Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 41, Number 159, 22 May 1916 — Page 10

IHisi RICHMOND xtALuaDIVU AiD toUft-TiiLEGRAM, HOBDAY, MAY 22, 1916

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A Real Detective Story by the World's Greatest -Detective. A Fascinating Love Story Interwoven with the Tangled. Threads of .Mystery. Copyright. 1916, W. J. Watt Company. Newspaper rights by International News Service

66rrr v I WO 99 iS'ters Virginia Teifcms Van- dc -Water

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ifi The dinner hour came and v.ent and twice Ellen knocked anxiously upon the door, but Anita, torn with anxiety, would pay no need. She had telephoned to Ramon's office, only to find that he had left there immediately upon receiving her message; to' his home he had not returned. Nine o'clock sounded in silvery chimes from the clock upon the mantel; then ten and eleven and at length, just when she felt that she could endure no more, the front door bell rang. A well-known step sounded upon the stairs, and Ramon entered. With a little gasp of joy and relief she flung herself upon him in the darkness, but at an involuntary groan from him she recoiled "What is it. Ramon? What has happened to you?" Without waiting for a reply she switched on the light. Ramon stood before her, his face pale, "his eyes dark with pain. One arm was in a sling and the thick hair upon his forehead barely concealed a long strip of plaster. "Nothing really serious, dear. I had a slight accident run down by a motor car, just after leaving the office. My head was cut . and I was rather knocked out, so they took me to a hospital. I would have come before, but they would not allow me to leave. I knew that. you would be anxious because of my delay in coming, but I feared to add to your apprehension by telephoning to you from the hospital." "But your arm is it sprained?" "Broken. I had a nasty crash can't Imagine how it was that I didn't see the car coming in time to avoid It. It was a big limousine with several Wen Inside, all singing and 9houting riotously, and the chauffeur. I think, must have been drunk, for he swerved the car directly across the road in my path. They never stopped after they had bow led me over, and no one seemed to know where they went." "Then the police did not get their number?" "No. hut they will, of course. Not that I care, particularly; I'm lucky to have got of as lightly as I did. I have got off as lightly as I did. I "It was a miracle that you were not, Ramon. Do you know what I believe? I don't think it was any accident, but a deliberate 'attempt to assassinate you; to keep you from coming to me." "What nonsense, dear! They were a wild, hilarious party, careless and irresponsible. Such accidents happen every day."

Your Daily Laugh

HOPELESS. "You say you have no references aj a cook. How is that?" "Well, you aee, mum. I've always stayed in wan place until the peopltf died."

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"I am convinced that It was no accident. Ramon, I feel that I am to be the victim of a conspiracy;, that you are the only human being who stands in the way of my being absolutely in the power of those who would defraud me and defame, father's name." , , "Anita,, what dc you mean?" . "Dr. Franklin called upon me this afternoon; he left just before I telephoned to you. He told me an astonishing piece of news. Ramon, would you have considered my father a rich man?" "What an absurd question, dear! Of course. One of the richest men in the whole country, as you know." "You say that he consulted you about his business affairs, and that you knew of no trouble or difficulty which could have caused him anxiety? His securities in stocks and bonds, his assets were all sould?" "Certainly. What do you mean?" "I mean that my father died a pauper! That on the word of Mr. Rockamore. Mr. Mallowe, Mr. Carlis and Dr. Franklin, he was on the verge of dishonorable bankruptcy, into which I may not inquire." "Good Heavens, they must be mad! I am sure that your father was at the zenith of his successful career, and as for dishonor, surely, Anita, no one who knew him could credit that!" "Mr. Rockamore and the other two who were so closely associated with him- made a- solemn promise to my father shortly before his death, it seems, that they would care for and provide for me. They sent Dr. Franklin to me this afternoon to explain the circumstances to me. and to assure me of their protection. Save for you. they consider me absolutely in their hands; and when I sent for you. you were almost killed in the attempt to come to me. Ramon, don't you see, don't you understand, there is some mystery on foot, some terrible conspiracy? That unknown visitor, .my father's death so soon after, and now this sudden revelation of his bankruptcy, together with this accident to you? Ramon, we mast have 'advice and help. I do not believe that my father was a pauper. I know that he has done nothing dishonorable; I am convinced that the accident to you was a premeditated attempt at murder.". "My God! I can't believe it, Anita; I don't know what to think. If it turns out that there really is something crooked about it all, and Rockamore and the others are concerned in it, it THAT OUGHT TO SETTLE IT. Do'you expect to be elected? I ought to be; a careful count sho? that I have kissed 4.763 babies, to 3 51 S by my rival.

will be the biggest conspiracy that was ever hatched in the world of high finance.. You were right, dear, bless your woman's intuition; we must have help. This jnatter must be thoroughly investigated. There is only one man in America today, who is capable of carrying it through, ' successfully. I shall send at once for the Master Mind." "The Master Mind?" "Yes, dear Henry Blaine, the most eminent detective the English-speaking world has produced." "I have heard of him, of course. I think father knew him, did he not?" "Yes, on one occasion he was of inestimable service to your father.' I will summon him at once." Ramon went to the telephone and by good luck found the detective free for the moment and at his service. He returned to" the girl. She noticed that he reeled slightly in his walk; that his lips were white and set with pain. "Ramon, you are ill, suffering. That cut on your head and your poor arm " "It is nothing. I don't mind. Anita darling; it will soon pass. Thank Heavens, I found Mr. Blaine free. He

Copyright, 1916, by the McClure it was rainine hard. Th ti-atm spluttered down the groken pipe and fell into the corner of the shed, right down on the speckled back of the big, fat hen. But Specks did not mind it a bit. Her feet were on a dry chip and the rain ran off her feathers just as if she were a duck. Under her warm wing was a flock of yellow, fluffy balls that peeped and sometimes stuck out their heads to see if the sky were clearing, but the mother gave them a gentle peck that sent them back under cover. Back in a bit of old sack Under an upturned barrel was a tiny . creature, larger thin the little chicks under the mother's wing, but a dull brown and thin of body. Scrawny, scragged and half fed, it dared not come under the wing of the hen that had hatched it, for all; the; room there was now occupiedby the yellow chicks, and the hen herself refused to mother the strange thing which came out of the big egg which.. had been placed among her own in the nest. ' So out alone, half-starved it lived. Getting what it could to eat and sleeping alone in the barrel at night. " "Now, children, I want you to have nothing to do with that odd-looking creature that was hatched along with, you," said the hen. "One must be careful of associates. There is no telling what lt may turn out to'be, and I want you to remember that you belong to the first families in the chicken yard." , So the fluffy yellow chicks strutted acoui when it cleared and turned up

will get to the truth of this matter for us even if no one else on earth could. He has brought more -notorious malefactors to justice than any detective of modern times; fearlessly, he has unearthed political scandals which lay dangerously close to the highest executives of the -land. He cannot be cajoled, bribed or intimidated ; you will be safe in his hands from the machinations of every scroundrel who ever lived." "I have read of some of his marvelous exploits, but what service was it that he rendered to my father?" "I I cannot tell you, dearest. It was very long ago, and a matter which affected your father solely. Perhaps some time you may learn the truth of it." "I may not know! 1 may not know! Why must I be so hedged in? Why must everything be kept from me? I feel as if I were living in a maze of mystery. 1 must know the truth." She wrung her hands hysterically, but he sqothea her and they talked in low tones until W'ilkes suddenly appeared in the doorway and announced: "Mr. Henry Blaine!" (More Tomorrow.)

Newspaper Syndicate, New York. their tiny beaks at the ugly little thing that cowered over in the corner alone. "And I want you also to take heed," called the hen over to the corner, "that you must keep out of the way of myself and my family. I am not responsible for the low eggs vhi(?h may be placed under me when I am setting, but such an ungainly creature as you are could never be my child. In the future we must be strangers. Never speak to me or to my children." So with a loud cluck the hen strutted out into the yard to get the corn a tiny girl was throwing to the fowls. She caught sight of the deserted creature shivering over in the corner. "You poor darlinz." pTrlaimoH i child, taking it up in her warm dress. ine Daa nen nas cast you off. Never mind. I will take care of you." . In ten minutes the weak fowl was in a dry box by the stove in a warm kitchen, and the little girl was feeding it dough and cooked potatoes. How the half-starved thing ate! Then with a sigh of happiness the first it had known in life it hid its head under its wing and went to sleep. From that day on it was given plenty of food and exercise in the front yard, which was full of tender grass. How fast it grew. In three months it was big and fat, and then a wonderful change came. The ugly brown feathers were gone and in their place gleamed every tint of the rainbtw. The fowl, which a few months before had been an ugly, scraggy thing, was now a handsome, plump, beautiful colored peacock. How . the hen envied it now! She would walk by the gate which led to the front yard and look with astonishment on the glittering creature which stepped proudly and spread its gleaming tail amid the lilies and the roses. All who came to the house admired its beauty. -It was. the pride and pet of the family, and not a morning passed- that the girl did not bring it fruit and cake as a treat. So it found that it had nothing to be ashamgd of at "all and was very happy An its pretty home in the front yard with the flowers and the child .to play- about the walks. But the old mother hen never got over the blow to her pride. To think she hart rIIp-MpiI thi3 grand creature whq was now the i

"Well, you see," explained Somerdyke, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes, "I was mean enough to play detective the other day and follow you Into 'Peacock Alley. " I was afraid, that you were, trying to deceive your too. trustful friend meaning me and behold, I was right! I wept for hours at being so grossly " deceived. You really .owe me some reparation for my injured feelings. Please be one obliging little girl and go with me. .Well run across into Jersey and be back by seven, and then we'll have dinner together somewhere." "Oh, I can't!" exclaimed Caryl in dismay. "I really can't. My sister will be at home by six o'clock, and she would be " She stopped, confused at the man's hearty laugh- '.'Oh, coward, coward!" he taunted merrily. "Again afraid of big sister, who doesn't like you ta go out with young men of a desperate character like mine!" "It isn't that .at all!" Caryl flashed back, hep pride touched. "It's none of my sister's concern whp I go with or where I go with him. I was only thinking she wouldn't know where I was and would worry about me." "Well, then," suggested Somerdyke cooly, "if this is your only reason for not going with me, we can settle that easily. Get into my car and I'll drive you to your apartment where you can write a note to loving sister and leave it where she can find it when she comes in. Then we can go with a clear conscience. Please be a good sport, Miss Marvin,' and come with me. I didn't think you would back out on a proposition like this." He had cleverly chosen the words that would appeal most strongly to the flighty mind of the girl. She had always thought it would be wonderful to be considered a good sport by men who. would, accordingly, give her good times. And here was Somerdyke. whom she admired more than she cared to admit to herself, handsome, attractive, winning of speech, beseeching her to do what she wanted to do above all else. The sun was hot and glaring here in the city streets. She thought how bright and pretty the country must appear today.lt would be ideal to ride in that stunning car all the afternoon

i TWIHG, TD WUJBC out ALL TRUE, bird in the hand is worth two U the bush,. ' , A boil on the stove li worth two ori the neck: . 4 man with a pull Is worth two with a push And an ace in the haad la worth two in the deck. HIS CHOICE. "Between the seashore and the aountalns, have you any choice'" "Oh. yes. Between the two, if the istance isn't too great, my first choice I a touring- car." UNATTAINABLE HAPPINESS.' If I could get my wife everythini he wants I'd be perfectly happy. - Shucks. No man ever ts as happy s that proud possessor of a home in the rose garden. "Children," she said one day as she caught sight of the beautiful peacock wandering among the-lilies to find the bits of cake the child had thrown, "it does not do to always judge by appearances. Who would ever have thought that the ugly, thin, brown creature that was .hatched with you would turn out to be the most exquisite fowl on the farm!" Tomorrow's story "Bennie Dog Has the Toothache."

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with such a person as - Somerdyke. With a reckless toss'of her head she made her decision. : - - . "Yes, Mr. Somerdyke," 6h answered lightly, "111 go with you if -you will be very nice, and one on condition." "Good. girl!" Somerdyke exclaimed, his dark, face suddenly eager and ani

Sketches;from;Life.

Forcing Trade

Helen and Warren ; Their Married Life

By MRS. MABEL HERBERT URNER Originator of "Their Married Life," Author of 'The Journal of a Keglected Wife," "The Woman Alone." Etc.

"Cut the squeamish act!" rasped Warren. "You were so blame keen on doing Coney Island, now you're here take things as you find 'em," A badly-focused, flickering picture was running on the screen in the back. The place was rank with the odor of damp clothes and stale i drinks. j "What's the matter?" glaring at Helen's untouched glass which she had pushed aside with a shrug of revulsion. "Nothing, dear; I don't want it, that's all." "Not thirsty or you think it's not clean?" exasperatingly. Helen's limp hat, stringy hair, and wet skirts did not make for amiability, and she answered rather sharply: "I don't Want it! What difference does it make why?" "Makes a blamed lot! I'm dead tired of your infernal squeamishncss. What's good enough for other people, is good enough for you." Just then a fly, balancing on the edge of Helen's glass, slipped in. One glance at the struggling insect, and ; she shoved back her chair. "I'll wait for you out front." i With a snort of rage. Warren flung; some change on the table and followed her. For once. Helen made no at-! tempt at conciliation. She plodded on ! in defiant silence, her wet skirts ' clinging to her ankles. j Stepping into a splashing puddle. ! Warren swore under his breath. By j the time they reached the station, hej was in a fuming rage. One long train, crowded to the doors ; was just drawing out. A wet. ill- i humored, pushing crowd was waiting j for the next. When it finally pulled i in, Helen was swept off her feet in j the mad rush for seats. "Oh, I'm afraid." as she lost her hold on Warren's arm. "Let's get out!" ! It was too late to get out. She found herself wedged in the aisle be-1 tween two rough-looking men. Where! was Warren? She was terrified! j Some one from outside was pounding on the car window. She saw the crooked hSndle of a cane as it beat on the glass! Warren's cane! Then she saw him on the platform, beckoning wildly. The guard was shouting "All aboard." With frantic strength she pushed and beat her way out just as the gates were closing. Her hat crushed, her hair disheveled, she clung to him hysterically. "Not hurt. Kitten? That was a brute of a crowd! Swept you ir ahead of me. Come, we'll take a tai we'll not risk that again!" It was over ten miles to New York and would be an extravagant trip, Helen knew. But somehow just then she did not care.. In. the taxi, his arm around her, Warren drew her to him. "That was a pretty close shave, Kitten. Came near going home by our lonesomes, eh? Oh, take off the old hat." V Her hat off, she rested her cheek on his damp shoulder. As they sped home in the closed

mated. "Name your' condition ' and make it as easy as possible for. a mere man to fulfil." v -"Wait - for rae here,"- Caryl commanded rapidly, "and I'll be back in twenty minutes, add I must get back home tonight at 6 : 30 at the latest" .. ..(More Tomorrow) '

ByiTemple s cab, the rain beating against the winI dows, Helen was throbbingly happy, j She forgot the discomfort of her wet shoes and skirts. She forgot, too. Warren's unreasoning irritability of a few moments ago. It was enough to be held close, to feel his arm about her and his lips against her hair. It was moments like these that Helen lived for. It is not the monotonous level of the humdrum, it is the thrilled moments of some rare tenderness that makes life worth while at least for a woman. GIRL GOES TO FRONT FROM BELLEVUE .:g,,.;:.-Tr:, All Believue hospital. New' York, mourned today for Miss Irene Hyland, the young dietitian, who for six years has seen to it that each patient got just the food that was necessary for his recovery, is to leave today for the battle front in France. She is the first woman dietitian to volunteer for service, and she will go with the Harvard Medical school linit in the British army hospital service. ' :. ,