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 74

FLAMING

YOUTH

quences,” she said without defiance, but as one who enun-

ciates a principle of life. “The consequences? Of this?”

“If necessary. shrank, tritely.

It isn’t the first time.”?

He winced and

“Ah, I’m sorry if that hurt you!” she cried con-

“Never mind. There are others than me to be thought of.” “You do the thinking, Bobs. I’m not up to it.” “T will.” “That’s like you,” she murmured gratefully. ‘Where are you supposed to be staying?” “At the Barhams’, on Walnut Street. Only Sue is at home.” “Can you arrange it with her?” “To back up my lies? Yes; Sue will stand by.” It was characteristic of Mona Fentriss that she should use the short, ugly, and veracious word. “Then I shall take you to a Philadelphia hospital.” “Am I as bad as that?” “Tt’s the simplest way to cover the trail. You were taken ill at the Barhams’;

you

wired

for me

to avoid

alarming the family, and I had you transferred to the hospital. But there’s a risk.” “Of being trapped?” “Not that so much. Of bringing on another attack.” “You'll be with me, won’t you?” “Yes. We'll get a car and take you over.” “Then

I’m not afraid,” she said trustfully.

“But—

‘we’; do you mean that Sid is going along?” “T supposed you’d want him.” TI -don’t.”

Wise though he was in human nature, Mona was always surprising Osterhout.

He made no comment, but went