told me he was going to meet someone yes yes I understand oh my God if I had only thought to leave word not to let her go how did she look her clothes you mean mom no her face her eyes begging your pardon I thought she.

Was well uh acted queer scared dazed like you didn't notice which way they went I suppose no momam I didn't Constance turned back again into her Empty Apartment heart sick in spite of all she had planned and done she was defeated worse than defeated where was Florence what might not happen to her she could have sat.

Down and cried instead she passed a feverishly restless night all the next day passed and still not a word she felt her own helplessness she could not appeal to the police that might defeat the very end she sought she was single single-handed for all she knew she was fighting the almost Limitless power of brains and money of Preston inquiry.

Developed the fact that Preston himself was reported to be in Chicago with his fiance time and again she was on the point of making the journey to let him know that someone at least was watching him but she reflected if she did that she might miss the one call from Florence for help then she thought bitterly of the false hopes she had.

Raised in the despairing father of Florence Gibbons it was maddening several times during the day constant dropped into the Betsy Ross without finding any word late that night the buzzer on her door sounded it was Mrs Palmer herself with a letter at last written on rough paper in pencil with a trembling hand Constance almost.

Literally pounced on it will you tell the lady who was so kind to me that While She Was Out seeing you at the t- room there was a call at her door I didn't like to open it but when I asked who was there a man said it was the steam fitter she had asked to call about the heat I opened the door from that moment when I saw his face until I came.

To myself here I remember nothing I would write to her only I don't know where she lives one of the bell boys here is kind enough to smuggle this note out for me addressed to the Betsy boss tell her please that I am at a place in Brooklyn I think called lus Gardens she can recognize it because it is at a railroad crossing steam railroads not.

Trolleys or elevators I know you think me crazy Mrs palmer but the other lady can tell you about it oh it was the same horrible feeling that came over me that night as before it isn't a dream it's more like a trance it comes in a second usually when I am frightened I suddenly feel nervous and shaky I can't tell what is going on around me I lose my hearing.

Part of the time it is as though I had a paralytic stroke of the tongue the next say Perhaps it is gone but while it lasts it is terrifying it's like walking into a new world with everybody everything strange about me the note ended with a most pathetic appeal Constance was already nervously putting on her hat you are going to go there.

Asked Mrs Palmer if I can locate the place she answered aren't you afraid inquired the other constant did not reply she ostentatiously slipped a little Ivory handle revolver into her handbag it's a new one she explained finally like nothing you ever heard of before I guess I bought it only the other day after a friend of mine told me.

About it Mrs Palmer was watching her closely you you are a wonderful woman she burst out finally it isn't good business it isn't good sense constant stopped short in her preparations for the search what a business and sense compared to the the life of she checked herself on the very point of revealing the girl's real name nothing replied Mrs.

Palmer I had already made up my mind to go with you before I spoke if you will let me in a moment the two understood each other better than after years of casual acquaintance back and forth Through The Mazes of streets and car lines of the city across the river the two women traveled asking veiled questions of every wearer of a uniform.

Until at last they found such a place as Florence had described in her note there it seemed had sprung up a little Center of Vice while reformers were trying to clamp down tight the lid in New York all the vicious elements were prying it up here crushed in one place they rose again in another there was the electric sign lust Garten even a cursory glance.

Told them that it included a saloon on the first floor with a sort of dance hall and second rate Cabaret above that was a hotel the windows were darkened with awnings pulled down even on what must have been in the daytime the Shady Side shall we go in are you game asked constant of her companion I haven't gone so far without.

Considering that replied Mrs Palmer somewhat reproachfully without a word Constance entered the door down the street followed by her companion a black individual at the little cubby hole of an office pushed out a register at them constant signed the first names that came into her head and a moment later they were on their way up to a big.

Double room on the third floor LED by another younger black individual will you send the Bell booy up asked Constance as they entered the room I'm the Bell booy ma'am was his disconcerting reply I mean the other one replied Constance hazarding the one who is here in the daytime there ain't no other boy ma'am there ain't no could you.

Deliver a note for me at a te- room in New New York tomorrow interrupted Constance striking while the iron seemed hot the boy turned around abruptly from his busy occupation of doing something useless that would elicit a tip he quietly shut the door and wheeled about with his hands still on the knob do you want to know what room she's in he asked.

Constant opened her handbag Mrs Palmer suppressed a little scream she had expected that ivory handled thing to appear instead there was a treasure y note of a size that caused the white part of the boy's eyes to expand beyond all the laws of Optics yes she said pressing it into his hand 42 down the hall around the turn on the other side.

Whispered the boy and for God's sake ma'am don't tell nobody I told you his Shuffle down the hall had scarcely ceased before the two women were stealthly creeping in the opposite direction looking eagerly at the numbers Constance had stopped abruptly around the turn through a transom of one of the rooms they could hear voices but could.

See no light well go back then growled a Gruff voice your family will never believe your story never believe that you came again and stayed at lus garton against your will why the voice taunted with a harsh laugh if they knew the truth they would turn you from the door instead of offering a reward there was a moment of silence then a woman's voice.

Strangely familiar to constant spoke the truth she exclaimed bitterly he knew was a case of a girl who liked a good time liked pretty clothes a ride in an automobile theaters excitement Bright Lights night life a girl with a romantic disposition in whom all that was repressed at home he knew it she repeated raising the tone to an almost.

Hysterical pitch led me on made me love him because he could give them all to me and when I began to show the strange of the pace they all show it more than the men he cast me aside like a squeezed out lemon as she listened Constance understood it all now it was to make Florence Gibbons a piece of property a thing to be traded in bartard that was.

The idea discover her yes but first to thrust her into the life if she would not go into it herself anything to discredit her testimony beforehand anything to save the precious reputation of one man well shouted Ed the other voice menacingly do you want to know the truth haven't you read it often enough instead of hoping you will return they.

Pray that you are dead he hissed the words out then added they prefer to think that you are dead why damn it they turned to that belief for Comfort constant had seized Mrs Palmer by the arm and acting in concert they threw both their weights against the thin wooden door it yielded with a crash inside the room was dark indistinctly.

Constance could make out two figures one standing the other seated in a deep rocker a suppressed exclamation of surprise was followed by a hasty lunge of the standing figure toward her constant reached quickly into her handbag and Drew out the little ivory handled pistol bang it spat almost into the man's face choking sputtering the.

Man groped a minute blindly then fell on the floor and frantically tried to rise again and call out the words seemed to stick in his throat you you shot him gasped a woman's voice which Constance now knew was Florence's with the new German secret service gun answered Constance quietly keeping it leveled to cow any assistance that might be brought.

It blinds and Stupify without killing a bulletless revolver intended to check and render harmless the criminal instead of maming him the cartridges contain several chemicals that combine when they are exploded and form a vapor which blinds a man and puts him out no one wants to kill such a person as this she reached over and switched on the lights.

The man on the floor was drummed himself you will tell your real employer Mr Preston she added contemptuously that unless he agrees to our story of his elopement with Florence marries her and allows her to start an undefended action for divorce we intend to make use of the new federal man Act with a jail sentence for both of you.

Drummond looked up sullenly still blinking and choking and not a word of this until the suit is filed then we will see the reporters not he understand yes he muttered still clutching his throat an hour later Constance was at the telephone in her own apartment Mr Gibbons I must apologize for troubling you at this late or rather early hour.

But I promised you something which I could not fulfill until now this is the Mrs Dunlap who called on you the other day with a clue to your daughter Florence I have found her yes working as a waitress in the Betsy Ross t- boom no not a word to anyone not even to her mother no not a word you can see her tomorrow at my apartment she is.

Going to live with me for a few days until well until we get a few little matters straightened out Constance had jammed the receiver back on the hook hastily Florence Gibbons wild-eyed trembling imploring had flung her arms about her neck no no no she cried I can't I won't with a force that was almost masculine Constance took the Girl.

By both shoulders the $1,000 reward which comes to me said Constance decisively will help us straighten out those few little matters with Preston Mrs Palmer can stretch the time which you have worked for her something of constant's will seemed to be infused into Florence Gibbons by force of suggestion and.

Remember Constance added in a tense voice for anything after your elopment it's a fasia a fasia a fasia chapter 9 The shoplifters Madam would you mind going with me for a few moments to the office on the third floor constant Dunlap had been out on a shopping Excursion she had stopped at the jewelry counter of Stacy's to have a ring.

Repaired and had gone on to the leather goods Department to purchase something else the woman who spoke to her was a quietly dressed young person quite inconspicuous with a Keen Eye that seemed to take in everything within a radius of a wide angled lens at a glance she leaned over and before Constance could express even surprise added in a.

Whisper look in your bag Constance looked hastily then realized what had happened the ring was gone it gave her quite a shock too for the ring a fine Diamond was a present from her husband one of the few pieces of jewelry treasured not only for its intrinsic value but as a remembrance of Carlton and the Supreme sacrifice he had made.

For her she had noticed nothing in the crowd nothing more than she had noticed scores of times before the woman watched her puzzled look I've been following you she said by this time the other store detectives must have caught the shoplifter and bag opener who touched you you see we don't make any arrests in the store if we can help it because we.

Don't like to make a scene it's bad for business besides if she had anything else we are safer when the case comes to court if we have caught her actually leaving the store with it of course when we make an arrest on the sidewalk we bring the shoplifter back but in a private back elevator Constance was following the young woman mechanically.

At least there was a chance of recovering the ring she was standing next to you at the jewelry counter she continued and if you will help identify her the store management will appreciate it and make it worth your while besides she urged it's really your duty to do it Madam Constance remembered now the rather simply but richly gowned young.

Woman who had been standing next to her at the counter seemingly unable to decide which of a number of beautiful Rings she really wanted she remembered because with her own love of beauty she had wanted one herself in fact had thought at the time that she too might have difficulty in choosing with the added feeling of curiosity.

Constance followed the woman detective up in the elevator in the office apart in a little room curiously furnished with a camera inumerable photographs cabinets and filing cases was a young woman perhaps 26 or S on a table before her lay a pile of laces and small trinkets there too was the beautiful diamond ring which she had hidden in Her.

Muff constant fairly gasped at the sight the girl was sitting limply in a chair crying bitterly she was not a hardened looking creature in fact her face bore evident traces of refinement and her long slender fingers hinted at a nervous artistic temperament it was rather a shock to see such a girl under such distressing circumstances we've lost so.

Much lately a small feret eyed man was saying that we must make an example of someone it's serious for us detectives too we'll lose our jobs unless we can stop you boosters oh I I didn't mean to do it I I just couldn't help it sobbed the girl over and over again yes drawed the man that's what they all say but you've been caught with the goods this.

Time young lady a woman entered and the man turned to her quickly car Kitty car did you find anything under that name no sir replied the woman store Detective we've looked all through the records and the photographs we don't find her and yet I don't think it is an alias at least if it is not an alias for anyone we have any record of I have a good eye.

For faces and there isn't one we have on file as as good-looking she added perhaps with a little touch of wistfulness at her own plainness and this beauty gone wrong this is the woman who lost the ring put in The Other Woman detective motioning to Constance who who had accompanied her and was standing a silent spectator the man held up the.

Ring which constant had already recognized is that yours he asked for a moment strangely she hesitated if it had been any other ring in the world she felt sure that she would have said no but then she reflected there was that pile of stuff there was no use in concealing her ownership of the Ring yes she murmured one moment please answered.

The man Brusly I must send down for the sales girl who waited on you to identify you and your check a mere formality you know but necessary to keep things straight constant sat down I suppose you don't realize it explained the man turning to constant but the shoplifters of the city get away with a couple of million dollars worth of stuff every.

Year it's the price we have to pay for displaying our Goods but it's too high they are the department store's greatest unsolved problem now most of the stores are working working together for their common interests seeing what they can do to root them out we all keep a sort of private Rogues gallery of them but we don't seem to have anything on this girl.

Nor have any of the other stores who exchange photographs and information with us anything on her evidently then it is her first offense put in Constance wondering at herself strangely she felt more of sympathy than of anger for the girl you mean the first time she has been caught at it correct the head of the store detectives it is my weakness.

Sobbed the girl sometimes an irresistible impulse to steal comes over me I just can't help it she was sobbing convulsively as she talked and listened there seemed to come a complete breakdown she wept as though her heart would break oh exclaimed the man can it cut out the so stuff and yet mused constant half to herself watching the.

Girl closely when one walks through the shops and sees thousands of dollars worth of goods lying unprotected on the counters is it any wonder that some poor woman or girl should be tempted and fall there before her eyes and within her grasp lies the very article above all others which she so ardently craves no one is looking the sales girl is busy.

With another customer the rest is easy and then the store detective steps in and here she is captured the girl had been listening wildly through her tears oh she sobbed you don't understand none of you I don't crave anything I I just can't help it and then afterwards I I hate the stuff and I am so afraid I hurry home and I oh what shall I do what.

Shall I do constant pied her deeply she looked from the wild-eyed tear stained face to the miscellaneous pile of material on the table and the unwinking Gaze of the store detectives true the girl had taken a very valuable diamond ring and from herself but the laces the trinkets all were abominably cheap not worth risking anything for constance's.

Attention was recalled by the man who beckoned her aside to talk to the sales girl who had waited on her you remember seeing this lady at the counter he asked of the girl she nodded and that woman in there he motioned again the sales girl nodded do you remember anything else that happened he asked constant as they faced Kitty car and he handed Constance.

The ring Constance looked the detective squarely in the face for a moment I have my ring you have the other stuff she murmured besides there is no record against her she doesn't even look like a professional bad character no I'll not appear to press the charge I'll make it as hard as I can before I'll do it she added positively the woman who had.

Overheard looked her gratitude the detectives were preparing to argue Constance hardly knew what she was saying as she hurried on before anyone else could speak no she added but I'll tell you what I will do if you will let her go I will look after her parole her unofficially with me constant drew a card from her case and handed it to the.

Detective he read it carefully and a puzzled look came over his face charge account good customer pays promptly he muttered under his breath for a moment he hesitated then he sat down at a desk Mrs Dunlap he said I'll do it he pulled a piece of printed paper from the desk filled in a few blanks then turned to Kitty car handing her a pen sign here he.

Said Brusly constant bent over and read it was a form of release I Kitty car residing at East Street single aged 27 years in consideration of the sum of $1 hereby admit taking the following property without having paid paid therefore and with intent not to pay therefore and by reason of the withdrawal of the complaint of leny of.

Which I am guilty I hereby remise release and forever discharge the said Stacy company or its representatives from any claims action or causes of action which I may have against the Stacy company or its Representatives or agents by reason of the withdrawal of said charge of leny and failure to prosecute some finded Kitty car now.

Kitty soothed constant as the trembling signature was blotted and added to a photograph which had quietly been taken they're going to let you go this time with me come straighten your hat wipe your eyes you must take me home with you where we can have a nice long talk remember I am your friend on the way up town and across the city the girl.

Managed to tell most of her history she came from a family of means in another city her father was was dead but her mother and her brother were living she herself had a small annuity sufficient to live on modestly and had come to New York seeking a career as an artist her story her Ambitions appealed to Constance who had been somewhat of an.

Artist herself and recognized even in talking to the girl that she was not without some ability then too she found that kitty actually lived as she had said in a cozy little kitchenet apartment with two friends a man and his wife both of whom happened to be out when they arrived as Constance looked about she could see clearly that there.

Was indeed no adequate reason why the girl should steal how do you feel asked Constance when the girl had sunk half exhausted on a couch in the living room oh so nervous she replied pressing her hands to the back of her head and I have a terrible headache although it is a little better now they had talked for perhaps half an hour as constant soothed.

Her when there was the sound of a key in the door A young woman in black entered she was welld dressed in fact elegantly dressed in a quiet way somewhat older than Kitty but by no means as attractive why Hello Kitty she cried what's the matter oh Annie I'm so unstrung replied the girl then recollecting constant added let me introduce my friend Mrs.

Dunlap this is Mrs Annie Grayson who has taken me in as a lodger and is ever so kind to me Constance nodded and the woman held out her hand frankly very glad to meet you she said my husband Jim is not at home but we are a very happy little family up here why Kitty what is the matter the girl had turned her face down in the sofa pillows and was sobbing.

Again between sobs she blurted out the whole of the sworded story and as she proceeded Annie glanced quickly from her to constant for confirmation suddenly she Rose and extended her hand to constant Mrs Dunlap she said how can I ever thank you for what you have done for Kitty she is almost like a sister to me you you were too good there was a.

Little catch in the woman's voice but Constance could not quite make out whether it was acted or wholly genuine did she ever do anything like that before she asked only once replied Annie Grayson and then I gave her such a talking to that I thought she would be able to restrain herself when she felt that way again it was growing late and.

Constant recollected that she had an engagement for the evening as she Rose to go kitty almost overwhelmed her with Embraces I'll keep in touch with Kitty whispered constant at the door and if you will let me know when anything comes up that I may help her in I shall thank you depend on me answered Mrs Grayson and I want to add my thanks to kitties.

For what you have done I'll TR to help you as she groped her way down the as yet unlighted stairs constant became aware of two men talking in the hall as she passed them she thought she recognized one of the voices she lowered her head and fortunately her thin veil in the halflight did the rest she passed unnoticed and reached the door of the.

Apartment as she opened it she heard the men turn and mount the stairs instinctively she realized that something was wrong one of the men was her old enemy Drummond the detective they had not recognized her and as she stood for a moment with her hand on the knob she tried to reason it out then she crept back and climbed the stairs.

Noiselessly voices inside the apartment told her that she had not been mistaken it was the apartment of the Grayson and kitty that they sought the hall door was of thin light wood and as she stood there she could easily hear what passed inside what is Kitty ill she heard the strange man's voice inquire yes replied Mrs Grayson then her.

Voice trailed off into an indistinguishable whisper how are you kitty asked the man oh I have a splitting headache jim I've had it all day I could just get up and Screech I'm sorry I hope it gets better soon oh I guess it will they often go away as suddenly as they come you know I've had them before Drummond's voice then spoke.

Up did you see the Trimble ad tonight he asked evidently of Annie they have a lot of new diamonds from Arkansas they say one of them is a big one the Arkansas Queen I believe they call it no I didn't see the papers replied Annie there was the rustle of a newspaper here's a picture of it it must be great I've heard a good deal about it have you seen.

It asked Annie no but I intend to see it they had passed into the next room and Constance fearing to be discovered decided to get away before that happened early the next morning she decided to call on Kitty but by the time Constance arrived at the apartment it was closed and a neighbor informed her that the two women had gone out together about half.

An hour before Constance was nervous and as she left the apartment she did not notice that a man who had been loitering about had quickened his pace and overtaken her so drawed a voice you're traveling with shoplifters now she looked up quickly this time she had run squarely into Drummond there was no concealment possible now her only Refuge.

Was silence she felt the hot tingle of indignation in her cheeks but she said nothing huh exclaimed Drummond walking along beside her and adding contemptuously I don't know the young one but you know who the other is constant bit her lip no he queried then I'll show you he had taken from his pocket a bunch of oblong cards each bore.

She could see from the corner of her eye a full face and a profile picture of a woman and on the back of the card was a little writing he selected one and handed it to Constance instantly she recognized the face it was Annie Grayson with half a dozen aliases written after the name there he fairly snorted that's the sort of people your little friend.

Consorts with why they call Annie Grayson the queen of the shoplifters she has forgotten more about shoplifting than all the rest will ever know constant longed to ask him what had taken him to the Grayson flat the night before but thought better of it there was no use in angering Drummond further instead she let him think that he had.

Succeeded in frightening her off she went back to her own apartment to wait and worry evidently Drummond was pretty sure of something or he would not have disclosed his hand to her even partially she felt that she must see Kitty before it was too late then the thought crossed her mind that perhaps already it was too late Drummond evidently was working in.

Some way for an alliance of the department stores outside Constance had had her own ideas about Kitty and as she waited and watched she tried to reason how she might carry them out if she had a chance she had just been insured and had been very much interested in the various tests that the woman doctor of the insurance company had applied to her.

One in particular which involved the use of a little simple instrument that fitted over the forearm had interested her particularly she had talked to the doctor about it and as she talked an idea had occurred to her that it might have other uses than those which the doctor made of it she had bought one while she was waiting it occurred to her.

That perhaps it might serve her purpose she got the instrument out it consisted of a little Arrangement that fitted over the forearm and was attached by a tube to a dial that registered in millimeters a column of mercury would it really show anything she wondered there was a quick call on the telephone and she answered it her hand trembling for she felt sure.

That it was something about the little woman she had befriended somehow or other her voice hardened as she answered the call and found that it was from Drummond it would never do to betray even nervousness before him your friend Miss car shot out Drummond with brutal directness has been caught again she fell into something as neatly as if she.

Had really meant to do it yesterday you know trimbles advertised the new diamond the Arkansas Queen on exhibition well it was made of paste anyway but it was a perfect imitation but that didn't make any difference we caught Kitty just now trying to lift it I'm sorry it wasn't the other one but small fry are better than none we'll get her too yet besides.

I find this Kitty has a record already at Stacy he added the last words with a taunting sneer Constance realized suddenly the truth the whole Affair had been a plant of Drummonds you are at trimbles she inquired quickly well can you wait there just a few minutes I'd like to see Miss car Drummond promised his acquiescence in itself boded no good.

But nevertheless she decided to go as she left her apartment hurriedly she picked up the little instrument and dropped it into a handbag you see it's no use almost chortled Drummond as constant stepped off the elevator and opened the door to a little room at trimbles much like that which she had already seen at Stacy's a shoplifter.

Becomes habitual after 25 they get to Consulting with others of their kind kitty was sitting rigidly Motionless in a chair staring in straight ahead as Constance entered she gave a start at the sight of her familiar face rose and would almost have fainted if Constance had not caught her it seemed as if something had snapped in the girl's.

Makeup for the first time tears came Constance patted her hands softly the girl was an enigma was she a clever actress one minute hardened Miss sophisticated the next appealing Mis innocence how did you catch her asked Constance a moment later as she found an opportunity to talk to Drummond alone oh she was trying to substitute a paste.

Repca for the alleged Arkansas Queen the clerk noticed the replica in time saw a little spot of carbon on it and she was shadowed and arrested just as she was leaving the store yes they found the other Pace Jewel on her she was caught with the goods replica repeated Constance thinking of the picture that had appeared in the papers the night.

Before how could she get a replica of it how do I know Shrugged Drummond coldly Constance looked him squarely in the eyes what about Annie Grayson she asked Point Blank I have taken care of that he replied harshly she is already under arrest and from what I have heard we may get something on her now we have a record against the car girl we can use.

It against her friend we're just about taking her to the flat to identify the Grayson woman would you like to come along he added in a spirit of bravado I think you are a material witness in the Stacy case anyhow Constance felt bitterly her defeat still she went with them there was always a chance that something might turn up as they entered.

The door of the kitchenet loud voices told them that someone was disputing inside Drummond stroe in the sight of a huge pile of stuff that two strange men had drawn out of drawers and closets and stacked on the table riveted constant's eyes only dimly she could hear that Annie Grayson was violently threatening Drummond who stood cooly surveying the.

Scene the stuff on the table was in fact quite enough to Dazzle the eyes there were articles of every sort and description their silks laces jewelry and trinkets little antiques even rare books everything small and portable some of the richest and most Exquisite others of the cheapest and most Torry it was a truly remarkable collection.

Which the raiding detectives had brought to light as Constance took in the scene the raiding detectives holding the stormy Annie Grayson at Bay Drummond cool supercilious Kitty almost on the edge of collapse she wondered how Jim Grayson had managed to slip through the meshes of the net she had read of such things Annie Grayson was to all.

Appearences a fence for stolen goods this was perhaps a school for shoplifters in addition addition to her other accomplishments the queen of the shoplifters was a Fagan educating others to the tricks of her trade taking advantage of their lack of facility in disposing of the stolen goods just then the woman caught sight of constant.

Standing in the doorway in an instant she had broken loose and ran toward her what are you she hissed one of these department store moldx too quick as a flash Kitty car had leaped to her feet and placed herself between them no Annie no she was a real friend of mine no if your own friends had been as loyal as she was to me this.

Would never have happened I should never have been caught again for I should never have given them a chance to get it on me Little Fool grounded out Annie Grayson raising her arm here here ladies interposed Drummond protruding an arm between the two and winking sarcastically to the two other men none of that we shall need both of you in.

Business I no objection to your talking but cut out the rough stuff constant had stepped back she was cool cool as Drummond although she knew her heart was thumping like a sledgehammer there was Kitty car in a revulsion of feeling her hands pressed tightly to her head again as if it were bursting she was swaying as if she would faint constant caught.

Her gently about the waist and forced her down on the couch where she had been lying the night before with her back back to the others she reached quickly into her handbag and pulled out the little instrument she had hastily stuffed into it deftly she fastened it to Kitty's wrist and forearm she dropped down on her knees beside the poor girl.

And gently stroked her free hand reassuring her in a low tone there there she soothed you are not well Kitty perhaps after all there may be something some explanation in spite of all however Kitty was on the verge of the wildest hysterics Annie Grayson sniffed contemptuously at such weakness Drummond came over an exasperating snear on his.

Face as he looked down he saw what Constance was doing and she Rose so that all could see now this girl she said speaking rapidly is Afflicted with a nervous physical disorder a Mania which is uncontrollable and takes this Outlet it is emotional Insanity not loss of control of the will but perversion of the will humph was Drummond's sole.

Comment with a significant glance at the pile of goods on the table it is not the Articles themselves so much went on Constance following his glance as it is the pleasure the excitement the satisfaction call it what you will of taking them a thief works for the benefit he may derive from objects stolen after he gets them here is a girl.

Who apparently has no further use for an article after she gets it who forgets perhaps perhaps hates it oh yes remarked Drummond but why are they all so careful not to get caught everyone is responsible who knows the nature and consequences of his act constant had wheeled about that is not so she exclaimed any modern alienist will tell.

You that sometimes the chief Mark of insanity may be knowing the nature and consequences craftily avoiding detection with an almost superhuman cunning no the test is whether knowing the nature and consequences a person suffers under such a defect of will that in spite of everything in the face of everything that person cannot control that will as.

She spoke she had quickly detached the little instrument and had placed it on Annie Grayson's arm if it had been a beral on camera or even a fingerprint outfit Annie Grayson would probably have fought like a tigress but this thing was a new one she had a peculiar Spirit of bravad such terms as kleptomania went on.

Constant are often regarded as excuses framed up by the experts to cover up plain ordinary stealing but did you wise Acres of crime ever stop to think that perhaps they do actually exist there are many things that distinguish such a woman as I have described to you from a common Thief there is the insane desire to steal merely for stealing sake a.

Morbid craving of course in a sense it is stealing but it is persistent incorrigible rational motiveless useless stop and think about it a moment she concluded lowering her voice and taking advantage of the very novelty of the situation she had created such diseases are the product of civilization of sensationalism naturally enough then.

Woman with her delicately balanced nervous organization is the first and chief offender if you insist on calling such a person an offender under your Antiquated methods of dealing with such cases she had paused what did you say you called this thing asked Drummond as he tapped the arrangement on Annie Grayson's arm he was evidently not much.

Impressed by it yet somehow instinctively regarded it with somewhat of the feelings of an elephant toward a mouse that answered Constance taking it off Annie Grayson's wrist before she could do anything with it why I don't know that I said anything about it it is really a spig mometer the little expert witness that never lies one of the.

Instruments the insurance companies use now to register blood pressure and discover certain diseases it occurred to me that it might be put to other and equally practical uses for no one can conceal the emotions from this instrument not even a person of cast iron nerves she'd placed it on Drummond's arm he appeared fascinated.

See how it works she went on you see 100 25 mm is the normal pressure Kitty car is absolutely abnormal I do not know but I think that she suffers from periodical attacks of vertigo almost all kleptomaniacs do during an attack they are utterly irresponsible Drummond was looking at the thing carefully constant turned to.

Annie Grayson where's your husband she asked off hand oh he disappeared as soon as these department store dicks showed up she replied bitterly she had been watching constant narrowly quite nonplused and unable to make anything out of what was going on constant looked at Drummond inquiringly he shook his head slowly I'm afraid we'll never catch.

Him he said he got the jump on us although we have our lines out for him too she had glanced down quickly at the little innocent looking but Telltale spigo monometer you lie she exclaimed suddenly with all the Vigor of a man she was pointing at the quivering little needle which registered a sudden acccess of emotion totally concealed by the sang.

Frud of Drummond's well schooled exterior she wrenched the thing off his wrist and dropped it into her bag a moment later she stood by the open window facing the street a bright little police whistle gleaming in her hand ready for its shrill alarm if any move were made to cut short what she had to say she was speaking rapidly now you see.

I've had it on all of you one after another and each has told me your story just enough of it for me to piece it together Kitty is suffering from a form of vertigo an insanity klepto Mania the real thing as for you Mr Drummond you were in League with the alleged husband your own stool pigeon to catch Annie Grayson Drummond moved so did the.

Whistle he stopped but she was too clever for you all she was not caught even by a man who lived with her as her own husband for she was was not operating Annie Grayson moved as if to face out her accusers at this sudden turn of Fortune One Moment Annie cut in Constance and yet you are the real shoplifter after all you fell into the.

Trap which Drummond laid for you I take pleasure Mr Drummond in presenting you with better evidence than even your own stool pigeon could possibly have given you under the circumstances she paused for myself she concluded I claim Kitty car I claim the right to take her to have her treated for her her disease I claim it because the real shoplifter the.

Queen of the shoplifters Annie Grayson has worked out a brand new scheme taking up a true klepto maniac and using her Insanity to carry out the steings which she suggested and safely to this point has profited by chapter 10 the blackmailers they're late this afternoon yes I think they might be on time I wish they had made.

The appointment in a quieter place what do you care Anita probably somebody else is doing the same thing somewhere else what's source for the gander is source for the goose I know he has treated me like a dog Alice but there was just a trace of a catch in the voice of the second woman as she broke off the remark and left it unfinished constant Dunlap.

Had caught the words unintentionally above the hum of conversation and the snap pches of tuneful Music wafted from the large dining room where day was being turned into night she had dropped into the fashionable new vaner hotel not to meet anyone but because she liked to watch the people in Peacock Alley as the corridor of the hotel was often.

Popularly called somehow as she sat inconspicuously in a deep chair in an angle she felt that very few of the gay chatting couples or of the waiting men and women about her were quite what they seemed on the surface the conversation from around the angle confirmed her opinion here apparently at least were two young married women with a grievance.

And it was not for those against whom they had the grievance real or imagined that they were waiting so anxiously Constance leaned forward to see them better the woman nearest her was a trifle the Elder of the two a very attractive looking woman Tastefully gowned and carefully groomed the younger who had been the first speaker was.

Perhaps the more dashing certainly she appeared to be the more sophisticated and as constant caught her eye she involuntarily thought of the old proverb never trust a man who doesn't look you in the eye or a woman who does two men sauntered Down The Long Corridor on the way from a visit to the bar as they caught sight of the two ladies there was.

A smile of recognition an exchange of remarks between each pair and the men hurried in the direction of the corner they greeted the two ladies in low bantering familiar terms Mr Smith Mrs Jones Mr White and Mrs Brown you got my card asked one of the men of the woman nearest Constance sorry we're late but a business friend ran into us as we were.

Coming in and I had to shunt him off in the other direction he nodded toward the opposite end of the corridor with a laugh you've been bad boys pouted The Other Woman but we for give you this time perhaps we may hope to be reinstated after a little a tea and a dance suggested the other man the four were all moving in the direction of the.

Dining room and the gay music they had disappeared in the crush about the door before Constance noticed that the woman who had been sitting nearest her had dropped an envelope she picked it up it was on the stationer of another fashionable Hotel evidently written by one of those who Lounge in and on the strange of a small bill in the cafe used.

The writing room in a man's hand was the name Mrs Anita Douglas the melol apartment City before she realized it Constance had pulled out the card inside and glanced at it it read my dearer can you meet us in the Vander tomorrow afternoon at 4: bring along your little friend with many yours mechanically constant crumpled the card and the.

Envelope in her hand and held them as she regarded the passing throng intending to throw them away when she passed a scrap basket on the way out still it was a fascinating scene this of the comedy and tragedy of human weaknesses and she stayed much longer than she had intended one by one the people had either gone to dinner in the.

Main dining room or elsewhere and Constance had nearly decided on going too she was looking down the corridor toward the desk when she saw something that caused her to change her mind there was the young lady who had been talking so flippantly to the woman with a grievance and she was now talking of all people to Drummond constant shrank back.

Into her wicker chair in the protecting angle what did it mean if Drummond had anything to do with it even remotely it boded no good at least suddenly a possible explanation crossed her mind was it a sid light upon that peculiar industry of divorce as practiced in no place except New York it was not only that constant longed for lived by.

Excitement she felt a sense of curiosity as to what the detective was up to now and somehow she felt a duty in the case she determined to return the envelope and card and meet the woman and the more she thought of it the more imperative became the idea so it came about that the following for noon constant sought out the melcolm apartments a huge stone.

And brick affair on a street which the Uptown trend of population was transforming Anita Douglas she had already found out by an inquiry or two was the wife of a well-known businessman yet as she entered the little apartment she noticed that there was no evidence about it of a man's presence Mrs Douglas greeted her unexpected visitor with an.

Inquiring look I was passing through the corridor of the Vander yesterday afternoon began Constance leaping into the middle of her errand and I happened to see this envelope lying on the carpet I thought first of destroying it then that perhaps you would rather destroy it yourself Mrs Douglas almost pounced on the letter as constant handed it to her.

Thank you she exclaimed it was very thoughtful of you for a moment or two they chatted of inconsequential things who was your friend asked Constance at length the woman caught her breath and flushed a bit evidently wondering just how much Constance really knew the young lady added Constance who had put the question in this form purposely why do.

You ask Mrs Douglas inquired in a tone that betrayed considerable relief because I can tell you something of her I think a friend of mine a Mrs Murray why aren't you just a little bit afraid of a friends that you may chance to make in the city queried constant afraid repeated the other yes said constant coming gradually to the point you know.

There are so many detectives about Mrs Douglas laughed half nervously oh I've been shadowed she replied confidently I know how to shake them off if you can't do anything else you can always take a taxi besides I think I can uncover almost any Shadow all you have to do if you think you're being shadowed is to turn a corner and stop that uncovers the.

Shadow as soon as he comes up to the corner and after that he is useless you know him that's all right nodded constant but you don't know these crooked detectives nowadays as I do they can fake up evidence to order that is their business you know to manufacture it you may uncover a $6 operative Mrs Douglas but are you the equal of a $20 a.

Day investigator the woman looked genuinely scared evidently Constance knew some she didn't know at least about detectives you you don't think there is anything like that do you she asked anxiously well replied constant slowly to impress her I saw your friend Mrs.

Murray after you had left the Vander talking to a detective whom I have every reason to fear as one of the most unscrupulous in the game oh that is impossible persisted Mrs Douglas not a bit of it pursu Constance think it over for a moment who would be the last person a man or woman would suspect of being a detective why just such an.

Attractive young woman of course you see it is just this way they reason that if they can only get acquainted with people the rest is easy for people under the right circumstances will tell everything they know the woman was staring at constant for example urged constant I'm talking to you now as if I had known you for years why Mrs Douglas men tell their.

Most important business secrets to chance luncheon and dinner companions whom they think have no direct or indirect interest in them over teaes women tell their most intimate personal affairs in fact all you have to do is to keep your ears open Mrs Douglas had risen and was nervously watching Constance who saw that she had made an.

Impression and that all that was necessary was to follow it up now for instance added Constance quickly you say she is a friend of yours how did you meet her Mrs Douglas did not raise her eyes to constant's now yet she seemed to feel that Constance was different from other chance acquaintances to feel a sort of confidence and to want to meet.

Frankness with frankness one day I was with a friend of mine at the new palet de Maxis she answered in a low voice as if making a confession a woman in the dressing room borrowed a cigarette you know they often do that we got talking and it seemed that we had much in common in our lives before I went back to him she bit her lip she had evidently not.

Intended to admit that she knew any other men Constance however appeared not to notice the slip I had arranged to meet her at luncheon the next day she continued hastily we have been friends ever since you went to lunch with her and Constance prompted oh she told me her story it was very much like my own a husband who was a perfect bear and then.

Gossip about him that so many people besides his own wife seemed to know and Constance shook her head really she observed thoughtfully it's a wonder to me how anyone stays married these days somebody is always mixing in getting one or the other so rough up that they get to thinking there is no possibility of Happiness that's where the crook.

Detective comes in Anita Douglas confidence established now poured out her story unreservedly as there was little reason why she should not a story of the refined brutality and neglect and inhumanity of her husband she told of her own first suspicions of him of a girl who had been his stenographer a miss Helen Brett but he was careful.

There had never been any direct positive evidence against him still there was enough to Warrant a separation and the payment to her of an allowance they had lived she said in a pretty little house in the suburb of Glen Clair near New York now that they were separated she had taken a little kitchenet apartment at the new melcolm her husband was.

Living in the house she believed when he was not in the city at his club or elsewhere she added bitterly but she confided as she finished it is very lonely here in a big city all alone I know it is agreed constant sympathetically as they parted I too am often very lonely call on me especially if you find anything crooked going on.

Call on me anyhow I shall be glad to see you any time the words anything crooked going on rang in Mrs Douglas's ears long after the elevator door had clanged shut and her new friend had gone she was visibly perturbed and the more she thought about it the more perturbed she became she had carried on a mild then an Ardent flirtation with the man who had.

Introduced himself as Mr White really Linn Monroe but she relied on her woman's Instinct in her Judgment of him no she felt sure that he could not be other than she thought but as for Alice Murray and her friend whom she had met at the palet de Maxis well she was forced to admit that she did not know that constant's warning might after all.

Be true Monroe had had to run out of town for a few days on a business trip that she knew for it had been the reason why he'd wanted to see her before he went he had in fact spent the evening in her company after the other couple had excused themselves on one pretext or another she called up Alice Murray at the number she had given she was not.

There in fact no one seemed to know when she would be there it was strange because always before it had seemed possible to get her at any moment almost instantly that too was rried her she tried to get the thing out of her mind but she could not she had a sort of for boing that her new friend had not spoken without reason a feeling of insecurity.

As though something were impending over her the crisis came sooner than even constant had anticipated when she called on Anita Douglas it was early in the afternoon while Anita was still brooding that a strange man called on her instinctively she seemed to Divine that he was a detective he at least had the look my name he introduced himself is.

Drummond Drummond paused and glanced about as if to make sure that he could by no possibility be overheard I have called he continued on a rather delicate matter he paused for effect then went on some time ago I was employed by Mr Douglas to to watch his wife he was watching her narrowly to see what effect his sudden remark would have on her she.

Was speechless since then he added quietly I have watched I have seen what I have seen Drummond had faced her somehow the effect of his words was more potent on her than if he had not accused her by indirection still she said nothing I can suppress it he insinuated her heart was going like a trip Hammer but it will cost something to do that.

Here was a straw she caught at it eagerly cost something she repeated facing him how much Drummond never took his eyes from her anxious face I was to get a fee of $1,000 if I obtained some letters that had passed from her to a man named Lyn Monroe he has gone out of town has left his rooms unguarded I have the letters she felt a sinking sensation.

$11,000 suddenly the truth of the situation flashed over her he had come with an offer that set her bidding against her husband for the letters and in a case of dollars her her husband would win $11,000 it was blackmail I I can't afford it she pleaded weakly can't you make it less Drummond shook his head.

Already he had learned what he had come to learn she did not have the money no he replied positively adding by way of inserting the knife and turning it around I shall have to turn the letters over to him today she Drew herself up at least she could fight back but you can't prove anything she cut in quickly can't I he returned the letters don't speak.

For themselves do they you don't realize that this interview helps to prove it do you an innocent woman wouldn't have considered my offer much less plead with me B can't prove anything why it's all in plain black and white Drummond flicked the ashes from his cigar into the fire place as he rose to go at the door he turned for one Parting Shot I.

Have all the evidence I need he concluded I've got the goods on you tonight it will be locked in his safe documentary evidence if you should change your mind you can reach me at his office call under an assumed name Mrs Green perhaps he was gone with a mocking smile at The Parting Shot Anita Douglas saw it all now things had not been going.

Fast enough to suit her new friend Mrs Murray so after a time she had begun to tell of her own escapades and to try to get Anita to admit that she had had similar Adventures it was a favorite device of detectives working under the new psychological method by use of the law of suggestion she had introduced herself had found out about Linn Monroe.

And in some way after he had left town had got the letters was he in the plot too she could not believe it suddenly the thought came to her that the blackmailers might give her husband material that would look very black if a suit for divorce came up in court what if he were able to cut off her little allowance she trembled at the thought of.

Being thus cast a drift on the world Anita Douglas did not know which way to turn in her dilemma she thought only of constant she hurried to her it was as you said a frame up she blurted out as she entered constant's apartment then in the same breath added that Mrs Murray was just a stool pigeon constant received her sympathetic Ally she had.

Expected such a visit though not so soon just how much do they know she asked pointedly Anita had pressed her hands together nervously really I confess she murmured indiscretions yes misconduct no she spoke the last words defiantly Constance listened eagerly though she did not betray it she had found out that it was a curious twist in feminine.

Psychology that the LIE under such circumstances was a virtue that it showed that there was hope for such a woman admission of the truth even to a friend would have shown that the woman was hopelessly lost lie or not Constance felt in her inmost heart that she approved of it still it looks badly she remarked perhaps it does on the surface.

Persisted Anita you poor dear creature soothed Constance I don't say I blame you for your Indiscreet friendships you are more sinned against than sinning sympathy had its effect Anita was now sobbing Softly As constant stole her arm about her waist the next question she reasoned considering aloud is of course what to do if it was just one of these.

Blackmailing detective cases it would be common but still very hard to deal with there's a lot of such blackmailing going on in New York next to business and political cases I suppose it is the private detectives most important graft nearly everybody has a past although few are willing to admit it The graft lies in the fact that people talk so much are.

So Indiscreet take such Reckless chances it's a wonder really that there isn't more of it yet there is the evidence as he called it my letters to Lynn and the reports that that woman must have made of our our conversations groaned Anita how they may distorted all Constance was thinking rapidly it is now after 4:00 she said finally looking at her.

Wristwatch you say it was not half an hour ago that Drummond called on you he must be downtown about now your husband will hardly have a chance more than to glance over the papers this afternoon suddenly an idea seemed to occur to her what do you suppose he will do with them she asked Mrs Douglas looked up through her tears Karma he is very methodical.

She answered slowly if I know him rightly I think he will probably go out to Glen Clair with them tonight to look them over where will he keep them broke in constant suddenly he has a little safe in the library out there where he keeps all such personal papers I shouldn't be surprised if he looked them over and lock them up there until he.

Intends to use them at least until morning I have a plan exclaimed constant excitedly are you game Anita Douglas looked at her friend squarely in her face Constance read the desperation of a woman battling for life and honor yes replied her in a low tense tone for anything then meet me after dinner in the terminal we'll go out to Glen Clair.

The two looked deeply into each other's eyes nothing was said but what each read was a sufficient answer to a host of unspoken questions a moment after Mrs Douglas had gone constant opened a cabinet from the false back of a drawer she took two little vials of powder and a small bottle with a sponge then she added a long steel bar with a peculiar.

Turn at the end to her paraphernalia for the trip nothing further occurred until they met at the terminal or in fact on the journey out on most of the ride mrss Douglas kept her face averted looking out of the window into the Blackness of the night perhaps she was thinking of other Journeys out to Glen Clair perhaps she was afraid of meeting the Curious.

Gaze of any late sojourners who might suffer from acute sub bban curiosity quietly the two women alighted and quickly made their way from the station up the Main Street then diverged to a darker and less frequented Avenue there's the house pointed out Mrs Douglas halting constant with a little bitter exclamation evidently she had.

Reasoned well he had gone out there early and there was a light in the library he isn't much of a reader whispered Mrs Douglas oh it's clear to me that he has the stuff all right he's devouring it gloating over it the sound of footsteps approaching down the paved walk came to them loitering on the streets of a Suburban Town always.

Occasions suspicion and instinctively Constance Drew Anita with her into the shadow of a hedge that set off the house from that next to it there was no fence cutting it off from the sidewalk but at the corner of the plot a large Bush stood in this Bower they were perfectly hidden in the shadow hour after hour they waited watching.

That light in the library speculating what it was he was reading while Anita half afraid to talk wondered what it was that Constance had in mind finally the light in the library winked out and the house was in darkness midnight passed and with it the last belated suburbanite at last when the moon had disappeared under some clouds Constance pulled Anita.

Gently along up the lawn there was no sign of Life about the house yet Constance observed all the caution she would have if it had been well guarded quickly they Advanced over the open space to the cottage approaching in the shadow as much as possible tiptoeing over the porch constant tried a window the window through which had shown the.

Tantalizing light it was fastened without hesitation she pulled out the long steel bar with the Twisted head and began to insert the sharp end between the sashes aren't you afraid chattered her companion no she whispered not looking up from her work you know most persons don't know enough about jimmies against them an ordinary door lock or.

Window catch is no protection at all why with this Jimmy even a woman can exert a pressure of a ton or so not one catch in a thousand can stand it certainly not this one constant continued to work muffling the lever as much as POS possible in a piece of felt at last a quick wrench and the catch yielded the only thing wrong about it was the noise.

There had been no wind no passing trolley nothing to conceal it they shrank back into the Shadow and waited breathless had it been heard would a window open presently and an alarm be sounded there was not a sound save the rustle of the leaves in the night wind a few minutes later constant carefully raised the lower Sash and they stepped.

Soft into the house once the house over which Nita Douglas had been mistress cautiously Constance pressed the button on a little pocket storage battery lamp and flashed it slowly about the room all was quiet in the library the library table was disordered as if someone in great stress of Mind had been working at it Anita wondered what had been the Grim.

Thoughts of the man as he pondered on the mass of stuff the tissue of falsehoods that the blackmailing detective had handed to him at such great cost at last the cone of light rested on a little safe at the opposite end there it is whispered Anita pointing half afraid even of the soft tones of her own voice Constance had pulled down.

All the shades quietly and Drew the curtains tightly between the room and the foyer on the top of the safe she was pouring some of the powder in a neat pile from one of the vials what is that asked Anita bending close to her ear some powder metallic aluminum mixed with oxide of iron whispered constant in return I read of this thing in a.

Scientific paper the other day and I determined to get some of it but I didn't think I'd ever really have occasion to use it she added some powder from the other vial and that magnesium powder constant had lighted a match stand back Anita she whispered back Anita she whispered back in the farthest corner of the room and keep quiet shut.

Your eyes turn your face away there was a flash blinding then a steady brilliant burst of noiseless penetrating Burning Flame Anita had expected an explosion instead she found that her eyes hurt she had not closed them tightly quick enough still constant's warning had been sufficient to prevent any damage to the sight and she slowly recovered actually.

The burning powder seemed to be sinking into the very steel of the safe itself as if it had been mere ice was it an optical illusion a freak of her sight what what is it she whispered in a drawing closer to her friend thermit whispered Constance in reply as the two watched the glowing Mass fascinated an invention of a German.

Chemist named goldshmid it will burn a hole right through steel at a terrific temperature 3,000 or more degrees the almost burned out Mass seemed to fall into the safe as if it had been a wooden box instead of chrome steel they waited a moment still blinking to regain control over their eyes in spite of the care they had used to Shield them then.

They tiptoed across the floor in the top of the safe yawned a hole large enough to stick one's hand and arm through Constance reached into the safe and Drew out something on which she flashed the pocket light there was bundle after bundle of checks the personal checks of a methodical businessman man carefully preserved hastily she looked them over.

All seemed to be perfectly straight payments to Tradesmen to real estate agents payments of All Sorts all carefully labeled oh he'd never let anything like that lie around remarked Anita as she began to comprehend what Constance was after Constance was scrutinizing some of the checks more carefully than others suddenly she held.

One up to the light apparently it was in payment of Legal Services quickly she took the little bottle of brownish fluid which she had brought with the sponge she dipped the sponge in it lightly and brushed it over the check then she leaned forward breathlessly eradicating ink is simply a bleaching process she remarked which leaves the iron of the.

Ink as a white oxide instead of a black oxide the proper reagent will restore the original color partially and at least for a Time ah yes it is as I thought there have been erasers in these checks other names have been written in on some of them in place of those that were originally there the sulfide of ammonia ought to bring out anything that.

Is hidden here there faintly was the original writing it read pay to the order of Helen Brett Mrs Douglas with difficulty restrained an exclamation of anger and hatred at the mere sight of the name of the other woman he was careful remarked constant Reckless at first in giving checks he has tried to cover it up he didn't want to destroy.

Them yet he couldn't have such evidence about so he must have altered the name on the cancelled vouchers after they were returned to him paid by the bank very clever very Constance reached into the safe again there were some personal and some business letters some old checkbooks some silver and gold Trinkets and table silver she gave a low.

Exclamation she had found a packet of letters and a sheath of typewritten flimsy tissue paper Pages Mrs Douglas uttered a little cry quickly suppressed the letters were those in her own handwriting addressed to Lynn Monroe here are Drummond's reports too Constance added she looked them hastily over the damning facts had been masked.

In a way that must inevitably have prejudiced any case for the defense that Mrs Douglas might set up there there's all the evidence against you whispered con hely handing it over to Anita it's all yours again destroy it in her eagerness with Trembling Hands Anita had torn up the whole mass of incriminating papers and had cast them into the.

Fireplace she was just about to strike a match suddenly there came a deep voice from the stairs well what's all this Anita dropped the match from her nerveless hands Constance felt an arm grasp her tightly for a moment a chill ran over her at being in the nefarious work of breaking and entering a dwelling house at night the hand was Anita's but.

The voice was that of a man lights flashed all over the house at once from a sort of electric light system that could be instantly lighted and would act as a burglar expeller it was Douglas himself he was staring angrily at his wife and the stranger with her well he demanded with cold sarcasm why this this burglary before he could quite take in.

The situ sitation with a quick motion constant struck a match and touched it to the papers in the fireplace as they blazed up he caught sight of what they were and almost leaped across the floor constant laid her hand on his arm one moment Mr Douglas she said quietly look at that who who the devil are you he gasped what's all this I think remarked.

Constant slowly and quietly that your wife is now in a position to prove that you well don't don't come into court with clean hands if you attempt to do so besides you know the courts rather frown on detectives that practice collusion and conspiracy and Frame Up evidence to say nothing of trying to Blackmail the victims I thought perhaps you'd prefer.

Not to say anything about this a visit tonight after you saw that Constance had quietly laid one of the eras checks on the library table again she dipped the sponge into the brownish liquid again the the Magic Touch revealed The Telltale name with her finger she was pointing to the faintly legible Helen Brett on the check as the sulfide had.

Brought it out Douglas stared dazed he rubbed his eyes and stared again as the last of the flickering fire died away in an instant he realized that it was not a dream that it was all a fact he looked from one to the other of the women he was checkmated constant ostentatiously folded up the erase vouchers I I shall not make any contest.

Douglas managed to gasp huskily chapter 11 the dope fiends I have a terrible headache remarked constant Dunlap to her friend Adele Gordon the petite Cabaret singer and Dancer of the Mayfair who had dropped in to see her one afternoon you poor dear creature soothed Adele why don't you go to see Dr Price He has cured me he's Splendid Splendid.

Constance hesitated Dr Morland price was a well-known physician all day and even at night she knew Automobiles and cabs rolled up to his door and their occupants were for the most part stylishly gowned women oh come on urged Adele he doesn't charge as highly as people seem to think besides I'll go with you and introduce you and he'll.

Charge only as he does the rest of us in the profession constant's head throbbed frantically she felt that she must have some relief soon all right she agreed I'll go with you and thank You Adele Dr Price's office was on the first floor of the fashionable Rees apartments and as she expected constant noted a line of Motorcars before it they entered and.

Were admitted to a richly furnished room in Mahogany and expensive Persian rugs where a number of patients waited one after another an attendant summoned them noiselessly and politely to see the doctor until at P the turn of constant and Adele came Dr Price was a youngish middle-aged Man Tall with a sow countenance and a self-confident.

Polished manner which went a long way in reassuring the patients most of whom were Ladies as they entered the doctor's sanctum behind the folding doors Adele seemed to be on very good terms indeed with him they seated themselves in the Deep leather chairs beside Dr Price's desk and he inclined his head to to listen to the story of their ailments.

Doctor began constant's introducer I brought my friend Mrs Dunlap who is suffering from one of those awful headaches I thought perhaps you could give her some of that medicine that has done me so much good the doctor bowed without saying anything and shifted his eyes from Adele to constant just what seems to be the difficulty he inquired.

Constant told him how she felt of her General lassitude and the big throbbing veins in her temples ah a woman's headaches he smiled adding nothing serious however in this case as far as I can see we can fix this one all right I think he wrote out a prescription quickly and handed it to Constance of course he added as he pocketed his fee.

It makes no difference to me personally but I would advise that you have it filled at muers Miss Gordon knows the place I think Muer's drugs are perhaps fresher than those of most druggists and that makes a great deal of difference he had risen and was politely and suavely bowing them out of another door at the same time by pressing a button.

Signifying to his attendant to admit the next patient Constance had preceded Adele and as she passed through the other door she overheard the doctor whisper to her friend I'm going to stop for you tonight to take a ride I have something important I want to say to you she did not catch Adele's answer but as they left the marble and Onyx brass.

Grilled entrance Adele remarked that's his car over there oh but he is a reckless driver dashes along pel Mel but always seems to have his eye out for everything never seems to be arrested never in an accident Constance turned in the direction of the car and was startled to see the familiar face of Drummond across the street dodging.

Behind it what was it now she wondered a divorce case a scandal what the medicine was made up into little powders to be taken until they gave relief and Constance folded the paper of one poured it on the back of her tongue and swallowed a glass of water afterward her head continued to throb but she felt a sense of well-being that she had not.

Before Adele urged her to take another and constant did so the second powder increased the effect of the first marvelously but constant noticed that she now began to feel queer she was not used to taking medicine for a moment she felt that she was above beyond the reach of ordinary rules and laws she could have done any sort of physical task she.

Felt no matter how difficult she was amazed at herself as compared to what she had been only a few moments before another one asked Adele finally Constance was by this time genuinely alarmed at the sudden unwanted effect on her herself no she replied dubiously I don't think I want to take any more just yet not another asked Adele in surprise.

I wish they would affect me that way sometimes I have to take the whole dozen before they have any effect they chatted for a few minutes and finally Adele Rose well she remarked with a nervous twitching of her body as if she were eager to be doing something I really must be going I can't say I feel any too well myself.

I think I'll take a walk with you answered Constance who did not like the continued effect of the two powders I feel the need of exercise and air Adele hesitated but Constance already had her hat on she had seen Drummond watching Dr Price's door and it interested her to know whether he could possibly have been following Adele or someone else as they.

Walked along Adele quickened her Pace until they came again to the drugstore I believe I'll go in and get something she remarked pausing for the first time in several minutes constant looked at the face of her friend she was amazed to discover that Adele looked as if she had had a spell of sickness her eyes were large and glossy her skin cold and.

Sweaty and she looked positively palid and thin as they entered the store Mueller the druggist bowed again and looked at Adele a moment as she leaned over the counter and whispered something to him without a word he went into the Arcana behind the partition that cuts off the mysteries of the prescription room in every drugstore from the front.

Of the store when Müller returned he handed her a packet for which she paid and which she dropped quickly into her pocketbook hugging the pocketbook close to herself Adele turned and was about to hurry from the store with constant oh excuse me she said suddenly as if she had just recollected something I promised a friend of mine I'd telephone.

This afternoon and I have forgotten to do it I see a pay station here Constance waited Adele returned much quicker than one would have expected she could call up a number but Constance thought nothing of it at the time she did notice however that as her friend emerged from the booth a most marvelous change had taken place in her her step was firm her.

Eye clear her hands steady whatever it was reasoned constant it could not have been serious to have disappeared so quickly it was with some curiosity as to just what she might expect that Constance went around to the famous Cabaret that night the mayair occupied two floors of what had been a wide Brownstone house before business and.

Pleasure had crowded the residence District further and further up town it was a very well-known Bohemian rendevu where under Demi and upper World rubbed elbows without friction and seemed to enjoy the novelty and be willing to pay for it Adele who was one of the performers had not arrived yet but Constance who had come with her mind.

Still full of the two unexpected encounters with Drummond was startled to see him here again fortunately he did not see her and she slipped unobserved into an angle near the window overlooking the street Drummond had been engrossed in watching someone already there and Constance made the best use she could of her eyes to determine who.

It was the outdoor walk and a good dinner had checked her headache and now the excitement of the chase of something she knew not what completed the Cure it was not long before she discovered that Drummond was watching intently without seeming to do so a nervous looking fellow whose General washed out appearance of face was especially.

Unattractive for some reason or other he was very thin very pale and very stary about the eyes then too it seemed as if the bone in his nose was going due perhaps to the shrink AG of the blood vessels from some cause Constance noticed a couple of girls whom she had seen Adele speak to on several other occasions approaching the young man.

There came an opportune Lull in the music and from around the corner of her protecting angle constant could just catch the greeting of one of the girls hello sleigh bells got any snow it was a remark that seemed particularly malaprop to the sultry weather and constant half expected a burst of laughter at the UN expected Sally instead she was surprised.

To hear the young man reply in a very serious and matter of fact manner sure got any money May she craned her neck carefully avoiding coming into Drummond's line of vision and as she did so she saw two silver quarters gleam momentarily from hand to hand and the young man passed each girl stealthily a small white paper packet others came to.

Him both men and women it seemed to be an established thing and constant noted that Drummond watched it all covertly who is that asked constant of the waiter who had served her sometimes when she had been with Adele and knew her why they call him slay Bells Charlie he replied a Coke fiend which means a cocaine Fiend I suppose she queried yes.

He's a Lobby gal for the Grapevine system they have now of selling the dope in spite of this new law where does he get the stuff she asked the waiter Shrugged his shoulders nobody knows I guess I don't but he gets it in spite of the law and pedals it oh it's all adulterated with some white stuff I don't know what and the price they.

Charge is outrageous they must make an ounce retail at five or six times the cost oh you can bet that someone who is at the top is making a pile of money out of that graft all right he said it not with any air of righteous indignation but with a a certain Envy constant was thinking the thing over in her mind where did the coke come from the.

Grapevine system interested her sigh Bells seemed to have disposed of all the coke he had brought with him as the last packet went he rose slowly and shuffled out constant who knew that Adele would not come for some time determined to follow him she Rose quietly and under cover of a party going out managed to disappear without as far as she knew.

Letting Drummond catch a glimpse of her this would not only employ her time but it was better to avoid Drummond as far as possible at present too she felt at a distance of about half a block she followed the curiously shuffling figure he crossed the Avenue turned and went up town turned again and before she knew it disappeared in a drug store she had been.

So engrossed in following the lobby goal that it was with a start that she realized that he had entered Müller what did it all mean was the druggist Müller the man higher up she recalled suddenly her own experience of the afternoon had Mueller tried to Palm off something on her the more she thought of it the more sure she was that the powders she had.

Taken had been doped slowly turning the matter over in her mind she returned to the Mayfair as she peered in cautiously before entering she saw that Drummond had gone Adele had had not come in yet and she went in and sat down again in her old place perhaps half an hour later outside she heard a car drive up with a furious rattle of Gears she looked out.

Of the window and as far as she could determine in the shadows it was Dr Price a woman got out Adell for a moment she stopped to talk then Dr Price waved a gay goodbye and was off all she could catch was a hasty no I don't think I'd better come in tonight from him as Adele entered the Mayfair she glanced about caught sight of constance and came and.

Sat down by her it would have been impossible for her to enter unobserved so popular was she it was not long before the two girls whom Constance had seen dealing with sleigh bells sauntered over your friend was here tonight remarked one to Adele which one laughed Adele the one who admired your dancing the other night and wanted to take.

Lessons you mean the Young fellow who was selling something asked constant pointedly oh no returned the girl quite casually that was sigh bells and they all laughed Constance thought immediately of Drummond the other one then she said the thick set man who was all alone yes he went away afterward do you know him I've seen him somewhere.

Evaded Constance but I just can't quite Place him she had not noticed Adele particularly until now under the light she had a peculiar worn look the same as she had had before the waiter came up to them your turn is next he hinted to Adele excuse me a minute she apologized to the rest of the party I must fix up a bit no she added to constant don't come.

With me she returned from the dressing room a different person and plunged into the wild dance for which The Limited Orchestra was already tuning up it was a veritable Riot of whirl and rhythm never before had constant seen Adele dance with such abandon as she executed the wild Mazes of a newly imported dance she held even the jaded Mayfair Spellbound.

And when she concluded with one daring figure and sat down flushed and excited the diners applauded and even shouted approval it was an event for even the dance mad Mayfair Constance did not share in the Applause at last she understood Adele was a dope too she felt it with a sense of pain always she knew the fiends tried to get away alone.

Somewhere for a few minutes to Snuff some of their favorite nepen she had heard before of the cocaine snuffers who took a little of the deadly powder placed it on the back of the hand and inhaled it up the nose with a quick intake of breath Adele was one it was not Adele who danced it was the dope Constance was determined to speak you.

Remember that man the girl spoke of she began again yes what of him asked Adele with almost a note of defiance well I really do know him confessed Constance he is a detective Constance watched her companion curiously for at the mere word she had stopped short and faced her he is she asked quickly then that was why.

Dr Price she managed to suppress the remark and continued her walk home without another word in Adele's little apartment constant was quick to note that the same Haggard look had returned to her friend's face Adele had reached for her pocketbook with a sort of clutching eagerness and was about to leave the room Constance Rose why don't.

You give up the stuff she asked earnestly don't you want to for a moment Adele faced her angrily then her real nature seemed slowly to come to the surface yes she murmured frankly then why don't you pleaded constant I haven't the power there is an Indescribable excitement to do something great to make a Mark it's soon gone but while it lasts.

I can sing dance do anything and then every part of my body begins crying for more of the stuff again there was no longer any necessity of concealment from Constance she took a pinch of the stuff placed it on the back of her wrist and quickly sniffed it the change in her was magical from a quivering wretched girl she became a self-confident neuros siic.

I don't care she laughed hollowly now yes I know what you are going to tell me soon I'll be hunting the cocaine bug as they call it imagining that in my skin under the flesh are worms crawling perhaps see them see the little animals running around and biting me she said it with a half Reckless cynicism oh you don't know there are two souls in the.

Cocaines one tortured by the pain of not having the stuff the other laughing and mocking at the dangers of it if it stimulates it makes your mind work without effort by itself and it gives such visions of success makes you feel able to do so much and to forget all the girls use it where do they get it asked Constance I thought the new law.

Prohibited it get it repeated Adele why they get it from that fellow they call sleigh bells they call it snow you know and the girls who use its snowbirds the law does prohibit its sail but she paused significantly yes agreed constant but slay Bells is only a part of the system after all who is the man at the top Adele Shrugged her shoulders and was.

Silent still constant did not fail to note a sudden look of Suspicion which Adele shot at her was Adele shielding someone constant knew that someone must be getting rich from the traffic probably selling hundreds of ounces a week and making thousands of dollars somehow she felt a sort of indignation at the whole thing who was it who was.

The man higher up in the morning as she was working about her little kitchenet an idea came to her why not hire the vacant apartment across the hall from Adele an optician who was a friend of hers in the course of a recent conversation had mentioned an invention a model of which he had made for the inventor she would try it since with.

Constant the outlining of a plan was t amount to the execution it was not many hours later before she had both the apartment and the model of the invention her wall separated her from the drugstore and by careful calculation she determined about where came the little prescription Department carefully so as to arouse no suspicion she began to bore.

Away at the wall with various tools until finally she had a small almost imperceptible opening it was tedious work and toward the end needed great care so as not to excite suspicion but finally she was rewarded through it she could see just a trace of daylight and by squinting could see a row of bottles on a shelf opposite then through the.

Hole she pushed a long narrow tube like a putty blower when at last she placed her eye at it she gave a low exclamation of satisfaction she could now see the whole of the little room it was a detect Toc invented by Gard Smith adapter of the detecto phone an instrument built up on the principle of the cytoscan use to explore internally down.

The throat only in the end of the tube instead of an ordinary lens was placed what is known as a fisheye lens which had arranged something like Nature has given the eyes of fishes hence the name ordinarily cameras because of the flatness of their lenses have a range of only a few degrees the greatest being scarcely more than 90 but this lens was.

Globular and like a drop of water refracted light from all directions when place so that half of it caught the light it saw through an angle of 180° saw everything in the room instead of just that little row of bottles on the Shelf opposite constant set herself to watch and it was not long before her suspicions were confirmed and she was.

Sure that this was nothing more than a Coke joint still she wondered whether Miller was the real source of the traffic of which slay Bells was the messenger she was determined to find out all day she watched through her detector scope once she saw Adele come in and buy more dope it was with difficulty that she kept from interfering but she.

Reflected the time was not ripe she had thought the thing out there was no use in trying to get at it through Adele the only way was to stop the whole curse at its source to damn the stream people came and went she soon found that he was selling them packets from a box hidden in the Woodwork that much she had learned anyhow constant watched.

Faithfully all day with only time enough taken out for dinner it was after her return from this brief interval that she felt her heart give a leap of apprehension as she looked again through the detector scope there was Drummond in the back of the store talking to Mueller and a woman who looked as if she might be Mrs Mueller for both seemed nervous.

And anxious as nearly as she could make out Drummond was alternately threatening and arguing with Mueller finally the three seemed to agree for Drummond walked over to a typewriter on a table took a fresh sheet of carbon paper from a drawer placed it between two sheets of paper and hastily wrote something Drummond read over what he had written.

It seemed to be short and the three apparently agreed on it then in a trembling hand Müller signed the two copies which Drummond had made one of which Drummond himself kept and the other he sealed in an envelope and sent Away by a boy Drummond reached into his pocket and pulled out a huge roll of bills of large denomination he counted.

Out what seemed to be approximately half handed it to the woman and replaced the rest in his pocket what it was all about Constance could only vaguely guess she longed to know what was in the letter and why the money had been paid to the woman woman perhaps a quarter of an hour after Drummond left Adele appeared again pleading for more dope Mueller went back.

Of the partition and made up a fresh paper of it from a bottle also concealed Constance was torn by conflicting impulses she did not want to miss anything in the perplexing drama that was being enacted before her yet she wished to interfere with the deadly course of Adele still perhaps the girl would resent interference if she found.

Out that constant was spying on her she determined to wait a little while before seeing Adele it was only after a decided effort that she tore herself away from the detecto scope and knocked on Adele's door as if she had just come in for a visit again she knocked but still there was no answer every minute something might be happening next door she hurried.

Back to her post of observation one of the worst aspects of the use of cocaine she knew was the desire of the user to share his experience with someone else the passing on of the Habit which seemed to be one of the strongest desires of the drug fiend made him even more dangerous to society than he would otherwise have been that thought gave.

Constance an idea she recalled also now having heard somewhere that it was a common characteristic of these poor creatures to have a passion for fast automobiling to go on Long rides perhaps even without having the money to to pay for them that too confirmed the idea which she had as the night Advanced she determined to stick to her post what.

Could it have been the Drummond was doing it was no good she felt positive suddenly before her eye glued to its eavesdropping aperture she saw a strange sight there was a violent commotion in the store Blue coated policemen seemed to swarm in from nowhere and in the rear directing them appeared Drummond holding by the arm the unfortunate at labels.

Quaking with fear evidently having been picked up already elsewhere by the Wy detective Muller put up a stout resistance but the officers easily seized him and after a hasty but thorough search Unearthed his cach of the Contraband drug as the scene unfolded Constance was more and more bewildered after having witness that.

Which preceded it the signing of the letter and the passing of the money m evidently had nothing to say about that what did it mean the police were still holding Müller and Constance had not noted the Drummond had disappeared it's on the first floor left men sounded a familiar voice outside her own door I know she's there my shadow saw her buy.

The dope and take it home her heart was thumping wildly it was Drummond leading his Squad of Raiders and they were about to enter the apartment of Adele they knocked but there was no answer a few moments before Constance would have felt perfectly safe in saying that Adele was out but if Drummond's man had seen her enter might she not have been.

There all the time be there still in a stuper she dreaded to think of what might happen if the poor girl once fell into their hands it would be the final impulse that would complete her ruin Constance did not stop to reason it out her woman's intuition told her that now was the time to act that there was no retreat she opened her own door just as.

The Raiders had forced in the flimsy Affair that guarded the apartment of Adele so sneered Drummond catching sight of her in the dim light of the hallway you are mixed up in these violations of the new drug law too constant said nothing she had determined first to make Drummond display his hand well he grounded out I'm going to get these.

People this time I represent the medical society and the Board of Health these men have been assigned to me by the commissioner as a dope Squad we want this girl we have others who will give evidence but we want this one too he said it with a Bluster that even exaggerated the theatrical character of The Raid itself Constance did not stop.

To weigh the value of his words but through the door she brushed quickly Adele might need her if she was indeed there as she entered the little living room she saw a sight which almost transfixed her Adele was there lying across a divan motionless constant bent over Adele was cold as far as she could determine there was not a breath or a.

Heartbeat what did it mean she did not stop to think instantly there flashed over her the recollection of an instrument she had read about at one of the city hospitals it might save Adele before anyone knew what she was doing she had darted to the telephone in the lower Hall of the apartment and had called up the hospital frantically.

Imploring them to hurry a D must be saved constant had no very clear idea of what happened next in the hurly Burly of events until the ambulance pulled up at the door and the white coated surgeon burst in carrying a heavy suitcase with one look at the unfortunate girl he muttered paralysis of the respiratory organs too large a dose of the drug you.

Did perfectly right and began unpacking the case Constance calm now in the crisis stood by him and helped as deftly as could any nurse it was a curious arrangement of tubes and valves with a large rubber bag and a little pump that the doctor had brought quickly he placed a cap attached to it over the nose and mouth of the poor girl and started the.

Machine what what is it gasped Drummond as he saw Adele's hitherto motionless breast now rise and fall a palmoor replied the doctor working quickly and carefully an artificial lung sometimes it can revive even the medically dead it is our last chance with this girl Constance had picked up the packet which had fallen beside Adele.

And was looking at the white powder almost pure cocaine remarked a young surgeon testing it the hydrochloride large crystals highest quality usually it is adulterated was she in the habit of taking it this way constant said nothing she had seen Muller make up the packet especially now she recalled instead of the adulterated dope he had.

Given Adele the purest kind why was there some secret he wished to lock in her breast forever mechanically the pole motor pumped would it save her Constance was living over what she had already seen through the detect Toc suddenly she thought of the strange letter and of the money she hurried into the drug store Mueller had already been taken away but.

Before the officer left in charge could inter fear she picked up the carbon sheet on which the letter had been copied turned it over and held it eagerly to the light she read in amazement it was a confession in it Mueller admitted to Dr morand Price that he was the head of a sort of dope trust that he had.

Messengers out like sleigh bells that he had often put dope in the prescriptions sent him by the doctor and had repeatedly violated the law and refilled such prescriptions on its face it was complete and convincing yet it did not satisfy constant she could not believe that Adele had committed suicide Adele must possess some secret what was it is.

Is there any change she asked anxiously of the young surgeon now engrossed in his work for answer he merely nodded to the Apparently motionless form on the bed and for a moment stopped the P motor the mechanical movement of the body ceased but in its place was a slight Tremor about the lips and mouth Adele moved was faintly gasping for breath.

Adele cried constant softly in her ear Adele something perhaps a far away answer of recognition seemed to flicker over her face the doctor redoubled his efforts Adele do you know me whispered constant again yes came back faintly at last there there's something wrong with it they they how what do you mean constant tell me Adele the girl moved.

Uneasily the doctor administered a stimulant and she vaguely opened her eyes began to talk hazily dreamily constant bent over to catch the faint Words which would have been lost to the others they are going to double cross the health department she murmured as if to herself then gathering strength she went on Müller and slay Bells will be.

Arrested and take the penalty they have been caught with the goods anyhow it has all been arranged so that the detective will get his case money will be paid to both of them to Muller and the detective to swing the case and protect him he made me do it I saw the detective even danced with him and he agreed to do it oh I would do anything I am his willing.

Tool when I have the stuff but this time it was she rambled off incoherently who made you do it who told you prompted con for whom would you do anything Adele moaned and clutched constance's hand convulsively Constance did not paused to consider the ethics of questioning a half unconscious girl her only idea was to get at the truth who was it she.

Reiterated Adele turned weakly Dr Price she murmured as constant bent her ear to catch even the faintest sound he told me all about it last night in the car instantly Constance understood Adele was the only one outside who held the secret who could upset the carefully planned frame up that was to protect the real head of the dope trust who had paid.

Liberally to save his own wretched skin she Rose quickly and wheeled about suddenly on Drummond you will convict Dr Price also she said in a low tone this girl must not be dragged down too you will leave her alone and both you and Mr Mueller will hand over that money to her for her cure of the habit drumond started forward angrily but fell back as.

Constance added in a lower but firmer tone or I'll have you all up on a charge of attempting murder Drummond turned surily to those of his dope Squad who remained you can go boys he said Brusly there's been some mistake here chapter 12 the fugitives newspaper pictures seldom look like the person they represent asserted Lawrence Macy.

Nonchalantly constant Dunlap looked squarely at the man opposite her at the table oblivious to the surroundings it was a brilliant sight in the great after theater rendevu the beautiful faces and gowns the Exquisite music the bright lights and the gayety she had chosen this time and place for a reason she had hoped that the contrast with what she.

Had to say would be most marked in its influence on the man nevertheless she replied keenly I recognize the picture as though you were beran's new spoken portrait of the this Graham McKenzie she deliberately folded up a newspaper clipping and shoved it into her handbag on a chair beside the table Lawrence Macy met her eye.

Unflinchingly suppose he drawed just for the sake of argument that you are right what would you do constant looked at the unruffled exterior of the man with her Keen perception she knew that it covered just as calm an interior he would have said the same thing if she had been a real detective had had walked up behind him suddenly in the subway Crush had.

Tapped his shoulder and whispered you're wanted we are dealing with facts not suppositions she replied evasively momentarily a strange look passed over Macy's face what was she driving at blackmail he could not think so even though he had only just come to know Constance he rejected the thought before it was half formed put it as you.

Please he persisted I am then this Graham mcken who has decamped from Omaha with half a million it it half a million in the article is it not of cash and unregistered stocks and bonds now what would you do Constance felt unconsciously the shift which he had skillfully made in their positions instead of being the.

Pursuer she was now the pursued at least in their conversation he had admitted nothing of what her quick intuition told her yet she felt an admiration for the s Freud of Macy she felt a spell thrown over her by the magnetic eyes that seemed to search her own they were large eyes the eyes of a dreamer rather than of a.

Practical man eyes of a man who goes far and travels long with the woman on whom he fixes them solely you haven't answered my hypothetical question he reminded her she brought herself back with a start I was only thinking she murmured then there is doubt in your mind what you would do no she hesitated he bent over nearer.

Across the table you would at least recall the old adage do unto others as you would that they should do unto you he urged it was uncanny the way this man read her thoughts you know whom they say quote scripture she avoided and am I a a devil I did not say so you hinted it she had but she said no nor hinted it then you.

Did not mean to Hint it she looked away a moment at the gay throng graah McKenzie she said slowly what's the use of all this beating about why cannot we be frank with one another she paused then resumed meditatively a long time ago I became involved with a man in a scheme to forge checks I would have done anything for him anything a cloud passed.

Over his face she saw it had been watching for it but appeared not to do so his was a nature to Brook no rivalry my husband had become involved in extravagances for which I was to blame she went on the cloud settled and in its place came a look of intense relief he was like most men whatever his own morals he demanded a high standard in.

Her we formed an amateur partnership in crime she hurried on he lost his life was unable to stand up against the odds while he was alone away from me since then I have been helping those who have become involved on the wrong side with the law there she concluded simply I have put myself in your power I have admitted my part in something that try.

As they would they could never connect me with I have done it because because I want to help you be as Frank with me he eyed her keenly again the appeal was irresistible I can tell you Graeme McKenzie's story he began carefully 6 months ago ago there was a young man in Omaha who had worked Faithfully for a safe deposit company for years he was.

Getting $85 a month that is more than it seems to you here in New York but it was very little for what he did why a superintendent of the safe deposit vaults he had helped to build up that part of the trust company's business to such an extent that he knew he deserved more now a superintendent of a safe deposit vault has lots of chances.

Sometimes depositors give him their keys to unlock their boxes for them it is a simple thing to make an impression in wax or chewing gum palmed in the hand or he has access to a number of keys of unrented boxes he can as opportunity offers make duplicates and then when the boxes are rented he has a key even if the locks of unrented boxes are blanks.

Set by the first insertion of the key ch chosen at random he can still do the same thing and even if it takes two to get at the idle Keys himself and another trusted employee he can get at them if he is clever without the other officer knowing it though it may be done almost before his eyes you see it all comes down to the honesty of the man he paused.

Constant was fascinated at the coolness with which this man had gone to work and with which he told of it this superintendent earned more than he received he deser deserved it but when he asked for a raise they told him he was lucky to keep the job they reduced him instead to $75 he was angry at the stinging rebuke.

He determined to make them smart to show them what he could do one noon he went out to lunch and they have been looking for him ever since he had taken half a million in cash stocks and bonds unregistered and hence easily hypothecated and traded on and his motive she asked he looked at her long and earnestly as if making up his mind.

To something I think he replied I wanted Revenge quite as much as the money he said it slowly measured as if realizing that there was now nothing to be gained by concealment from her as if only he wanted to put himself in the best light with the woman who had won from him his secret it was his confession acquaintances with constant ripened fast.

Into friendships she had known Macy as he called himself only a fortnight he had been introduced to her at a sort of Bohemian Gathering had talked to her direct as she liked demand to talk he had seen her home that night had asked to call and on the other nights had taken her to the theater and to supper delicately unconsciously a bond of.

Friendship had grown up between them she felt that he was a man vibrating with physical and mental power long latent which nothing but a strong will held in check a man by whom she could be fascinated yet of whom she was just a little bit afraid with Macy it would have been difficult to analyze his feelings he had found in constant a.

Woman who had seen the world in all its phases yet had come through unstained by what would have drowned some in the depths of the underworld or thrust others into the degradation of the Demi at least he admired and respected her he the dreamer saw in her the practical she an adventurer in amateur lawlessness saw in him something Kindred at heart.

And so when a newspaper came to her in which she recognized with her Keen Insight Lawrence Macy's face under grahe McKenzie's name and a story of embezzlement of trust company and other funds from the Omaha central western Trust of half a million she had not been wholly surprised instead she felt almost a sense of elation the man was neither.

Better nor worse than herself and he needed help her mind wandered back to a Time months before when she had learned the bitter lesson of what it was to be a legal Outcast and had determined always to keep within the law no matter how close to the edge of things she went McKenzie continued looking at her as if waiting for the answer to his first.

Question no she said slowly I'm not going to hand you over I never had any such intention we are in each other's power but you cannot go about openly even in New York now someone besides myself must have seen that article Graham listened blankly it was true his fancied Security in the city was over he had fled to New.

York because there in the mass of people he could best sink his old identity and take on a new she leaned her head on her hand and her elbow on the table and looked deeply into his eyes let me take those security she said I will be able to do safely what you cannot do gra did not seem now to consider the fortune for which he had risked so much the woman.

Before him was enough will you he asked eagerly I will do with them as I would for myself better because because it is a trust she accepted more than a trust he added as he leaned over in turn and in spite of other diners in the restaurant took her hand there are times when the rest of the critical world world and its frigid opinions are.

Valueless Constance did not withdraw her hand rather she watched in his eyes the subtle physical change in the man that her very touch produced watched and felt a response in herself quickly she withdrew her hand I must go she said rather hurriedly it is getting late Constance he whispered as he helped her on with her wraps brushing the waiter.

Aside that he might himself perform any Dy that involved even touching her Constance I am in your hands absolutely it had been Pleasant to dine with him it was more pleasant now to feel her influence and power over him she knew it though she only half admitted it they seemed for the moment to walk on air as they strolled chatting out to a taxi cab.

But as the cab Drew up before her own apartment The Familiar associations of even the entrance brought her back to reality suddenly handed her out and the excitement of the evening was over she saw the thing in its true light this was the beginning not the end Graham she said as she lingered for a moment at the door tomorrow we must find a place where.

You can hide I may see you though he asked anxiously of course ring me up in the morning graah good night and she was whisked up in the elevator leaving McKenzie with a sense of loss and loneliness by the Lord he muttered as he swung down the street in preference to taking a cab what a woman that is together the next day they sought out a.

Place where he could remain hidden McKenzie would have been near her but constant knew better she chose a bachelor apartment where the tenants never arose before noon and where night was turned into day men would not ask questions in an apartment like her own there was nothing but gossip in the daytime he stayed at home only at night.

Did he go forth and then under her Direction in the most unfrequented ways every day constant went to Wall Street where she had established confidential relations with a number of Brokers together they planned the campaigns she executed them with consummate skill and adroitness Constance was amazed here was a man who for years had been able to.

Earn only $85 a month and had not seemed to show any ability yet he was able to speculate in Wall Street with such Dash that he seemed to be in a Fair way through her to accumulate a fortune one night as they were hurrying back to Graham's after a walk they had to pass a crowd on Broadway constant saw a familiar face hurrying by it gave her a.

Start it was Drummond the detective he was not apparently looking for her but then that was his method he might have been looking at any rate it reminded her unpleasantly of the fact that there were detectives in the world what's the matter asked Graham noticing the change in her I just saw a man I know the old jealousy flushed his face Constance.

Laughed in spite of her fears indeed there was something that pleased her in his jealousy he was the detective who has been hounding me ever since that time I told you about oh he subsided but if Drummond had been there McKenzie could have been counted on to risk all to protect her we must be more careful she shuddered Constance was startled one.

Evening just as she was going out to meet Graham and report on the progress of the day at hearing a knock at her door she opened it I suppose you think I am your Nemesis introduced Drummond as he stepped in veiling the keenness of his search by an attempt to be familiar she had more than half expected it she said nothing but her coldness was.

Plainly one of interrogation a case has been placed in my hands by some Western client of ours he said by way of swaggering explanation of an embezzler who is hiding in New York it required no great reasoning power to decide that the man's Trail would sooner or later cross Wall Street I believe it has done so not directly but indirectly the trail I.

Think has brought me back to the proverbial point of sh laam I am delighted he dwelt on the word to see what would be its effect to see in the Graham McKenzie case my old friend constant Dunlap so she replied quietly you suspect me now I suppose I am Graham McKenzie no Drummond replied dubiously you are not grahe.

McKenzie of course you may be Mrs grahe McKenzie for all I know but I believe you are the receiver of grahe McKenzie's stolen goods you do she answered calmly that remains for you to prove why do you believe it is it because you are ready to believe anything of me I have noticed that you are more active downtown than oh it is because I speculate have I no.

Means of my own she asked pointedly where is he not here I know but where insinuated Drummond with a knowing look am I My Brother's Keeper she laughed merrily come now who is this wonderful grahe McKenzie first show me that I know him you know the rule in a murder case you must prove the corpus delic die Drummond was Furious she was so baffling.

That was his weak point and she had picked it out infallibly whatever his suspicions he had been able to prove nothing though he suspected much in the buying and selling of constance a week of bitterness of a constant struggle against the Ws of one of the most subtle sleuths followed avoiding hidden traps that beset her on every side was this to.

Be the end of it all was Drummond's heroic effort to to entangle her to succeed at last she felt that a watch of the most extraordinary kind was set on her an invisible net woven about her eyes that never slept were upon her there was no minute in her regular haunts that she was not guarded she knew it though she could not see it it was a.

War of subtle wits yet from the beginning constant was the winner of every move she was on her metal they would not she determined find Graham through her days passed and the detective still had no sign of the missing man it seemed hopeless but like all good detectives Drummond knew from experience that a clue might come to the.

Surface when it was least expected Constance on her part never relaxed one day it was a young woman dressed in most inconspicuous style who followed close behind her a woman Shadow one of the shrewdest in the city a tenant moved into the apartment across the hall from constant and another hired an apartment in the next house across the court there.

Was constant Espionage she seemed to sense it the newcomer was very neighborly explaining that her husband was a traveling salesman and that she was alone for weeks at a time the lines tightened the nextdoor neighbor always seemed to be around at mail time trying to get a look at the postmarks on the Dunlap letters she had an excuse in the.

Number of letters to herself order ERS for my husband she would smile he gets lots of them personally here all their Ingenuity went for not Constance was not to be caught that way they tried new tricks if it was a journey she took someone went with her whom she had to shake off sooner or later there were visits of Peddlers gasmen electric light.

And telephone men they were all detectives also always seeking a chance to make a search that might reveal her Secret the janitor who collected the waste paper found that it had a ready sale at a high price every stratagy that Drummond's astute mind could devise was called into play but nothing not a scrap of new evidence did they find yet all.

The time Constance was in direct communication with McKenzie grahe in his enforced idleness was more deeply in love with Constance now than ever he had eyes for nothing else even his fortune would have been disregarded had he not felt that to do that would have been the shest way to condemn himself before her they had cut out the evening trips now.

For fear of recognition she was working Faithfully already she had cleaned up something like $50,000 on the turnover of the stuff he had stolen another week and it would be some thousands more yet the strain was beginning to show oh Graham she cried one night after she she had a particularly hard time in shaking Drummond's shadows in order to make her.

Unconventional visit to him graah I'm so tired of it all tired he was about to pour out what was in his own heart when she resumed it's the lonesomeness of it we are having success but what is success alone yes he echoed thinking of his feeling that night when she had left him at the elevator of the feeling now every moment of the time she was away.

From him yes alone with the utmost difficulty he restrained the wildly surging emotions within him he could not know with what effort Constance held her Poise so admirably keeping always that barrier of Reserve Beyond which now and then he caught a glimpse let us cut out and bury ourselves in Europe he urged no she.

Replied firmly wait I have a plan wait we could never get away they would find us and extradite us surely she was coming out of a broker's office one day after the close of the market only to run Full Tilt into Drummond who had been waiting for her cat like evidently he had a purpose you will be interested to know remarked the detective watching her.

Narrowly that district attorney Wickham who had the case in charge out there is in New York with the president of the central western trust yes she said non-committed I told told them I was on the trail through a woman and they have come here to Aid me why had he told her that was it to put her on her guard or was it in a spirit of bravado she could.

Not think so it was not his style to Bluster at this stage of the game no there was a deep laid purpose he expected her to make some move to extricate herself that would display her hand and betray all it was clever and a less clever person than constant would have fallen before the onslaught Constance was thinking rapidly.

As he told her where and how the new pursuers were active here she felt was the crisis her opportunity scarcely had Drummond gone then she too was hurrying down the street on her way to see McKenzie's pursuers face to face she found Wickham registered at the Prince Henry a new hotel and sent up her card a few moments later he received her with.

Con considerable restraint as if he knew about her and had not expected so soon to have to show his own hand I understand she began quickly that you have come to New York because Mr Drummond claims to be able to clear up the Graham McKenzie case yes he replied quizzically perhaps she continued coming nearer to the point of her self-imposed.

Mission perhaps there may be some other way to settle this case than through Mr Drummond we might hold you he shot out quickly no she replied you have nothing on me and as for Mr McKenzie I understand you don't even know where he is whether he is in New York London Paris or Berlin or whether he may not go from one city to another at any moment.

You take open Action Wickham bit his lip he knew she was right even yet the case hung on the most slender threads I have been wondering she continued if there is not some way in which this thing can be compromised never exclaimed Wickham positively he must return the whole sum with interest to date then and only then can we consider his plea for clemency.

You would consider it she asked keenly of course we should have to consider it voluntary surrender and reparation would be something like turning State's witness against himself constant said nothing can you do it he asked watching craftily to see whether she might not drop a hint that might prove valuable I know those who might try she answered.

Catching the look Wickham changed what if we should get him without your Aid he blustered try she Shrugged arguments and threats were of no avail with her she would say nothing more definite she was obdurate you must leave it all to me she repeated I would not betray him you cannot prove anything on me bring the stuff up here yourself then he.

Insinuated but I don't trust you either she replied frankly the two faced each other Constance knew in her heart that it was going to be a Battle Royal with this man that now she had taken a step even so far in the open it was everyone for himself and the devil take the hindmost I can't help it he concluded those are the terms it is as far as I.

Can trust a a Thief but I will keep my word she said quietly when you prove to me that you are absolutely on the level that McKenzie can make rest institution in full with interest and in return be left as free a man as he is at this moment why I can have him give up Mrs Dunlap said Wickham with an air of finality I will make one concession I.

Will adopt any method of restitution he may prefer but it must be by direct dealing between McKenzie and myself with Drummond present as well as Mr Taylor president of the Trust Company who is now also in New York that is my ultimatum good afternoon constant left the room with flushed face and eyes that glinted with determination over and over.

She thought out methods to accomplish what she had planned when they complied with all the conditions that would Safeguard McKenzie she had determined to act but Graham must be Master of the situation cautiously she went through her usual elaborate precautions to shake off any Shadows that might be following her and an hour later found her with.

McKenzie what has happened happened he asked eagerly surprised at her early visit briefly she ran over the events of the afternoon would you be willing she asked to go to district attorney Wickham hand over the half million with say $122,000 interest in return for Freedom Graham looked at Constance a moment doubtfully I would not do that he.

Measured slowly how do I know what they will do the moment they get me in their power no all almost I would say that I would not go there under any guarantee they might give I do not trust them the indictment must be dismissed first but they won't do that the ultimatum was personal restitution constant was faced by an apparently insurmountable dilemma.

She saw and agreed with the reasonableness of graem's position but there was the opposition and obstinacy of Wickam the bitterness and unscrupulousness of Drummond here was a tremendous problem how was she to meet it for perhaps half an hour they sat in silence one plan after another she rejected suddenly an idea occurred to.

Her somewhere in a bank she had seen a method which might meet the difficulty tomorrow I will arrange it to suit both of you she cried confidently how he asked trust it all to me she appealed all replied Graham rising and standing before her all I will do anything you say he was about to take her hand but she Rose no gra not now there is work.

The crisis no I must go trust me it was not until noon of the next day that he saw Constance again there was an air of suppressed excitement about her as she entered the apartment and placed on a table before him a small oblong box of black enameled metal beneath which was a roll of paper paper above was another somewhat similar box with another roll.

Of paper Constance attached the instrument to the telephone an enigmatical conversation followed and she hung up the receiver a few minutes later she took the stylus that was in the lower box hastily across the blank paper she wrote the words we are ready Mckenzie was too fascinated to ask questions suddenly out of the corner of.

His eye he saw something in the upper box move as if of itself it was a similar self- ining stylus watch exclaimed Constance do you get this wrote the spirit hand perfectly she scrolled in turn go ahead as you promised the upper stylus was now moving freely at the ends of its two rigid arms counterparts of those holding the lower.

Stylus we promise it wrote that inconsideration of the return what is it interrupted Graham as the meaning of the word words even now began to Dawn on him a t autograph she replied simply a longdistance writer which I have had installed over a leased wire from the hotel room of Wickham to meet the demands of you two with it you write.

Over wires just as with the telephone you talk over wires it is as though you took one of the old pantographs split it in half and had each half connected only by the telephone wires while you write on this transmitter their receiver records for the what you write look of it continued to write in cash stocks and bonds with interest to date all.

Proceedings against Graeme McKenzie will be dropped and the indictment quashed Marshall Taylor pre central western trust Maxwell Wickham District aty Riley Drummond detective it is even broader than I had hoped cried Constance in Delight does that satisfy you graah ye yes he murmured not through hesitation but from the suddenness and.

Surprise of the thing then sign this she wrote quickly in consideration of the dropping of all charges against me I agree to tell the number and location of the safe deposit box in New York where the stocks and bonds I possess are located and to hand over a key and written order to the same I now agree immediately to pay by check the balance.

Of the half million including interest she stepped aside from the machine with a Tremor of eagerness he seized the stylus and underneath what she had written wrote boldly the name grae McKenzie next constant herself took the stylus place in the tograph a blank check she wrote he will write in the name of the bank the amount and the.

Signature she did the same now grahe sign this cheek on the universal Bank as Lawrence mayy she said writing in the amount mechan Al he took the stylus his fingers trembled as he held it but with an effort he controlled himself it was too weird too uncanny to be true here he was without stirring forth from the security of his hiding place.

There were his pursuers in their hotel with the precautions taken by constant neither party knew where the other was yet they were in instant touch not by the ear alone but by handwriting itself he placed the stylus on the paper she had already written in the number of the check the date the bank the amount and the paye Marshall Taylor hastily graah.

Signed it as though in fear that they might resend their action before he could finish now the Securities she said I have withdrawn already the amount we have made trading it is a substantial sum write out an order to the safe deposit company to deliver the key and the rest of the contents of of the box to Taylor I have fixed it with them.

After a special interview this morning they understand again Graham wrote feverishly I we are entirely free from prosecution of any kind he asked eagerly yes constant murmured with just a catch in her throat as now that the excitement was over she realized that he was free independent of her again the T autograph had stopped no it was starting again had.

There been a slip was the dream at last a turn to ashes they watched anxiously Mrs Dunlap the words unfolded I take my hat off to you you have put it across again Drummond Constance read it with a sense of overwhelming relief it was a magnanimous thing in Drummond almost she forgave him for many of the bitter hours.

He had caused in the discharge of his duty as they looked at the writing they realized its import the detective had abandoned the long search it was as though he had put his okay on the agreement we are no longer fugitives exclaimed Graham drawing in a breath that told of the weight lifted from him for an instant he looked down into her.

Upturned face and read the conflict that was going on in her she did not turn away as she had before it flashed over him that once not long ago she had talked in a moment of confidence of the loneliness she had felt since she had embarked as the rescuer of amateur criminals gra bent down and took her hand as he had the first night when they.

Had entered their strange partnership never never can I begin to pay you what I owe he said huskily his face near hers he felt a warm breath almost on his cheek saw the quick color come into her face her breast rise and fall with suppressed emotion their eyes met you need not pay she whispered I am yours thank you for joining us for Dunlap by.

Arthur B reev we hope you enjoyed this classic mystery filled with clever twists and turns don't forget to like comment and subscribe for more Timeless detective stories stay tuned for the next thrilling adventure only here on classic detective Mysteries, true, 1, 06:49:51, rectangular, 0, 2, Classic Detective Mysteries, Classic Detective Mysteries, http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzfWtxWNUaS9C2nAwnMi4bQ, , , , These ingredients are huge!, Meet this fancy item!, Constance Dunlap 🕵️‍♀️ A Brilliant Female Detective Solves the Ultimate Mystery🕵️‍♀️ Arthur B. Reeve, Constance+Dunlap+%F0%9F%95%B5%EF%B8%8F%E2%80%8D%E2%99%80%EF%B8%8F+A+Brilliant+Female+Detective+Solves+the+Ultimate+Mystery%F0%9F%95%B5%EF%B8%8F%E2%80%8D%E2%99%80%EF%B8%8F+Arthur+B.+Reeve, Welcome to Classic Detective Mysteries! In today’s episode, we bring you ‘Constance Dunlap’ by Arthur B. Reeve, a thrilling detective mystery filled with suspense, intelligence, and a brilliant female detective who outsmarts her adversaries at every turn. Join Constance as she delves into a world of crime, deception, and complex puzzles that require all of, Welcome to Classic Detective Mysteries! In today’s episode, we bring you ‘Constance Dunlap’ by Arthur B. Reeve, a thrilling detective mystery filled with suspense, intelligence, and a brilliant female detective who outsmarts her adversaries at every turn. Join Constance as she delves into a world of crime, deception, and complex puzzles that require all of her cunning to solve. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 🕵️‍♀️💡

🔍 **Story Overview**:
Constance Dunlap, an astute and fearless detective, takes center stage in this captivating mystery. With her sharp intellect and quick thinking, she tackles a criminal case involving stolen treasures and an array of intricate clues. As she uncovers secrets hidden deep within a web of lies and deception, Constance’s determination leads her closer to exposing the truth. Can she outwit a master criminal and solve the case before it’s too late? The story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 🎩✨

🕵️‍♀️ **Why You Should Watch**:
– **Clever Female Detective**: Constance Dunlap is one of the earliest female detectives in literature, breaking the mold with her intelligence and resourcefulness.
– **Suspenseful Plot**: The twists and turns of this mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Prepare for plenty of surprises! 🔄
– **Classic Crime Drama**: A timeless story from the golden age of detective fiction, full of intrigue, deception, and nail-biting suspense. 🕰️🔐
– **Engaging Characters**: From the brilliant Constance to the dangerous criminals she faces, every character adds depth to the story. 💥
– **Perfect for Mystery Lovers**: Whether you’re a fan of detective stories or new to the genre, this one is sure to captivate your attention! 📚

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00:00:30 Chapter 1.
00:46:16 Chapter 2.
01:19:29 Chapter 3.
01:52:12 Chapter 4.
02:30:38 Chapter 5.
02:58:24 Chapter 6.
03:32:01 Chapter 7.
04:05:39 Chapter 8.
04:37:53 Chapter 9.
05:10:03 Chapter 10.
05:42:43 Chapter 11.
06:16:22 Chapter 12., Welcome to Classic Detective Mysteries! In today’s episode, we bring you ‘Constance Dunlap’ by Arthur B. Reeve, a thrilling detective mystery filled with suspense, intelligence, and a brilliant female detective who outsmarts her adversaries at every turn. Join Constance as she delves into a world of crime, deception, and complex puzzles that require all of her cunning to solve. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 🕵️‍♀️💡 🔍 **Story Overview**: Constance Dunlap, an astute and fearless detective, takes center stage in this captivating mystery. With her sharp intellect and quick thinking, she tackles a criminal case involving stolen treasures and an array of intricate clues. As she uncovers secrets hidden deep within a web of lies and deception, Constance’s determination leads her closer to exposing the truth. Can she outwit a master criminal and solve the case before it’s too late? The story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 🎩✨ 🕵️‍♀️ **Why You Should Watch**: – **Clever Female Detective**: Constance Dunlap is one of the earliest female detectives in literature, breaking the mold with her intelligence and resourcefulness. – **Suspenseful Plot**: The twists and turns of this mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Prepare for plenty of surprises! 🔄 – **Classic Crime Drama**: A timeless story from the golden age of detective fiction, full of intrigue, deception, and nail-biting suspense. 🕰️🔐 – **Engaging Characters**: From the brilliant Constance to the dangerous criminals she faces, every character adds depth to the story. 💥 – **Perfect for Mystery Lovers**: Whether you’re a fan of detective stories or new to the genre, this one is sure to captivate your attention! 📚 🌟 **Don’t Miss Out** 🌟 If you love classic mysteries, crime-solving, and female detective stories, this is a must-watch! Be sure to **LIKE** and **SUBSCRIBE** for more thrilling detective tales. 🔔 👉 **Subscribe Now for More Detective Mysteries!**: https://bit.ly/ClassicDetectiveMysteries #ConstanceDunlap #ArthurBReeve #ClassicDetectiveMysteries #FemaleDetective #CrimeMystery #DetectiveStory #Suspense #MysteryLovers #Whodunit #CrimeFiction #DetectiveThriller #DetectiveStories #FemaleLead #ClassicCrime #VintageMysteries #BookAdaptations #SolveTheMystery #DetectiveLiterature #Suspenseful #CleverDetective #CrimeDrama #PuzzleSolving #DetectiveAdventure #DetectiveThriller #ClassicDetective #LiteraryMystery #DetectiveFiction 💬 **Comment Below**: Let us know your favorite moment in the story and any other classic mysteries you’d like to see next! **Navigate by Chapters or Titles:** 00:00:30 Chapter 1. 00:46:16 Chapter 2. 01:19:29 Chapter 3. 01:52:12 Chapter 4. 02:30:38 Chapter 5. 02:58:24 Chapter 6. 03:32:01 Chapter 7. 04:05:39 Chapter 8. 04:37:53 Chapter 9. 05:10:03 Chapter 10. 05:42:43 Chapter 11. 06:16:22 Chapter 12., https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NhCJKWa0HW0/hqdefault.jpg,