[CHAPTER I.]
The Tragedy of the Maternity Home.
A young reporter for a great Chicago newspaper was sent by his city editor into the heart of the "red light" district to investigate a murder at one of the city's brothels.
The trail of the story led the reporter into one of the most notorious dens of the city, the "E—— club." This home of vice is located in a three-story stone mansion. Around it radiates the elite of the district. It is owned by two sisters, immensely wealthy, who have made their fortune through the barter of girls' souls.
A negro butler attired in livery admitted him into the reception room of this gilded den. Velvet carpets that sank beneath the feet covered the floors. Massive paintings by old masters were on the walls. The gilded ceilings radiated the glare of vari-colored lights which studded it.
From the silver dance-room came the sound of soft music, interspersed with the discordant laughter of drunken men and girls.
In a few seconds a woman entered the reception room. She was prettily clad in a flowing silk gown. Her mass of black hair was wreathed about her head.
As she met the gaze of the reporter she started, and fled, as though terrified, from the room. The recognition had been mutual.
In the face of the fallen woman the reporter had seen the features of an innocent girl who had been a playmate of but a few years before.