The Chase of the Golden Plate

dancers as they whirled by. A light hand fell on his arm-he started

t, Dick,

as-well, they were blue eyes. An envious mask hid cheeks and brow, but above a sombrero was perched arrogantly on crisp, ruddy-gold hair, flaunting a tricoloured ribbon. A re

mask hid che

ou know me

u can never hide yourself behind

hed his chin wit

at," he rema

you se

N

one hand lightly on his arm; h

ing ready?"

r quickly. His voice, to

come in t

es

the c

nt the Burgl

ket?" he

casket. Did you

he Girl returned his steady gaze for an instant, then her eyes dropped. A fa

got it,"

quickly, and her white

a few minutes, won't

e so," he

id, "because-because I think there is som

at?" demande

e might hear. Here are some people coming now that I'm afraid of. They know me. Meet

er than that in his eyes. He was turning away toward the conservatory when he ran into the arms of an o

at's a swell rig you g

polite astonishment-perhaps

t," he said cold

straight, sharp line. He had seen the lumpy individual speak to another man, indicating generally

whispered hurriedly. "They sus

urglar grimly. "That's why

e?" gaspe

ive disguised

e watching us w

hom the lumpy individual had spoken coming towar

want to go with

" she repli

making no

e said again. "But

alone toward the front door. Pass out as if to get a breath of fresh air. I'll follow in a minute. Watch fo

fingers as he stared out into the ballroom. The Girl clung

" she confessed.

we'll both be caught. Go on now, and do as I say.

t more the Girl

she whispered. Then, tu

e crowd. Finally she passed beyond his view and he sauntered carelessly toward the door. Once he glanced back. The

move," the Burglar

y at him. The host, with a sudden gesture, tore

man!" calle

ows general astonishment-and the Burglar ran for the door.

med the Burglar excitedly. "Th

went through. The Girl was wa

he dragged her along. "Climb in

ut of the house. Wonderingly her eyes followed the vague figure of the Burglar as he sped along

im!" ca

t with a clatter, and leaped. The auto swayed as he landed

hey're coming!"

whirred and panted an

l fire," came

mmanded th

n, bending low over the wheel, he gave the car half power. It leaped out into the road in the pa

ar sp