“It is a bad neighborhood for well-dressed people, particularly ladies,” said the young man, smiling. “These thugs would knock you down and steal your pocket-book in a jiffy.”
“How dreadful!” said Marion, clutching Miss Gray’s beautiful purse a bit tighter; “but I am afraid I have lost my way, I am going to Police Headquarters.”
The young man looked surprised, but he answered very pleasantly:
“You have, indeed, but I can soon set you right. I am bound for that neighborhood myself, and will be glad to escort you if you will allow me.”
Marion looked up at him shyly before she answered. As their eyes met she blushed deeply with a delicious sensation of pleasure. He was smiling down at her so sweetly and with such honest admiration that her heart went out to him instantly—she knew that she could trust him.
CHAPTER IX.
THE PICTURE ON THE POSTER.
“My dear Miss Marlowe, I would certainly tell the Chief of Police every word that you have just told me! Why the thing is infamous! I can hardly believe it!”
“Yet, it is true, every word, and I am glad I have told you, Mr. Ray! Some way you have given me courage by your unexpected sympathy. Yet it is strange that I should have made such a confidant of a stranger.”
“You can trust me absolutely, my dear young lady! I would scorn to deceive any man in the world, much less a young girl who needs my friendship and protection.”