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"The Black Menace ARTHUR > B. REEVE : i > CHAPTER §' The Chorus Man Werner was almost speechless from the stupefying and blinding tear gas as we bent over him. He could not see and to our ques- tions he could only mumble answers, "What were you doing here?" de- Banded Kennedy, pulling him to his eet, Werner mumbled an answer, but there séemed to he no coherence to it. However, as he came out from the effect of the drugs he was able to stand alone, looking about at us and realizing that at last Kennedy had trapped him, Clare was finishing telling why she had taken a notfon to go about the country on her own resources, fearing that Jack might run into some peril and wishing to be nearby it he did. Again Kennedy began his quiz- zing of Werner, But it was without result, There was nothing in him but defiant silence, "What shall we do with him?" asked Speed, "We don't want to take him back to the city." Kennedy shook his head negative- ly. "No; and besides, I doubt whe- ther we have the authority, I think we'll just about drive over to the country seat at Arcola and have him put under custody." We made ready to get back into our cars, Speed joining Clare, while I took charge of Werner in the back of our own, I understood perfectly what Ken- nedy's scheme was, By tomorrow the sullen lounge lizard might think better of it; perhaps realize that the simplest way out for himself was to turn State's evidence. Even if that did not happen, at least then Ken- nedy might have a chance to ad- minister one of his well-known scientific third degrees. There must be some way to get the truth out of this fellow. Accordingly we drove to the county court h and ded in leav- ing our charge well provided for in the county jafl. Back to the city we trailed, both Speed and Kennedy chiding Clare for her daring, though Freed was secretly very proud of er. We left Clare at her apartment and Speed drove her car around to the garage while we took his. It was late and we lost no time in turning n. It was early in the morning that there was a sudden call for Kennedy on the telephone, and as he answer- ed it 1 gathered that it vas not fay-| orable, "What's the matter " I asked, as he turned from the receiver. "Matter enough," he responded. "Werner committed suicide in jail after we left him last night," It was an astounding plece of news and there was no concealing the disappointment that it caused Kennedy. He had evidently counted on getting something from Werner. Now his lips were sealed. had come to America at the time of 'the. Russian revolution, but why, un- legs it were for American dollars, no one could say. Even since she had been 'here little was definitely known, A certain rather sporty class of society had taken her up, and when- ever she found her popularity wan. ing she had but to appear in some Broadway production or in some ex- otic screen play to win back the mno- tice she was losing, Just now, we found, she had taken it into her pretty head to accept an engagement, to do a number at the revue at the Crystal Palace, Accordingly, that evening, Ken- nedy determined to visit the Crystal Palace again, in the hope of meeting her or, at least discovering some- thing. - : We postponed our visit until quite late In the evening, knowing that it woiild be of no use to go early, and when we arrived, the 11feé of the famous cabaret was in full swing. We had not long to wait, Bresh- kaya gave an exhibition dance and with her was her dancing partner, whom ,we learned to be Brian Thorne, a former chorys man in séveral popular shows, I watched them with interest, and particularly Thorne, For it really seemed as though Breshkaya was more than ordinarily fired by his dancing with her. In faet, she threw herself into the dance with an aban- don that was quite remarkable. After her dance was over she join- ed a gay party of young men and girls at a table in a corner and fit was then that I noticed that Thorne, on his part, was very jealous of her. The more 1 watched Thorne the more interesting and mysterious the chorus man seemed, Kennedy manoeuvred so that we were finally introduced to Bresh- kaya and the party as "Mr. Harper" and "Mr. Gray," [I watched at first to make sure that she did not recol- lect' the night when we had stood in the doorway of her private dining room, questioning her about the dis- appearance of Clare, At any rate she did not betray it. There was no doubt that Bresh- kaya was a "live one" and Ken- nedy was not backward, for he had a purpose in mind as I soon saw. Almost before I knew it she had in- vited us to join her party in a ride that night out on Long Island to a very quiet and select place, where there was always a "sociable game," {a cold bottle and some entertaining guests--the inflection betraying that some ladies would be present. Kennedy accepted and, of course, I followed suit, for I saw that he was determined to investigate the House of Mystery at first band. Thorne, who was at the table, seemed to be a bit ill at ease, and we finally discovered why it was, His engagement at the Crystal Pal- ace involved staying later than the time that Breskaya planned to go, We dressed hurriedly, and after! a hasty breakfast were on our way | by train to the little county seat| where we had left our prisoner the night before. The warden of the jail was as much at sea abput the affair as we were. There could be no question | that the prisoner had been searched | properly the night before. Nor had | there been a chance for anyone to! have obtained access to him. Ken- nedy examined the body as it lay] in the morgue at the jail. There was no doubt that the man had been poi d, and a cl examination might have shown what the poison was, although it was unlikely to do any good in this case. ! Kenendy was examining the man's! clothes, when we heard him utter a slight exclamation. In the inside lining of Werner's coat was a little rip. Kennedy felt inside it and drew out one remaining little white pellet. He broke off just a fragment and tried it on his tongue, making a wry face as he did so. "Evidently strychnine," he re- marked. "Someone must have pro- vided him with it against just such 2 contingency." The death of Werner raised many questions in my mind. Why had he made away with himself? What was the hold the Black Menace had on him? I could but reflect upon the power of the blackmaller and his gang. The day passed without anything of importance happening. Evidently the Black Menace was content to rest while we made the moves, for the present. Suspicious of Breshkaya, Kennedy had imstituted a searching inquiry into her life and career, but with 1it- tle result. It was-knows that she although he promised tc motor out, as soon as he could get away, The trip was uneventful, except for its gayety and the frequent stops at fashionable roadhouses, but at last, at a very late hour, our car pulled up at the door of the House of Mystery, as we had come to 'call it. The butler whom we had noted the previous night admitted us without question and it was evident that Breshkaya was a frequent and wel- come visitor. As we entered, I saw at a glance that it was a perfectly wonderful place, both in its planning as well as fittings. Down the centre ram a wide hall, flanked by richly furnished rooms on either side. Flitting through the heavy portieres which closed off the rooms one caught glimpses of exquisitely gowned ladies and many men in the more sombre evening clothes, Breshkaya lost no time in seeking out thé hostess who presided over this palace of chance. We were introduced to Madame Rene a finely gowned woman, past middle age, but remarkably vivac- ious and still handsome, As she moved about, I could but wonder bow she contrived, in spite of high living, to mould her rather stout fig- ure along the slim lines of the ex- isting styles. However, she did con- trive it, and made a striking figure into the bargain. There was also Monsieur Jacques. He was a heavy-set man, handsome, with dark eyes, a small, dark, close-eurling moustache and a to see us, especially as we came ap- parently so well Inthoduced bX Breshkaya, whem everybody seemed to know intimately and cal- led by her first name, Celia. Nos did they or anyone else ask any in- probably tact- might ask the questions, ly, lest someone else same. We strolled into one of the in which the game was poker. Play was going on, fast and furious, with muh laughter and conviviality, it was that all could not win. The game was at i's , with huge stacks of chips upon the tables, and the players all sayly. ; | i HH J H ESE fiir iii | iid Hil ilps i ii | | : ; : : Fi iif £2 fi i i i £ 4 iz KN § ef Nid : I | : ; { a 4 og I 4 ] i I studfed the faces carefully. This was no ordinary casiho, It 'did not take long to find out that excise laws were held in scant respect here, apparently, Refresh- ments flowed and were ordered at our own or someone else's expense, with utter disregard of money, It was no place for a ptker. Altogether there a luxurious atmosphere, As I looked about, I recalled hav- ing heard before of such temples of chance, but never on a scale that approached this, 'Storfes had crop- ped out of soclety, girls caught in the tolls of such life, matrons afraid te. admit losses to their husbands, men who had become mixed up in Haisons from which they could not escape, Bad as it was beneath the gay veneer, I knew that gambling such as this could only lead to worse evils, As I studied the faces I won- dered what tragedies might be con- cealed behind the sleek exterfors, such places that the tragedies are revealed, They serpentine their slimy way into .the decent places. It is In the homes that the ruined lives, broken family ties and lost honor wreak their worst, It seemed all very risque to me, although I tried to appear at ease | and to think it was quite the usual thing. Now, and then, as Breshkaya fiit- ted in and out she would stop and talk to us, as we chatted with whom- ever happened to be nearest, We had joined the group ahout the ron- lette table and were now 'and then staking something more in a spirit of raillery than anything else, los- ing or winning with equal grace and careful not to get in very deep- ly, as befitted strange moths for the first time buzzing near the candle. Suddenly, I caught sight of Brian Thorne who had evidently just ar- rived and made his way first of all to Breshkaya, I noted also that she was visibly pleased to gee him. He joined the group and soon it was evident that both Thorne and Bresh- kaya, if nothing else, were the life of any party they might consent to favor, I wondered whether that was the purpose of their being there, or whether they might be principals in this venture, Thorne had not been with the group five minutes before the stiffly silent butler moved up and informed him in a low voice that there was a call on the telephone Zor him. He excused himself from us with just a trace of annoyance. It was only a few moments when he returned, but not to the group. He caught the watchful eye of Bresh- kaya and motioned for her to meet him. What was said 1 could not gather, but there was a look of an- noyance on her face also, "It seems that I have scarcely got out here when I must tear myself away," I overheard as he moved out into the hall where the butler had brought his coat, hat and stick, which he had called for already. Breshkaya's answer was inaudible though she plainly did not want him 0 go. Still, there was something strange about her solicitude. The message, too, was mysterious. Thorne left quickly in his car and Breshkaya was not the same gay per- son after that. There was some- thing forced about even her smile. As they talked, Thorne seemed to be trying to reassure her, to pro- mise her something. Almost it seem- ed as if there were some bond be- tween them as near akin to love as two such sophisticated persons might feel. (To be continued) Reformer (Continued from page 1) and he looked for further develop- ment. "We want you to feel that we are your friends, members of the same organization and if we can be of any help to you in solving your own problems we will always try to be of service," continued Mr. Ross. In conclusion he announced that dur- ing the winter the management in- tended to entertain the staff and their wives to another 'such gather- ing as was held last night. "I have never known such com- radeship and fellowship as is foun among this staff," said Mr. MacKay, "and my hope is that we will war- rant the same support as you have given the previous proprietors." Other numbers on the program were a song by Mr. J. Dunn, readings by Mr. R. B. Cowan, solos by Mr. J. J English, a quartette selection by the Misses F. Lobb, R. Vokes, IL. Southwell and F. Humm, and a few remarks by Mr. G. A. Martin. Mr. LI E. Clancy, superintendent of the » was an excellent toastmaster. During the dimmer music was fur- nished by the Cox orchestra while the singing of popular songs, with Mr. Hawley Byron at the piano in- terspersed the several addresses. The gathering closed with the hearty singing of 'Auld Lang Syne, and cheers for the old, and mew Proprietogs. i Awards Paving Contract To Warren Co. The Whitby Town Council has awarded the contract for paving Brock street to the Warren Paving Company. The tender was for $65,- 677, which is $7,000 less than the es- timated cost of the work. Two other companies entered temders--the As- phaitic Concrete Comapny bidding $69,600.50, and the Standard Paving Company, $68,469.63. Work on the jas the necessary comstruction by-law . 'This will likelm be about . Brock street will be paved south to the Grand Trunk sta- tion and morth to within a few blocks of the Canadian Pacific sta- tion. The Provincial Govemmemnt will pay a portion of the cost. Nou Should Preserve Foult of This v and Price The prices ave so reasonable and the quality so high, of the peaches and plums now on the market that you should preserve an extra supply. The best varieties of preserving plums ave now obtainable, together with Craw- ford . The mark of the Niagara Peninsula Growers, Limited, on contain- ers stand for cavefully packed, evenly graded fruit. . OSHAWA, ONTARIO, "SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER. 2, 19 for it is never in the bright light of | ievening in charge | Miss Affine Ls ik At New Martin Theatre, Mon RZ "UNDER CRIMSON SKIES: fd day, Tuesday and Wednesday News (Continued from page 4) EBENEZER Mrs. Edwin Worden left Friday morning for an extended visit with her son and daughter in Ottawa, Mr. and Mrs, Wilflong, were Sunday guests at Mrs. borne's Miss Mary Rundle, spending a week with Hazel Rundle, Toronto, J. Os- Hampton, is her cousin, and Mrs. Mansell Ashmore, Lindsay, were guests of Mr, and Mrs. A, E, Rundle, Miss Mae Wade has returned home | after spending a two weeck's vacation with her grandfather Sulley, at Zion The Mission Circle held a very en- joyable picnic at the beach on Thurs- day last, swimming and baseball being the chief pastimes for the day. Miss Madeline Courtice visited friends in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Arnott and Ber- nice, visited her mother here. Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Rundle and sons, Toronto, spent Sugday with Mr and Mrs. R. C. Pearce. Mrs. Sam Vinson and family are improving micely, after their recent illness. | Mr. Eber Wright, of Detroit, visit- ed his aunt Mrs. Thos. Oke Mr. Raymond and Miss Marion] Stone, Oshawa, called on friends on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Grills sundayed with his parents at Winona. recently A number of the Courtices picnick- ed at the lake on Friday. Sunday services were well attend- ed. Pastor Boyce delivered two splendid sermons. ENNISKILLEN League meecting on Wednesday of Fourth Vice President, Mr Harvey McGill. After Bible lesson, a helpful topic on "The Prayer of the Penitent" was given by Rena Bentham A patriotic duet was given by Miss Alma and Mr. Gordon Werry; reading by Mr Frank Dorland. Miss Nora Werry and Master Geo. Werry, Solina, were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Werry. SOLINA Visitors: Mr. Fred VanNest, Mr. Verne Hoff, Miss Marion VanNest, Toronto, at Mr. N. E. Wright's* Mr. and Mrs. J. Baker and family at To- ronto; Mis Marguerite Wright at Toronto: Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Werry at Oshawa: Miss Jeaa Kennedy, Sarnia, and Miss Jean Switzer with Miss Margaret McKessock: Mrs. Thos. Pascoe. and. Miss Margaret, Hampton, at Mr. A L. Pascoe's; Mrs. W. R. Henders and daughter, Fran- ces, and Mrs. Kirby, Winnipeg, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Wright, Jean and Irene, Providence, Miss Ada Wight, Edmonton, and Mr. Harvey Wight, Hughenden, Sask., at Mr. John Baker's: Mrs. J. Reynolds at Guelph: } rrers. The next regluar meeting | Will be held 'in the Sunday School on Saturday, Sept. 23rd. Be sure girls, to come and try to get another young girl to join the class, We are very sorry to lose the Cop- per family, They have sold their place and intend moving in a couple of weeks, | Don't forget the Unity Club on Thursday evening, Now the evenings are getting cooler we hope to see a good attendance again, Miss Alberta Dennis has returned | home from Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. J. Ashmore, and Mr, | Mr. Hamilton Collins had a very successful auction sale last Wednes- day afternoon, Miss Emma Fice and her sister, Mrs. Roy Terwilliger, have gone to Rochester for a week. . Misses Ruth and Margaret Gallet- ly spent Sunday with Mrs, H, Val- lant. Miss Manuel, of Utica, is spending a few days with Miss Katie Lindsay. The services were taken by Mr. Taylor on Sunday evening. He gave a fine address. Mrs. Walker, of the Salvation Army will preach next Sunday 'evening. Mrs, Wigker is a very able speaker and takes great interest in her work. We are glad to report that Mr. Henry Dearborn is doing nicely and will soon be able to be around again. Mr. Stanley Dennis has accepted a position with the Genaral Motors. Mrs. Tom Solomon, Jr., spent the week-end in Toronto and Richmond Hil. Mr. S. Hoy, of Kendéll, spent a few days with his sister, Mrs. Tat- tersaul. We are glad to report Mr. Barrett is improving. Miss Pearl Solomon her vacation in Toronto, Miss Hazel Van Dyke has left to commence her duties at Grace Hospi- tal, Toronto, where she will train for a nurse. Mrs. Thos. Solomon was at Linton's, Taunton, on Monday. Miss Esther Dennis is visiting her sister, Mrs. Groat Mr. Robert Scott is improving his building by clapboarding it. All the farmers around 'this burg are wishing for more rain. It would help the crops a lot and also lay the dust Miss Esther Dennis is in Toronto for a couple of days. is spending Mrs. 23 o> '" THORNTON'S CORNERS The continued dry weather is quite discouraging for the plough hands, but many from around here are al- tending the Toronto Exhibition. Miss Dora Dyes, of Shannonville, Is visiting at Mr, E. Pasgoe's. Misses Glenda and Treme Connor, of Toronto, are spending a few days with Mr, and Mrs, A, Dean. Miss Elva Miles, who was quite ill, is slowly improving. Miss Leta Pascoe is visiting -with friends in Toronto. Master George Lofthouse is spend- ing his holidays with friends and re- latives in the city. Mr. and Mrs. F. K, French asd Miss Olive, motored (0, and visited 'with friends in Locust Hill and Milliken last Sunday, Mss Ada Cobin, of Oshawa, visited with the Misses Lucy an Jean Barlow, The Scouts held a corn and weiner roast last Thursday evening on the play grounds, and a very good at- tendance and excellent time is report- ed, Two large kettles were constant. ly in use for cooking and the old time camp fire provided plenty of enjoy- ment for both young and old. A large number' of young people and Mr, E. Lick, teacher of the girl's class in 8.8, held a picnic lass Wed- nesday on the grounds of" Mr. H. Dearhorn's home in Columbus, A pleasant time was spent by all and the ideal weather was espeially enjoy- ed. Mrs, West and child, of Oshawa, are spending a few days with Mr, and Mrs. Jas. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Robinson anc family spent last Sunday with friends in Courtice, School opens Tuesday, Sept. 6th, with Miss Doris Palmer of Trenton, as teacher. Mrs. Ratz and children, of Oshawa, visited this week with Mr. and Mrs, D. O. Donnell, MYRTLE Mr. Oscar Downey and family are enjoying a motor trip to the Niagara Peninsula. Mr. Len. Pilkey spent Saturday and Sunday in the City. Mr. Claughton has been appointed manager of what is known as the Me- Brien farm, and will move there with his family as soon as he has settled his business affairs in Raglan. Smith Bros. recovered part of the roof of Mrs, Bateman's residence last week. Evidently they believe in ad: vertising, as they wrote their initials and the date clearly enough thereon, so that he who runs may read. Myrtle and Ashburn played a foot- ball game in Carmichael's field Friday evening, resulting in a win for the lat- ter of 2--0. Unfortunately, a Mr. Williams was accidently hurt during the game, having one knee so badly wrenched that he will be laid up for some time. DUTY DANCING . Detroit Free Press: Dancing is like everything else--when it be- comes a duty there's mighty little pleasure in it. v BALED HAY MUST BEAR: A* LABEL --New Law Is' Approved By Produce Men Oshawa produce men and handlers of baled hay are all agreed that the recent legislation which was passed making it obligatory on balers of hay to place their names and addresses and the weight on each hale of hay they produce, is law-making in the right direetion. This new act will come into force on January 1, 1023, and under it a fine of #5 may be im- posed for each bale not properly marked. From what has heen learned of the act the handlers and balers of hay in this section are satisfied that some such labelling should he made neces- sary. Mr. J. L. Whattam, of the firm of Hogg & Lytle, which handles the baled product, speaking to The Re- former expressed himself as being strongly in favor of the measure, The Canadian Hay Dealers' Associ- ation has adopted a standard tag by means of which it will be possible to tell at a glance the quality of hay in the bale, which would greatly facili- tate handling and storing, besides identifying the baler, should any complaint be received. As regards the penalty attaching to those putting foreign matter 'into any bale of hay intended. for gale the law provides: "Any person who puts any foreign matter into any bnle of hay intended for sale, which im- properly increases its weight, or wich prejudicially affects the quality of the hale, shall, on summary convic- tion, be liable to a fine not exceeding $100," With respect te the adultera- tion of straw the fine is set at $25. Chronic Constipation "Relieved Without the Use Laxatives You cai wie sweet milk, sour milk, buttermilk or water with | Grapes From the en of Canada T. Rundle's, also Bill Rundle, Maple | Grove; , Messrs. Hilton and Clarence | Tink at Newcastle: Miss Nora Wer- ly at Bowmanville, | Mr. and Mrs. R. J. McKessock were at Kedron Sunday night when Mr." McKessock gave a missionary ad-| Miss Vera Baker visited at Oshawa. Messrs. George Gibson and Harold | Jebson have gone west to help gath- | er in the big crop. | Mr. T. A. Brown, Ottawa Normal Schipol, gave a good sermon here on Sunday on "Sin and Its Conse-| quences." The Saskatoon Daily Star has a| sweet photograph of little Miss fMar- guerite Baker, daughter of Mr. Ar- thur Baker, and granddaughter of Reeve Thomas Baker, Solina. Mar- guerite is eight years old, and has led her class passing from junior third to senior third, obtaining 90 per cent. or more on every subject. NORTH OSHAWA Miss Hilda Barrett has returned home after a pleasant vacation with friends in Orono, Messrs. Norman and Jim Sowney and Alfred and Arthur Wray have gone to Winnpeg for the harvest. Miss Greta Solomon is spending a few days in Toronto with her aunt, Mrs. Harve. The Willing Workers' Class met at the Sunday School on Saturday af- ternoon to continue their organizing. The meeting was opened by singisg "Brighten the corner where you are." Three more committees were jappointed as follows: Program com- 'mittee, Misses Hilda Barrett, Katie | Lindsay, Esther Dennis: social com- mittee, Misses Eileen Scott, Hazel {Vallant; Get One committee, Misses {Greta Solomon, Katie Lindsay, Hilda Mr. and Mrs L. C. Pascoe at Mr. J Ready at Your Dealers Grapes from the Niagara Peninsula, famed for their flavor, are ready. The quality of the crop is finer than for several seasons past. The early blue varieties now on the market are fine for jelly or jam. Order from your grocer or fruit dealer. Prices are reason- able, so you can afford to have all the grapes you want. Look for the stamp of the Niagara District Growers on the baskets. It stands for grapes of better quality, carefully graded and packed. NIAGARA DISTRICT GRAPE GROWERS LIMITED ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO " = = =F a ee