"

"We were--once," sobbed Helen Baldwin. "But that's all over. I did
him a wrong. I never loved him--that way--and it's all my fault he's
in trouble now."

Betty Tabor's heart leaped with a joy that overwhelmed all other
emotions. Her cold attitude toward Helen Baldwin changed, and, sinking
upon the seat beside the sobbing girl, she put her arm around her.

"There, there," she said comfortingly, as a mother might, forgetting
that Helen Baldwin was older that she. "You must not blame yourself.
Try to tell me what happened last evening. Perhaps we may know what to
do."

Slowly, with interruptions by hysterical moments, Helen Baldwin told
the story of her unconscious part in the conspiracy; of her alarm for
the safety of McCarthy; how she had sent for him and warned him, and of
Swanson's telephone call.

"You'd better go home, dear, and rest," Betty said finally. "There is
nothing we can do. The men will have started the search early this
morning and notified the police. He will return."

Helen Baldwin, calmed and reassured by the brave pretense of the
younger woman, prepared to go home. Betty Tabor assisted her to
rearrange her disordered fair hair, murmuring her admiration for it as
she worked. For the first time a smile came to the troubled face of
Helen Baldwin, and when she was ready to go she kissed Betty and held
her at arm's length.

"You're very good and unselfish," she said in low tones. "I hope you
and he are very happy."

"Why, Miss Baldwin," exclaimed Betty, blushing, "there is nothing
between us. He is scarcely a friend"----

"I know, dear," replied the taller girl, kissing her again. "He is a
very good and lovable boy, and very impetuous. He really loves you."

She smiled a trifle wanly and turning, left the room.

Betty Tabor turned with a sigh, just in time to see Mrs. Clancy making
violent gestures through a small crack in the door.

"You didn't ask her," exclaimed the exasperated Mrs. Clancy. "You
didn't ask her!"

"Ask her what?" inquired Betty in surprise. "You heard what we talked
about?"

"Every word. I listened shamelessly," replied the manager's wife.
"'Tis my curiosity will kill me. You didn't ask her one word about who
McCarthy is. And she knows all about him!"

"I didn't think--I forgot," said Betty, hurrying to gather her work and
belongings in preparation for leaving.

"Where are you going, child?" asked Mrs. Clancy.

"I'm going to dress and get an a