Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 40, Number 320, 22 December 1915 — Page 11

THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM AND SUN-TEL TSGRAjjl. . WEDNESDAY DEC. 22. 1915

T-AGi: ELEVEN

it pays to Advertise

, noveuzea oy n3ead Field Froa tbe V ? Successful Play " ' ........ ,r f.: V by ' KQI 1 COOPER MEORUE . f WALTER HACKETT Copfyrlsbt, 114.1915, by Bol Cooper Jiegrue and Walter Hackett . Tm. jpour. father and I," Peale explained v"Htf;went to the Intercolonial in Buffalo. I bad all the billboards in the nelghheard plastered thick and f orty-eighti street : stands alone the streets to the railroad station. From the time the old man got in until he got oat be couldn't look anywhere without seeing 13 Soap. I even found oat the somber of his room and had a small balloon floating 13 - Soap streamers right outside hi window. I took a peg in all the Buffalo, papers, bribed the hat boy to keep putting circulars in his hat every time he checked ft and sent him one of our new fold en every mall.? I came back with him on the train, and when he went into the washroom: last night I had the porter say. "Sorry, sir. we ain't got-no la aoap, one you cam nanny Keep any en hand it's such grand, .grand soap, " Another day Rodney calmly said to Peale, "I hare plans for our new faetory." ;'-f .'' "Plans for what? Have you gone aippyr : f .. . . , "Here they , are." said Rodney, producing - a large blue print "Pretty real looking.! aren't tbeyr : "Too don't mean you're actually got some nut to build us a factory V shouted Peale. ; k "So, no. f They are to Impress father. Don't you seer "Oh, yes. Well, that is an idea," admitted Peale. "If he ever does drop In to make a deal," said Bodney, "I thought we ought to hare something to make a front something that looks like a plant. And by the way. if we can let st leak out that It's the Andover soap people who are backing us with unlimited capital." went on Rodney. "The Andover soap people?" Peale Inquired. "Buret , Father's always hated 'em In business." explained Rodney. "His oldest friend, though, is John Clark, one of the big bugs in tbst company. Clark's got a son. Ellery. that father dislikes because he's such a success In businees always held him up to me as model son to pattern by. - It would maker father wild if be thought that vtu wiri wna buiob wet urn. "Tien that scheme ought to be good for a great rise out of father. Say. by the war. I out over a corner on him this' morning." chattered Peale. "I arranged for a parade of sandwich men op and down tn front of his house When he got to bis office there was another bunch there." ."Isn't it funny, though, that nobody's tried to buy any soap from us yet?" asked Rodney, with some, anxiety. This was a very tender point with the soap company. Mary and Rodney worried over it, and -Rodney dreamed at night about It An occasional small ' order that might filter In from some remote outlying district or some small merchant whose credit was doubtful, was gazed upon as parents Raze at their first baby. "It takes time to create a demand." he would say. but admitted that the 20(f cake of pink castlle they bad bought looked swell In their old rose wrappers. It was a pity they hadn't got a couple of hundred thousand dollars to go after this advertising thing on the level, instead of Just for father. Kelther he nor Rodney knew bow much money they bad left "Don't ask me." said Peale. "I'm not a financier. Where's our worthy bookkeeper. Miss Grayson?" be added, looking at his watch. "It's nearly 11." 1 "I'll bet she was here before either of fa; she always is. By George, Isn't she a corker?' began Rodney lyrically. "Oh, she's all right" agreed Peale indifferently. "All right! Why. the girls you read about don't mean anything compared to Mary," began the ecstatic lover. "She's gut Juliet beat a mile. Every ume x iuluk or ner i want to yeu or do some other darn fool thing, and every time 1 see her I Just want to get down and kiss her shoes." Rodney said all this and could have said much more, but Peale'a mind was on other things. . "If we could only land one bard wallop on father after that Buffalo business," he reflected sadly, still on business. "Didnt you bear what I said?" demanded' Rodney indignantly. - "Not a word," said Peale. "I was talking about Mary." "I know you were. Tbaf s why I didn't listen." said Peale delicately. "Speak of the goddess." he added, as Mary Just then entered. v She was dressed neatly and appropriately to her new role, distinguishing between the tone of the old Martin offices and this new enterprise Into which she had been drawn by such curious processes. Tp Rodney as always, this morning and' every morning, she was a vision of loveliness, a refreshment for tired eyes. "Ah. youTe berel"; he said Joyfully. "Now everything's all right It's a treat world." "Don't: be silly," 4aid Mary briskly. "By George; Mary." began Rodney again. ; k v "Miss Grayson r corrected Mary. "By George Miss Grayson, yon do look simply stunning. You're twice as pretty , today v as you were yesterday, rid tomorrow you'll be" "Hv. hv. clnn9 li.ro.tM. nut

n a soft needle." put in Peale good naturedly. Mary rewarded htm with

bar approval. "Quite right In business hours only business. she said. "But you certainly are the prettiest thing." persisted Bodney. "Am I r said Mary. -Well," said Peale. "it looks to me aa if you two were going to play another lore scene, so . I shall attend to a little business. ' Exit advertising manager up stage." be laughed, going out "By George. Mary, it seems a hundred years since yesterday. I do love you." Rodney began again, when they were alone. -' "Do you really?" -- "Why, of course!" "It Isn't that you're Just in love with love." suggested Mary with a thoughtful look, "and that I've been very blue eyed and baby faced?" "I should say not" protested Rodney. "Why. you're not a bit like that." "Oh! Why do you love me, then?" "I don't know." "You see?" said Mary accusingly. "I mean. Why does anybody love anybody?" Rodney expounded. "I can't explain. It's Just that you're you. J guess. I can't talk the way they do in books. I wish I could. All 1 know is that if you left here I'd quit too. I'd Just want to walk around after you all the rest of my life and say, 'Are you comfortable, my love? Are you happy? If there is anything on the wide earth you want let me get it for you, Mary. What a wonderful name that Is Just like you. simple and honest and beautiful. Mary!" "And you really love me like that?" asked Mary. "No. A million times more," "Ob. Rodney, Rodney," she said, almost crying. "What's the matter?" asked her lover anxiously. "You love me too. don't your "It means a lot to me to see you succeed," sighed Mary. "But it isn't Just the success. Just the money, is it?" queried the boy. .Mary paused awhile "and then answered. "No. I don't think it is." '"Then when will you marry me?" he began eagerly. "Not in business hours" . "Very well, we'll wait till after 6." "No, you agreed not until you'd made good." "I know, I know, but it's mighty hard to be engaged and not to be allowed to kiss you. You won't even let me come to see you much. It's all Just business. Do you love me?" "Do you doubt that 1 do?" "No. but I'd like to bear you say you da" "I won't gratify your vanity. We must stick to soap and advertising. Is that understood?" "I suppose so. for today anyhow." be agreed, then leaned over and kissed ber suddenly. "Oh. Rodney r protested the secretary. "They say stolen kisses are sweetest but I don't think so." be said, laughing. "They're so darned short Won't you (rive me a real one?" Mary shook her head. "No. Now to business." Rodney sat down again with an air of resignation. "Well, then If this is a business office what do you mean by not getting down her till nearly 11?" be demanded sternly. He did not really think she had been remiss. He was only teasing her. of course. He was the optimistic one and knew things were all right. Ponle had hypnotized him with his advertising magic. It had been great fun . reading the ads. They bad seemed so large and conspicuous and inescapable. You would have thought that every reader of the newspapers, every traveler in the cars or busses in the special section marked out by Peale for old Mr. Martin's benefit, would have ordered 13 Soap straightway next morning whether they needed more toilet soap or not Rodney had positively a feeling of self consciousness as he walked downtown in the morning. There was a half formed thought in bis bead that he might even be pointed at in the streets as the president of the great IS Soap company. Now Mary's grave face and her cool ways when be would have made love to her chased all such business reveries Into thin air. "I was here at 9." said Mary. "I knew It But wbere've you been?" "That's what I've got to tell you. I'm sorry it's euch bad news." "It can't be very bad If It comes from you." "But It is. I've been out trying to raise money." "Why. Mary, are you in trouble?" "No. but I am afraid you are." "If you wanted money, why on earth didn't you come to me?" asked Rodney. "Because you haven't any. This firm's broke. I was surprised, too, when I balanced the books this morning," said Mary, "but you've spent a lot these last two days. Here's a statement of assets and liabilities. You owe $22,818.09." "Great Scott what are our assets?" "One hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirteen cents." Rodney shook bis head courageously. 'That's quite a showing for a month." he chaffed. "And Mr. Jones, the advertising man, was here this morning too. He won't wait any longer for his money," went on Mary. "But we paid him $5,000 not long ago." "And we still owe htm $9,400." said Mary. "Unless he sets $2,600 of It today be says be will put you out of business." "You didn't manage to raise any money while you were out, did you?" Rodney asked, pocketing his qualms about the source of Mary's capital. , "Not a cent." said Mary. "And you haven't beard from the countess since that day she signed the contract?" "Not a word." said Rodney, and add ed hopefully. "But maybe we shall soon." "I don't know what we're going to Hx" said Mary, sighing. But Rodney was still hopeful and in clined to cheer up. "TlxvJnjGortftxt Ihlne is I've cot.vou

anyhow." be said happily just as Ambrose Peale came in sgaln. "Welt well, well! Still ; spooning, Ob?" said Peale. "Say. son. I've Just learned a lot from that advertising

-What's the 9 cents for?" gent downstairs. Great little-, guy; full of facta and figures. He gets paid $90,000 a year for writing ads." Peale was Incorrigible, and today bis talk In the face of their actual condition got on Mary's nerves a little. She Interrupted impatiently. "Never mind him," she said to Rodney. "We're broke." "Nonsense! Some mistake In the books," said Peale. "Is It? Here's a statement of our liabilities.", she said, holding up a pa per $22,808.00." "What's the cents for?" Peale wanted to know, reading. "Assets $153.13. That's a lucky hunch, tbirteen. WelL why not change the headings? Make the liabilities the assets and the assets the liabilities. See. like this." and be scribbled on a pink pad that he carried with him: "Liabilities. $133.13: assets. $22,818.09. Merely a matter of bookkeeping." he added cheerfully. Jabblnjr the pink paper on a book." "You'd make a wonderful expert accountant." said Mary scornfully. CHAPTER IX. Sowing the Wind. OXK day. sure enouph. not lone afterward. Mists Burke trlprwrt Into Rodney's office and handed him something which had nor yet become common tn the company's routine namely, a letter with a foreign stamp and postmark. The thre partners were standing about as usual when this dramatic little incident occurred. Mary was willing to bet it was another bill, and Peale asked what odds she was giving would they be as high as 100 to 1? Rodney tn the meantime, who had opened the epistle and been reading it shouted out: "Hurrah, hurrah! It's from the countess!" They had pinned their hopes to the countess' Parisian skirts, and here she was coming back again in the nick of time. Luck was with them. "What does she say?" asked Mary, much excited, while Peale grabbed the letter and exclaimed in disgust when he had glanced at It. "Oh. French stuff." "She says she was delayed abroad, but that she's due on the Northumberland this morning and that she's coming to see us at 11." "It's half past 11 now," Mary sighed. "Oh, dear. She's late." "Fear not" said Peale. "Remember, though a countess, she is still a woman. Give her time." "Does she say anything about the $15,000?" asked Mary, to which Rodney was obliged to answer, "No." Peale, however, had a hunch everything was going to be all right Unluckily Miss Burke punctured it by entering aud saying Mr. Jones, the ad. man. was here to see him and seemed very angry. "My hunch is wrong," said Peale. "Here's where we take an aeroplane and dig a bole right through the ceil' tog." "Keep a stiff upper Up," Rodney counseled. "Oh, sure, I'm full of starch." Peale retorted. "Good luck, Rodney," said Mary. "Don't worry I've got a way to square him," Rodney answered. They looked forward to the countess and her $10,000. and instead hero was Jones again with his advertising bill. Such were the ways of business lite. A colorless, unprepossessing person enough was Jones, but in truth the soap trio would have been poor Judges of any man's personal magnetism who came on Jones' errand. To them bo was Just the man with the advertising bill. He entered quite boldly, allowing he'd come right in aud sot wait to be told they were all out He was an experienced bill collector. There was nothing to do but receive him bravely. "Why, hello, Mr. Jones, said Rod ney genially, pretending to be quite glad and surprised to see him. "How are you. Jack?" began Peale. He even tried to shake Jones' band, but was thrown off roughly. "Ton may be in the soap business, but cot out the soft soap with ma," was hi unsympethetlo comment "Where's myy money? Have yeu got r "Why r me fact is" Rodney bo tun. ' " ' "That moans yeu haven't" "Well, yeu see"

"Bury the staU. bury it." said Jones brutally. "Do you think you can put me off? You can bet your blooming liabilities you can't I'm going after you good. I think this whole concern is bunk, and Tm on my way to the sheriff now:" ". Rodney grew provoked. "I don't care for that kind of loud talk. Drop it bo said sternly. "Drop it" repeated Peale. . "What?" exclaimed Jones in surprise. "Ha said drop it" repeated peale, ; Rodney stumbled en: ,. - "It's simply that I haren't bad time to examine your bin in detail. This afternoon, however. 1""Old stuff, old stuff." Jones scoffed. : ' But something gave Rodney a saw yaeoivuv -. ; . "Meanwhile." bo went on, "I'll give you a chock for $200 on account," he) said. "I presume that -will be satisfactory, won't it?" "Why -yea sure-. but" Jones stammered, taken aback, and Bodney tuned to Peale and added: "You understand. Mr. Peale, that not a cent of that $90,000 we appropriated tor our October advertising campaign

is to go to him?" "Absolutely," aaid Peal. This was a great word with Ambrose, pronounc- , ed always with a strong accent on the "loot", Jones was impressed. "Now, Mr. Martin, 111 admit I'm hasty tempered. I'm sorry I made a mistake, but a contract is a contract and" he began. "Here's your check- Good day," said Rodney. "But Mr. Martin'V. "Show Mr. Jonas out" Rodney want on to Peale, who obeyed with glee. "Come on. Jack. This way to the elevator," ho said. Poor Mary had observed this seen with renewed dismay. "Ob, dear I" she said. "YouTo only got us into more difficulty. You know there's no money tn'the bank. "But the check won't go through the clearing house until tomorrow morning, and by then we'll have the $10,000 from the countess," protested Rodney. Peale looked at bis watch and wondered where the countess was. "I'll bet she sank In mid ocean," be predicted dolefully. Wasn't that Just the way with money when you wanted it? So things always went it seemed, when they needed cash- They bad looked forward o eagerly and so long to that 50,000 francs, and instead they bad entertained a dun, a very vulgar and demonstrative dun at that. Rodney could not pretend he Ukd such scenes and said so wltb some vigor. Even Peale looked a little sympathetic and forgot to spout his advertising gospel. It was adding Injury to misfortune when a card was preseatiy banded to the president of the 13 So :p company bearing the name of Eilery Clark. How Rodney hated that fellow! He must admit that Ellery had never done anything to him, but he could not bear him. Just the same. He said as much to peale, whose curiosity seemed to be aroused: "Let's have a peek at him," be said. "Take a good look a tiim." said Rodney as Miss Rurke went after Ellery. "and see what father wanted me to he like. Ellery went Into business so must I. Ellery loved work so must 1-" "But Jt wag only his pride la you," said Mary. "Your father didn't want old John Clark constantly rubbing It in about Ellery's success." "I didn't want it rubbed into me either," said Rodney. "Well, this is our chance to impress Ellery," said Peale. "Who knows too? He may have some money " "Meanwhile I'll go call up the steamship office again," said Mary. "Ch. Rodney," she called back, "flnd out how Ellery's doing in business, will you?" Rodney watched her fis she disappeared and was brought to presently by Peale. "You're spoiling that girl she used to be a good business woman. Now half the time Instead of using ber brains she sits and looks at you as if you were some marvelous antique work of art." Rodney laughed -and. as a matter of fact, liked this teasing. Above .ill, it was delicious to his heart to hear Peale say that Mary was In love with him. He did think Mary was beginning to show a little more love for him lately despite their troubles, and Peale's testimony made him glad. He looked up quite good naturedly, only forcing a frown on his face as Ellery Clark came in. Ellery bored him awfully at most times. The truth is John Clark's Ellery was a real pinhead and always would be, overdressed In the latest style, affected, aping the English when he remembered to do so. but ofteoer than not forgetting. "Hollo. Rodney. Mind f 1 come tn?" he called out cheerfully. "I'm very busy today. Mr. Clark," said Rodney coolly. "Oh, I suppose you are," Ellery agreed. "Must take a lot of time to get up your advertisements." Peale pricked up bis ears at this. "You like 'em? I write 'em. My same's Peale," he rattled off, coming over to Ellery, who, however, looked right through him as if he were empty air. That sort of treatment .was lost on Ambrose, who only walked back to bis chair, comically rebuffed, and settled down to the role of listener. "What Is it Mr. Clark?" Rodney went on. "You see. it's like this, old top." said Ellery. "I've been having rather a time with father lately. Silly old men. Of course with a daa like yours, who's perfectly satisfied wltb you. you can't understand that." "No. of course not" said Rodney dryly. "You see. my old man's out of data." JBUery went on. encouraged. "Insisted on the absurd idea of my going nto business beastly bore." "But you wanted to, didn't your asked Rodney. T should say not" "But I thought you loved Wvrk." . "Work? . It's preposterous except for the lower classes. Men of Intelligence go in. for the profeaaiena- I paint." - "You look it" aaid Peolo la a half undo, "I'd heard you were a model eon," said. Rodney.

- At is Eriery opened hts eyes and tared. " "Wh? that's Just what father says about . you," b exclaimed. "Ha say you're a great executive." : ' - "WelL X must admit that burdaeeu Ufa la Tory congenial to me." aaid Rod ney, mussing up eomo papera on bia desk and employing bia rubber stamp rigorously. "Ob, I don't consider it a compliment to' be a success in business! Think of all the blighters who are," declared BUory. "Yes. the bally rotters," Peale interjected, unable to keep still. He had been observing Ellery all this time as if fascinated by this new specimen. Tjneonsctpusly be began to mimic him. If Ellery crossed bis legs he crossed bis. Ha even took bis handkerchief and stuffed it to his cuffs like Ellery. "Father keeps reminding no of your success every day." said Ellery plaintively. "Moat Irritating. Of course he's sore because I haven't bothered mr-h about business. Oh, Pve tackled a thing or two, but luck was against mo Just didnt happen to work out Not my fault you understand." "I should say not. You couldn't bo to blame," came from Peale, who must talk. "Of course if I'd really devoted myself to business." Ellery went on, "but when you know you can do a thing if you want to why bother to do it if it bores your "Good idea that" echoed Peale. Ellery proceeded to explain that bia father had been particularly offensive lately, so that he had decided to give a little time to businees and make a success of it. He could, you know. It wsa really all figured out Ob. quite. He bad things all figured out For the scheme he bad in mind be bad got to raise $7,000, and ho wanted to talk, about it Pealo and Rodney exchanged looks. "I'm Tory sorry. Ellery." Bodney answered, "but money's tight Just now." "But not with you," said Ellery. "The way you're working you must be pretty rich. Heaven knows you ought to be manufacturing soap." "But an my capital Is invested already," explained Rodney. "I cant undertake any outside ventures. Can I, Peale?" "Not with my consent," Peale agreed. "You ought to see our assets and liabilities." But Ellery went right on: "This idea of mine is an automobile proposition. I really need $10,000. and I've only got $2,500." At the mention of this latter sum Rodney and Peale walked over to Ellery at once and stood one on each side of hlru like a state coat-of-arms. Mon-

: ey! They took a good look at him. "Ellery. why do you want to go into the automobile business?" leamn Rodney genially. "It's dangerous unsafe" "The risk's tremendous." Peale corroborated. "El'.ery, our families are old friends." said Rodney. "Now, if you really want to show your father you're a money maker why don't you buy some shares in our company?" "I don't care much about the Idea of being in th soap business," Ellery protested: "rather vulgar." "But you don't have to be in the business." said Rodney eafferly. "Absolutely not." said Peale. "It's a very simple proposition." Rodney began again. "All you do Is invest and then sit still and deposit your checks w.heq we pay dividends." I At the word dividend Ellery gave a pleased smile, "I say. that sounds a bit better." Ellery rrreed. "We're not lettiug the general public in." Rodnov explained. "But it would be such a Joke on your father for you to make money." ; "Yes. wouldn't it?" saiil Ellery. with a vacuous laush. ! "I fancy he'd be ml.ihtv plad I had . pense enouph to go In with you." added Ellery. "But la it n afe InveBtment?" 1 ""Why. we'd ircarnntce vo-.i upninst loss, wouldn't we. Peale?" said Uodj ney. ! "Absolutely," said Peale. wltb a 6trong accent on the "loot." CHAPTER X A Setback. Y ES, here's a statement" Peale went on to Ellery.. taking his pink version of Mary's statement off its file. "Twenty-two thousand eight hundred and eighteen dollars," Eilery read off from it, holding it in bis gloved hand. "And nine cents," added Peale. "That sounds rather ripping.' Ellery ' admitted. "Should I have to do any work?" i "You work? 1 should say not." said Peale. "Of course." added Rodney, "before I can promise to let you in Mr- Peale would have to agree." "Do you agree?" asked Ellery, addressing Peale for the first time. "Ob, yes, I agree I agree!" said Peale perhaps a shade too quickly. "Now, what do you say. Ellery?" asked Rodney, trying not to appear too anxious. Ellery' put the silver bead of his cane in his mouth and sucked at it a long time. ' "I'll do it." be aaid at last "God's in his heaven. All's right with the world," chanted Peale. "Have you the money with you?" asked Rodney, bis heart beating. "Why. bo." aaid Ellery. opening bis eyes. "Then you'll send us a check today?" put in Peale. But Ellery wouldn't set the money until next week. It seemed. . His father hadn't promised it till next Monday. Ho couldn't ask him for It now. you see. Ellery waa afraid be couldn't really. ' His father was out of town. "But ws can't agree to bold the mattar open until next Monday." said RodBey firmly. "No. not till way next Monday." Peale agreed. "Why don't you telephone him?" Tea, that wouldn't be so distressing. Ellery thought If be could get him It would be considerably easier to talk tw him on the phone. He could always ring off.then. '

"Come this way. then. It'll bo quiet er for you if he's noisy," said Peale eagerly, leading him to a booth. "Never mind the social chatter." be added as Mary , came In and Ellery stopped to talk with ber. "Ellery. you don't mind my calling you Ellery. do you. Ellery? You see. Ellery has work to do. be went on for Mary's benefit. "If s very pleasing to find you both' so beastly charming to me." said Ellery.- ' .---,'..-.- ; And that waa a model son, thought Peale. Thank God be was a black sheep himself. That was always the way with money; it waa never in the right bands. - ' ; ' Meanwhile there was still another chance, for Mary Informed him that

"Oh, yeu little life saver." the countess boat had docked three hours ago. "Oh. Rodney, by the way." she asked, "did you flnd out how Ellery's doing?" "He's doing great," said Rodney. "Hasn't made a cent Wanted to bor row some money from me." "Your father would be glad to hear that" she laugned. "Wnere Is our wandering- countess?" sang Peale Just as Miss Burke came In and announced: "The Countess de Bowreen." "By golly, she's entering on the cue." said Peale Joyfully. "We're safe now." said Rodney. "Ob. I do hope so," sighed Mary. Money! It took some maneuvering to manage the coming countess with ber $10,000 and Ellery with his prospective 82.500. They needed either or both of them to cover up that $2,500 they bad handed to Jones. Mary and Rodney dared not think what would happen if new capital could not be obtained In time. Then just as the countess was about to be shown in the capable Ellery stuck bis bead in the door and vowed he could not manage the telephone; he never bad run a switchboard; he was not good at mechanical problems. Mary was told off to ring up bis father for him. and Peale called after ber to bold his band or kiss him anything to leave the floor clear for the countess. Needless to say. the kiss was not suggested by Rodney. Rodney ran to a window and pulled down a shade on which was blazoned: SAVOX TREIZE PAS BON POUR LE SAL He turned round to greet her full of hope. He was sure be could understand anything she said about money He would leave to Ambrose the pleas ant sensation of spending it on advertising. When she finally swept In be met her with a delighted air and kissed her band, which was tbe way in which he bad conceived the part He also aaid bon Jour, twice, and pointed to tbe shade that bore the French advertisement. Rodney could make out also that she inquired if they bad received her letter? Peale bad been listening intently and couldn't keep still. "Oh, you little life saver." he chirped. He. too. kissed ber hand, on Rodney's telling him it was French stuff. She looked like money. Ambrose thought She must have it "Ask her. ask ber!" be whispered to RodLey. "HiiVe you the mney? K- dney asked her nerve usly. thus enjoined. "Eh?' said the countess. "Come on. kid. say yes. say yes." whispered Peale. snapping his fingers. "Vous avex I'argent?" Rodney began. "Out oul. J'ai de I'argent" said tbe ' countess. I "What does she say?" ssked Peale I anxiously. I C7K n ........ . 1 T Ji ! Peale gave a suppressed squeal of delight "The money with you?" Rodney asked again. "OuL J'ai do I'argent lei responded the countess, opening ber bag and taking out a check. "Draft for $20,000." Rodney interpreted swifrjy. "Slip it to me. kid: slip It to me. I'm dying on my feet." cried Peale. as the Countess Jabbered. Rodney explained now tbet be wanted to nend The draft to the bank to get It cashed ; that she was not knows there, and that she would give them their $15,000. "m make a world's record getting It cashed," said Peale. and reached greedily for the check. The countess pulled It back, however, in surprise, and only gave it up again when Rodney explained that his manager waa going over to the bank. Peale grabbed tt, then paused dramatically. . "Say, wait a minute." be whispered hoarsely. ' "What is Itr asked Rodney. "Why don't we stall the countess offTr ajaawested Peafe.

"What for?" asked Rodney. -'"Why. borrow tbe money from ber and keep the whole $20,000 for a couple of days. Get met" -'. What followed this speech sjavo Ambrose Peale one of tbe biggest surprises of bis life. The countess had been watching the conversation eagerly, like a bird, turning her head quickly from Pealo to Rodney as they spoke and looking Tory Innocent and chic. Upon the finale of Peale'a scheme to "borrow' ber money she broke out nto perfectly good American. . "Why. you cheap grafter!" she cried indignantly, with a real Bowery accent V ' "She spoke English T cried Bodney. and the countess suddenly covered her mouth with her hand, realising for the first time that she bad given herself awsy. "Suffering cats! Sbe's a taker Rodney added. The countess agreed, shrugging her shoulders. "So is the draft. Gee, yeu were easy!" "WelL you're frank anyhow," Bodney said to her. "Why not? It's all cold bow." "What was the gams, kid?" Peale asked ber. taking a professional interest T waa going to trim you for the $3,000 change from that draft," aaid the countess. "But why pick on uaT "I didn't start out ta .Too wished It ob yourselves." said the countess. "I came to trim your father. You remember I wanted to see him. But X looked so soft you thought you'd grab me off and sell me tbe French agency of your IS Soap. I didn't think youi father could be as big a boob as you wore, so X changed my plans." .. "Now I'm going to get the cops to get your safd Peale sternly.'-, -I should burst Into UugntarT exftsd the countess. "Why. yon pikers, I'm on. You're busted. Ton barest got say money, and you have got a pbeaty company!" "Now. see here, expostulated Bodney. "Preserve it prsssma ft" the countess interrupted. "Don't forget rvs understood everything you two guys were talking- about." To Rodney aho said: "Kiss ber band; it's French stuff." To PaIs)! "Ah. there, you little life saver." To Bodney: "Tbe money with yeu I'argeot aroc vous? Gee. your French Is rotten." To Peale, who moved away from her: "6baU I kiss berr Then she added after a pause: "Send for tbe cops and 111 blow the whole thing to th papers." 8be rested ber gloved fingers coolly on ber umbrella handle and surveyed the two boys. "Well. I guess we're quits. If you had any money I'd ask for a piece of change to keep me quiet But aa It Is 1 can't waste my time." "You're not French at all? Bodney queried.

"I was educated over there. Immense, wasn't 1? You never tumbled at all." "But'wby tbe foreign stuff V Peslo Inquired. "Well. I can talk good French, but my English is punk." explained the countess. "You won't say anything now?" Rod. ney pleaded. "No. 1 don't nit a fellow when he's down. Anyhow, we're all in the same Three fakes. I'll keep mum if you do. class. Three fakes. I'll keep mum If you do." Oh. money, money! So much for tbe $10,000. Tbe $2,500 was no nearer, as was presently to appear, when Ellery Clark stuck bia lead In tbe door, grinning, and asked see Rodney a moment Peale could

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not help noticing tie change that had come over the eouatennnce of Ellery. "You seem very beastly pleased. Ellery," he said. "Is everything all right about father?" "Oh. yes. ko to siak. In a way." said Ellery. still graining. "What do you nieau so to speak. In a way?" Pi ! duinded. suddeiuy SUspirIov.H. Oh. uiu. uioi.ey! And L ij.lalued. Tbe trouble was thJt . cuu.Jn't get father oa the telepLoue. and that did make it so much e&Utf.. Ellery thought Ho dkl not fancy talking to father about money. That was the truth, and be couldn't gat father U-ause father waa off ob Long Island sound somewhere with bis -yacht and wouldn't be back tUI Monday. Apparently Ellery was relieved by this unavoidable postpone-, ment and so ho grinned and thought It was all right Poor Ambrose, thinking of tbe &300, thouchtjt was aJl wtpryr. . - To Be Continued. .

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