Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (June 25, 1916)
"t 4 C THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE: JUNE 25, 1916. Th e Social Pirates -:- Plot by George Bronson Howard ' Novelization by Hugh C. Weir ::: Copyright Kalem Company Story No. 12 The Disappearance of Helen Mintern "Help! Help!", ' Such cry is associated, with a gloomy alley, or dark country lane at midnight To connect it with a taxi cab in a crowded city street in broad daylight requires an elastic imagina tion but to tie two young women who had heard the smothered cry it' was both very real and very poignant. For a moment they stood, dumb with amazement, staring after the curtained motor, from the recesses ot which the curious appeal had emanated. Then simultaneously they whirled and faced each other, asking mutely the same question. It was Mona Hartley who found her voice first "You heard it, too f A woman's voice I Are we awake, or dreamnig?" In answer Mary Burnett caught her Jampanion's arm and whirled her aside, just In time to avoid a heavy truck. "If you need physical proof that you are awake, you will soon have it if you stand where you are I" She threaded her way hurriedly through the traffic to the curb, searching for a vacant taxicab. But there was none in sight, and in the meantime she realized that the machine, from which had come the cry of distress, was drawing farth er away each moment The sound of her own name, in a hearty, masculine voice, brought her spinning about with little gasp of delight - "Mr. Carson T she cried. "You arc just in time! Where is your car?" , The tall, rather serious-faced young man, who had stepped from the en trance of the corner office building, glanced keenly at the girl'i flushed features. "What It wrong?" "I don't knowfl'll tell yon about it later. We want you and your car to pursue a mysterious taxicab if we haven't lost it I" Casper Carson, the young million aire social worker and reformer, was a man accustomed to think and act auicklv. Without another word he sprang across the walk and threw open the door of a dark blue, up-to-date touring car. At Mary and Mona jumped into the machine he threw in the dutch, for blocks they chased the taxi until it mysteriously, and to the disgust of the trio, disappeared down a tide street "I took down the licente number, anyway, said Mary. . "We oueht to have no trouble then,' he declared. "But of course, by the time we had traced the owner of the vehicle and located the driver it would Erobably be too late to do the un nown , woman any service I" He lighted a cigar thoughtfuly and turned the courte of the machine toward the garage. "I'll go down to the district attorneys othce, anyway, tie aectaea. "Burke, mv driver, is waiting at the garage, and he can take yon back to your Hat i ll report progress to night" . Carson left them at the garage, and his driver took his place, Carson prom ising again to report any develop ments at toon at possible. But his manner showed more plainly than his words how dubious be regarded the nrnmiie of encourao-ina newt. The two girls settled back In their teat at the car backed out of the gar age and began the return trip to tneir anartmenta. They were passing the brownttone front of what had obviously once been a pretentious residence, but which wat now clven over to select commercial urpotes. un the winaowt 01 me uilding appeared the gilt mtpnption Beauty Parlort. - It wat not the building which drew Mary't whispered cry. but the tight of a taxicab, drawn up before the build ing, evidently waiting for a passenger inside. It wat the tame machine from which had come the vain cry for help the machine which had eluded their belated pursuit. Even at Mary't wan dering glance noted the telltale licente tag, the door of the Beauty Parlort opened and a middle-aged man, in a stylish spring suit, nurriea oown tnc mens and across the walk. He climbed into the machine, with a curt direction to the driver, and it moved off, Mary ordered Carson's chauffeur to follow. The curtain of the taxi had been rolled up and the two girls could see the occupant with out difficulty. He was leaning back in his seat, puffing at a thick brown riffar. "Do you know, Mary, I have teen ... :J XI -..J tnat man oetorer ia m uu rimtlv. knittina her brows. . "That is exactly the idea I have had, too," answered Mary. "Maybe we have seen his picture somewhere. There, his car is stopping I He is rttinff nutl" , ' The taxi ahead drew ud at the curb and the occupant, tossing the driver a bill, and without waiting for the change, made his way across the , walk, and into the entrance of an office building as the taxi' continued on its way. The girls studied the building for a moment in silence, un- certain as to whether or not to try to follow the man further. The first floor was given over to the use of a bank. On the corner windows of the second floor appeared the legend, . "Daniel Slatern, Attorney-at-Law." "We might at well give it up for the present" taid Marv finally. "With what we have learned no doubt Mr. Carson can suggest the next step I" "You seem to have a lot of confi dence in Mr. Carson's judgment," , smiled Mona. Mary blushed. "Why shouldn't I?" she retorted. The girls did not have long to wait for the appearance of Casper Carson at their flat They had hardly fin ished dinner when he was announced, and his face showed that he had no news even before he shook his head. At Mary't excited story of the se quel of their fruitless pursuit of the taxicab he looked grave, and when the girl described how it had ended, and the appearance of the unknown man whom they had traced, hit grav ity increased. ' : i Without a word he reached into his pocket and produced a small wallet from which he extracted two news paper clippings. The first gave a , two-column likeness of a rather grim- faced, close-shaven man, at tight of whom both girlt cried out in recog- - nition. - ' " ' ' "That is Dan Slatem, political boss of the upper tenderloin," explained Carton slowly, tit it a bad E and a dangerous one." He held out the second newspaper clipping, and Mary read aloud a recent interview with Carton, given to an energetic reporter, in which the young million aire had tet forth certain vigorous views on what he termed "The Social Evil of So-Called Beauty Parlors," declaring that many of these estab lishments were operated largely as a cloak to gambling houses and that they were plying their illegal trade under the protection of a clique of men high up in the political control of the city. One of those places which l naa m mind when I gave the interview," said Carson, as Mary finished, "is none other than tne ettaDiisnment of Madame Sutro and the man whom I believe has given his indorse ment and protection to it is none other than Dan Slatern. I have been working for months' for evidence that would prove my suspicions and con vict him in a court of law!" "Do you think that the affair of the taxicab has any hearing on the inside onerations of Madame Sutro?" asked Mona thoughtfully. "I don t think there it any doubt about it I" wat the emphatic rejoin der. "I can't tee yet ftt exact con nection. I we could only find out who the woman wat in the taxicab " He broke off. pacing the floor, his hands clasped behind him, an un- lighted cigar In his mouth, which ne was chewing nervously. Mona looked up suddenly, with her eyet flashing. "I have an idea which will get ut not only the information of the taxi cab and its occupants, but which ought to give you just the evidence you went about Madame Sutro and Slatern 1" She then unfolded the plan. "What do you think of it?" the atked. ' ,- . Ctrson and Mary agreed and an appointment was made for him to meet Mona the next evening at the Metropolitan Cafe an establishment trequentiy my actresses, cnorui gins and men about town. Mary was to. remain in the back ground for the present, but tnere was every indication that when she was needed in the little drama of Mona's planning her role would be no small one. -.;. :- There wat definite reaton behind the dinner appointment of Mona and Carson. The Metropolitan cafe wat one of the establishments most pa tronized by Slatern, and where his ap pearance was the signal for every un occupied waiter in the house to quicken into activity. Carson led the wav through the glaringly lighted doorway, with a mental register of protest at the character ot nis sur roundings, but Mona concealed her feelinn cleverlv. and none of the diners would have suspected from her attitude of unaffected enjoyment that she was counting the moments before their task would be done, and they would be free to depart. The two found a table in as retired a position as possible, and from which both could command a view of the door. Sfatern had not yet appeared, and Mona was beginning to worry for fear that he might vary his routine of habit on this occasion when the political boss sauntered in, escorting a very blonde, overly-dressed young woman, who snowed obvious pride in her conquest Slttern and hit companion were ushered to a table in a orominent do- aition, and Mona and Carson delayed their menu so that they could retain their chairs without arousing sus picion, and also directed her atten- tion to the other table. Mona and Carson, however, continued their meal as though unconscious of the scrutiny. When Matern ana hit companion finally left the cafe, Mona and Carson were Just behind them. The two couplet reached the walk at almost the same moment. As the door closed, Mona broke away from Carson's arm, and raised her voice angrily. "I am done with you for good)' Carson took a ttep toward her, and tried to regain hold of her arm. But the shook him off. '"You are a tight-wad, a' disgusting tight-wad I" She saw that her voice had reached (he ears of Slatern, and that the other wat lookintr over hit shoulder curiously. "I don't want any more of your promises 1 I am through irora tnit moment! With head high, and evea flashintr. the crossed to an empty taxicab, and jumped in, leaving. Carson star ing after her, Slatern nudged hit companion, with a chuckle, and then, reaching down quickly, picked up a small lace handkerchief from the walk which Mona had dorpped from her bag. With the handkerchief wat t businest card, on the back ot which wat a hastily scribbled line of writ ing. Slatern held it to the light, and read: "It is imperative for me to have your report of Sutro't place at once. Please rush it!" On the reverse side of the card wat the engraved ntme, "Casper Carson." Slatern's eyes gleamed with tudden satisfaction. He did not know, that the whole incident of Mona't quarrel had been carefully staffed in advance. and that the card had been dropped purposely at nis ieet. unaware ot these facts, the political boss thrust the card into his Docket, and with a malicious glance back at Carson, who was still standing uncertainly before the door of the cafe, swaggered across the walk to his own car. ' j Late the next afternoon Mona emerged from a taxicab before Madame Sutro't establishment, as cended the steps, and was ushered by the liveried colored attendant at the door into a handsomely appointed waiting room. In a moment or two Madame Sutro appeared. rou wish to see me? Mona nodded. "I -wish to see von very much privately." juaaame sutro raised her eyebrows. "I am very busy." "I fancy that my errand it well worth your time and attention." re joined Mona, coldly. "However" she ttarted to walk indifferently to ward me uoor, out tne other caught her arm. "Step thit wav. n lease I? she m. ceded, grudgingly. Mona followed her conductresa through the portieres, and aown a narrow corridor, giving into a series of thinly partitioned booths, in which she caught glimpses of J women customers in various stages of 'beautifvinar." At the end of the cor ridor the Madame opened a door, and conducted her visitor into a small room, which evidently served the pur pose of a private office. And now wnat is it r sne de manded. "My name is Jenkins May Jenk ins, began Mona. boldly, for sev eral months I have been in the employ of Casper Carson. Do you know him? ' Terhaps, was tne enigmatic re sponse. And what ot itr l nave been assisting mm to gatner evidence against certain establish ments like yours I" said Mona, direct ly. "You may know, perhaps, that he believes you're running a gamb ling house." Madame Sutro t face flushed. "Go on I"" she snapped. "Carson has double-crossed me," said Mona, in as vicious a tone as she could muster. "He gives nothing but promises and I have broken with him, and told him he would be sorry to let me go I I intend to make him sorry I That.it why I have come to you to tell you certain matters which may be of interest to you I" 1 don t know what von mean. Madame Sutro scanned the girl's face shrewdly, and her manner perceptibly stiffened. ' "I mean that you are to be rained at almost any hourl" Mona stepped closer to the other, and spoke the last words almost into her ears. She could feel the thrill of alarm which coursed through the madame t ' trim body. For just an instant the other hesitated and then the ttepped to the telephone on her desk and called a number into the transmitter. Wait here, please, she said, with a trifle more cordiality in her voice. Mona dropped into a cnair. attecting not to be interested in the conversa tion over the wire. She could hear a man's voice through the receiver, and then the madame, lowering her voice, spoke rapidly and nervously, and evi dently to such purpose that a moment later the hung back the receiver with a sigh of relief. "A friend of mine Is coming over, who would like to hear your story, my young friend. If you can convince him of its truth, perhaps you have not done so badly after alll" "I don't care for that' part of It," said Mona, carelessly, guessing at once' that the 'friend' in question was Dan Slatern. "All that I am interested in is getting back at Carson. I told him I would make him sorry, and I want to make my promise goodl" "Just sot Just sol" nodded the madame, absently. She stepped to the door. "If you don't mind waiting for just a moment, I have an urgent cus tomer waiting outside " ". Not at all. said Mona. oleasantlv. She heard the key turn on the other side ot the door and smiled to her self. Evidently the Madame was not disposed to take any chancesl The girl strolled to the one window of the room, and parted the curtains. It opened on a rear alley just across from which loomed the outlines of a rear house fronting on the next block. The alley itself, was deserted. she dropped the curtains and turned back to a turvey of the room. If the plant of Casper Carson had gone through without a hitch, his men even now were assembling for the raid on the Beauty Parlors, which had been agreed upon at dusk. That it was a 'plant without either the knowl edge or assistance of the district at torney's office, would, of course, not DC known until later and Carson's wealth and influence were such that ne would answer any legal inquiries, if, indeed, any should be made. He knew that Slatern was well aware of the reform crusade, of which he, Carson, was the prime mover and that the young millionaire had been sworn in as a special deputy by the district attorney's office, which was engaged in one of its periodical fighta with the police department. That auch a raid should be ordered without warning from the district at torney's office was more than proba bleand Carson knew it would not be a difficult task to convince Slatern of its genuineness. While Mona was busy with these thoughts, the key turned in the door again, and the Madame reappeared, with a man whom the girl at once recognized os Dan Slatern. That he recognized her also, and recalled the incident of her quarrel with Carson the previous night was obvious. With a smile he SteDned tnwarrl hr "I understand you have something a .-II M& n . . - Mona met his aonraisina- riant boldly, and repeated the story she had iuia juaaame sutro. Slattern heard ner through without comment. And. when is this raid to take Eiacer ne asked abruptly, after she ad finished. It is scheduled for " The girl's sentence was interrupted by a sound of a scuffle, and a vigorous hammer ing at the street door. Slatern, with an cam, sprang DacK into the cor ridor, loilowed by Madame Sutro and Mona. . it was evident that the "raid was already in Drocress. Slatern turned swiftly to Madame Sutro. and she met his mut mmtinn wun a noo everything has hren rl.r.rl away," she said. "I took care of that as soon as I heard the girl's ttory." Slatern aorani thrnncrh hM.n door, pulling Mona after him, and shutting the concealed door, just as the sounds from the front of the building showed that Madame Sutro had admitted the presumable officers of the law. After a reasonable length of time Slatern returned to ascertain if the officers had gone. In a few momenta he wat back " at Mona't side. 1 "They have gone." he said. "And I rather fancy that your friend, Carson, aimosi convinced mat ne was on a blind trail I" He lighted a fresh cigar with a chuckle. At that moment a woman's suppressed scream rang through the building, to be smothered the next instant Slatern threw away his match with a curse, but Mona pretended to be unconscious of anything out of the ordinary, although she was straining her ears in the hope of a repetition of the cry. It had come apparently from a room below, and there was no doubt that a rough hand had silenced the mouth from which it had bunt Wat it the same woman who had called in vain from the covered taxi cab? She saw that Slatern was watch ing her covertly out of the corner of his eye, and tried to smile. "Shall we be going back?" she asked. "Or shall I leave from this house?" ' . , . ,... - "Oh, the coast it clear enough now, said Slatern rather absently. He led the wav back through the tun nel, and again into the beauty par lors. Madame Sutro was pinning on her hat, evidently preparing to go out for dinner. Except for the splintered street door, there was no sign of the "raid," which had threatened to disturb the serenity of the place, and the liberty of its occupants. "I think we are under obligations to Miss Jenkins," said Slatern, giving Mona the name she had offered to Madame Sutro. "What do you think your services are worth to us?" he asked, plugging his hands into nis pockets. Ihe girl made a gesture ot protest. "Not a dollar I I told you I was not doing it for money but to get back at Larson I I rather think he will be sorry before he is through I" Slatern grunted. Have it your wayl But just the same I am not a man to forget a favor. Suppose you call at my office in the morning? It is just possible that we can be of mutual benefit to each other." Ill come, promised Mona, as Slatern led the way to the street door. She smiled a farewell, and made her way down the steps and to the street conscious that .both Slatern and Mad ame Sutro were staring after her. Mary and Carson were anxiously waiting for her when she reached her apartment. The two- listened in amazement as the told of the exciting eventt that had marked her introduc tion to Madame Sutro, and of the success which had so far attended her efforts as amateur detective. I am to see Slatern in the morn ing," she finished. "I have an idea that he is going to suggest that I enter hit employ in the tame capacity in which he thinkt I worked for you, Mr. Carton. She wat right When the called on the political boss next day he was plainly much taxen, not oniy witn the cleverness of his visitor, but with her charms, and made it clear that he considered himself much the gainer and Carson much the loser by her change ot masters. You can be ot mucn neip to me, he went on. As a first step, make up vonr differences with Carson. "Why should l do tnatr asxea Mona. Slatern winked. "So that you can keep me informed of his plans. Don't you see my drift? If you can make him think you are devoted to his re form plans, you can let me Know in aHvanrr nf anvthinor in the wind." Gee. but you are smart i cneo Mona admiringly. "Oh. thev will have to get up early to get ahead of Sam Slatern I" ad mitted the Boss, putting his chest Mona promised to meet him at Madame Sutro's place for a little in formal luncheon at noon, and hur ried back to her apartment, where she found Mary waiting for her. "Ouiek!" she commanded. "The time has come for you to take your part. Are you ready?" "Try. me 1" said Mary impatiently. A few minutes later the two sepa rated, Mary to repair to a job print er's and Mona to make her way leisurely to Madame Sutro's. Slatern was punctual, and a few moments aft er noon touna tnc ino Kamcrcu around a cosy little table in Madame Sutro t own room, enjoying a reany delirinua menu. Slatern was obliged to leave hur- r edlv before the colored maid terveo the dessert, out ne 'remained mug enough to give further evidences of the high admiration he was beginning to have for Mona. In fact, Madame Sutro, after his departure, patted the girl on the shoulder, and told her confidentially, "If you keep" up, dearie, you will have Dan Slatern eating out of your handi Mona laus-hed ana ner contusion was covered by a call for the pro Mona followed, for she had a very definite idea as to the iden tity of the new customer, it was Mary. Mona did not show herself during the interview that followed an interview having to do with an ap pointment for the tirst ot a series oi f arial maasaires. ; Marv took her de Earture, with a promise to return for er treatment in an hour. As the door closed behind her, Mona sprang into the waiting-room, and called to Madame Sutro. "Who was that woman?", she de manded.' v - .''' ' The madame gave her a neatly printed card, which Mary had left, and on which Mona read the name, "Mrt, Reginald Travert Wentworth.'' She looked up with a gasp. "She is cutting one over on you," she snapped. "Her real name is Doris Greene and she is a detective for Carson," Madame Sutro flushed. "Are you sure?" "Of course I ami Don't I know the huzzy? I haven't any reason to for get her." Madame beckoned the girl back to her private office, and got Slattern on the telephone. The boss swore at this new evidence of Carson's persistence, and asked to talk to Mona. "Can you follow the woman and discover what she is up to?" he asked. "Surest thing you knowl" "Then do it I I'll be there when she comes backl" And Slattern hung back the receiver with a jerk. Mona hur riedly told Madame Sutro of Slatern's instructions, and made a quick exit, leaving Madame to revolve gloomily the prospect of another "raid." Mona found no difficulty in picking up Mary' s trail. In fact, the other girl was waiting for her at a corner drug store, and the two enjoyed a pleasant hour's chat, while waiting for the time of Mary't appointment at the beauty parlors. When the two girls separated, Mary made her way leisurely back to Mad ame Sutro't tnd Mona followed a short distance in her rear to maintain the deception. Mary found the pro prietress awaiting her with a smiting cordiality, and she was conducted at once to one of the private booths, where the Madame insisted on giving her the first treatment With her own hands. Neither betrayed the slightest indication that there was any element in the situation beyond the strictly businest visit. It was not until Mad ame Sutro was called from the booth that Mary thought it expedient to in troduce any suggestion of het sup posed character. Rising from her chair, she tiptoed about the small compartment, examining the various bottles of cosmetics, and softly tap ping the walls. ; She had a distinct idea that the proprietress was watch ing her stealthily, and she was not mistaken. Hardly had Mary taken her depart ure, with a promise to return the next day for another treatment, when Madame Sutro darted again to the telephone. Mona, returning to Slatern's office, reached the desk of the Dolitical boss just as the proprie tress called him on the wire. "The new girl is rightl That woman is a detective. I watched her spying around the place when she thought I was out! What shall 1 dor Slatern pondered the question for a moment, "We'll have to get her out of the wayl If she comes back to morrow, we 11 take care that she doesnt' leave I" He hung back the . receiver, and from a drawer of his desk took a small phial of whitish powder. He tapped it with a wink. "This is haladrone," he explained. "A little of this will out our friend out of commission more quickly than chloroform 1 ' Mona shuddered, as she recalled the tales she had heard of the powers of the drug, and she realized the effects if the slightest hitch occurred in her daring plans. She compressed her lips tightly as she took her de parture. They -were playing with a, desperate and cunning foe one whom' they would have to fight with his own weapons if they hoped for success! Carson heard her report of the conversation with a plainly worried air. "I don't like it I" he said emphat ically. "Suppose that something goes wrong" ; . "But nothing is going wrong I" pro tested Mona. She brought out an enve)op from her handbag, and dusted a few grains of a whitish powder onto Carson's desk. "Oh, you needn't be afraid of that I" she laughed. "That it nothing more deadly than sugar I I shall be on hand tomorrow at the Sutro place with this substitute for haladrone I" Carson brightened. "And I shall make it a point to have the place surrounded by men from the district attorney's office ready for instant action. There will be no pretense this timet" He took a police whistle and a skel eton key from a drawer in his desk. "If there is any suggestion of dan ger, don't wait, but blow this whistle! We'll get into the place if we have to break the building down!" And he looked as though he meant it. -Mona reached Madame Sutro's place ahead of Mary, so at to be on hand when her friend arrived. Still keeping up the deception, which the had maintained so successfully, she evinced keen interest in the prepara tions to take care of Mary when the other put in an appearance. So clev erly did she play her part that she managed to keep a position in the adjoining booth when Mary waa final ly ushered into a compartment for her second "treatment." Madame Sutro kept in the background, leaving the details of the massage to an attendant. Mona watched the attendant through a crack in the partition, and saw the other step back to take the prepared drug from a stand in the rear of the booth. Unconscious of the substitution of the harmless sugar, which Mona had managed while wait ing Mary's appearance, the attendant carefully dusted the supposed drug on a hot towel, and held it over Mary'a face. Instantly the girl in the chair broke into a fit of violent sneez ing, sinking back finally in a sort of stupor, as she judged would be the case had she inhaled the fumes of the drug. Madame Sutro stepped softly into the room, followed by Mona. Mary lay back against the head rest of the chair, apparently overcome. . Instantly Madame Sutro called a male attendant from the gambling house across the alley, and the two carried Mary's limp form into the se cret passage away, Mona concealing herself behind a curtain in the corner of the room. As the two reappeared, the girl pressed the concealed spring, and stole into the shadowy aperture, holding her breath as she made her way cautiously forward. She reached the exit, and passed through into the other house without discovery. She found herself in the room, where Slat ern had conducted her before. Making her way through the doorway, she en tered a wide hall way, running the full length of the building. She saw a stairway at her left, leading below, and remembering the shriek she had heard on her previous visit had emanated from the direction of the basement she picked her way down the stairs until she reached a lower hall. At this moment she heard a low cry from a locked door midway before her. Darting forward, she fumbled at the lock, as she heard Mary's voice from within, i "I have found her I" called Mary ex citedly. "But, oh dear, she . is in a stupor, and I can't rouse her! The scoundrels 1 What have they done to the poor thing?" Mona glanced around her desper ately seeking for some method to open the door. As her eyes fell on the stairway, she fell back with a gasp of dismay. Madame Sutro and the at tendant were halfway down the stairs and escape was impossible I The same instant the proprietress of the Beauty Parlors caught sight of the girl and raised her voice in a shrill command. "There is the girl, Sam! Grab her, while I call Danr' She darted back up the stairs, while the man, springing toward Mona, caught her arm in a vise-like grip. As Mona staggered back, the door, behind which she had heard Mary's voice, swung open, with the aid of the skeleton key from Car son, and Mary sprang into the hall, pulling after her the fainting form of a young woman of about 20, who stared about her helplessly. The attendant, Sam, swore at the sight, and raising his voice in a call for reinforcements, thrust Mary back, with her companion, and caught Mona before she could reach the stairs. Two more attendants from the upper rooms appearing at that moment, Mona was hurried down the hall to a room at the extreme end, and heard the door bolted behind her as she was shoved within. tr It was a moment when every second counted. With a wild thought of her police whistle, she darted across to the window. Before she could reach it, the door behind her opened again, and Dan Slatern sprang into the room. ' "You traitress! he snarled.' "So you thought you could put' one over on me I I'll teach you not to try a trick like that again!" Mona struggled in vain to free her self from his embrace. The two stag gered back and forth across the room, the girl fighting like a wild cat as she saw the desperate odds against her. A .ikl fall urlth a ro-aah anH 'slat. era tripped against it with an oath. At the opportunity, Mona sprang towardf the window, seized a heavy water pitcher from a shelf, and sent it crash ing through the panes. There was a. shattering of glass, and'then as she thrust the police whistle to her tips, Slatern's arms caught her again, and the struggle commenced anew. But it was of only short duration. From above there came the sound of a battering ram against the outside door, and a hoarse command to open in the name of the law. Slatern threw Mona from him, and made for the door. But he was too late. "Hands up!" called a sharp voice, and Casper Carson, with two deputies at his shoulders, faced the boss with a drawn revolver. . "Where is Mary?" called Mona weakly. "Here I am!" And Mary Burnett with her hair loosened, and her eyes glistening, slipped through the door way, and into the other's arms. Before Mona could ask for her story, however, Marv dragged her back into the hall, and into the room, ...1. I...J A...1V tU- ....I.- girl-prisoner of the establishment' Ihe young woman was lying on a rude bed, with the same vague stare in her eyes. t "I have heard enough from her to send Slatern to the penitentiary for life!" said Mary excitedly. "Her name is Helen Mintern a stenographer in Slatern's office. Slatern discovered that she had found out too much about his methods, and that she was apt to be dangerous so he kidnapped her bodily." Mona whirled, "Where is Slatern?" she demanded. Casper Carson answered the ques tion grimly, as he stepped into the room. 'He is on hit way to the district at torney's office, with Madame Sutro, and other occupants of this den! I congratulate you young women I You have done what I tried to do for months, and couldn't! And now, if you are able, we will take the poor girl you have found to your apart ment until we can discuss the situa tion more thoroughly. I don't imagine you will be sorry to see the last of this place I" In answer, Mona stooped, and raised Helen Mintern tenderly, while Casper Carson sprang to her side to aid her. "You are a wonder!" he said in a low tone. "Do you think so?" she returned demurely. THE END. The Only War. Trade wai bad. At the end of another blank day the dlecouraged aaleaman callel on anotner prospective customer and aeked to show him samples. "No, there Is nothing I want todar." said the customer. "But will you Just examine my line ot foods?" the salesman persisted. The customer would not. 'Then," said the salesman meekly, "sill you let me use a part of your counter to look at them myself, as 1 have not had the opportunity for ' some time?" St Louis Times. . He?C Altoona, Wis., is to have a municipally-owned saloon, from the profits of which it is planned to build a mo- nicipal waterworks. ' Twentieth Century Farmer The Missouri Valley's Greatest Farm Paper Total Circulation Twentieth Century Farmer .. 1 1 2, 1 96 weekly 2d Nebraska Farm Paper ... 46, 1 69 weekly 3d Nebraska Farm Paper ..101 356 every other week Exclusive Neb. Circulation Twentieth Century Farmer .... 68,556 weekly 2d Nebraska Farm Paper ... 41 ,947 weekly 3d Nebraska Farm Paper. .. 62,1 10 every other week The best farm paper, from every point of view, in . Omaha's Trade Teritory Commercial Advertising Agate Lines for 1915 Gain Lo Twentieth Century Farmer 285,994 51,588 2d Nebraska Farm Paper 276,325 532 3d Nebraska Farm Paper 1 46,059 8,358 iSS Paid Want Ads Twentieth Century Farmer. . . . March, 1916 ........952 Second Nebraska Farm Paper. .... .495 Third Nebraska Farm Paper . : 1 50 V J