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222 Bliss much trouble before aid came to her. Indeed, he might even notify Montague Smith, and have her removed to other quarters.

"What is your name?" he asked of the girl, as he confronted her in the lower hallway.

"Mary Ardell, sir," she replied, with some hesitation.

"You are alone in the house?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, now, Mary, if you wish to avoid trouble with the police, you will say nothing of my visit here to anyone," went on Franklin, in a commanding tone, for he saw that the girl was one to be easily influenced.

"Oh, dear, sir, I haven't done anything, sir!" she cried, in alarm.

"I know you have not, and I wish to keep you out of trouble. Will you promise to say nothing of my visit here to Mr. Fipher? Mrs. Bliss will keep silent concerning it."

"But what's going to happen, sir?"

"That I cannot tell you. But you had better do as I say if you wish to keep out of trouble."

"Sure and I want no trouble! If my month was up I'd leave to-day, sir!"

"I would rather you would stay. And Mary, if you will befriend Mrs. Bliss a bit, I will see to it that you are well rewarded."

"Thank you, sir, and you won't get me into any trouble?"