sister is nearly wild."

As Burke marched down the steps, carrying the rescued one, a big crowd
of jostling spectators raised a howl of "bravos" for the gallant
bluecoat. The nature of this evil establishment was well enough known
in the neighborhood, but people of that part of town knew well enough
to keep their information from the police, for the integrity of their
own skins.

Mary had been kept inside the automobile with difficulty; now she
screamed with joy and sprang from the step to the street. Up the stone
stairs she rushed, throwing her arms about Lorna, who greeted her with
a wan smile; she had strength for no more evidence of recognition.

"Here, chief," said the chauffeur of the hired car to Burke, "I always
have this handy in my machine. Give the lady a drink--it'll help her."

He had drawn forth a brandy flask, and Burke quickly unscrewed the
cup-cap, to pour out a libation.

"Oh, no!" moaned Lorna, objecting weakly, but Burke forced it between
her teeth. The burning liquid roused her energies and, with Mary's
assistance, she was able to sit up in the rear of the auto.

"Take another, lady," volunteered the chauffeur. "It'll do you good."

"Never. I've tasted the last liquor that shall ever pass my lips,"
said Lorna. "Oh, Mary, what a horrible lesson I've learned!"

Her sister comforted her, and turned toward Burke pleadingly.

"Can I take her home, Bob? You know how anxious father is?"

Captain Sawyer had come to the side of the automobile. He nodded.

"Yes, Miss Barton, the chauffeur will take her right up to your house.
Give her some medical attention at once, and be ready to come back with
her to the station house as soon as I send for you. I'm going to get
the ringleader of this gang in my net before the day is through. So
your sister should be here if she is strong enough to press the first
complaint. I'll attend to the others, with the Federal Government and
those phonograph records back of me! Hurry up, now."

He turned to his sergeant.

"Put these prisoners in the other automobile and call out the men to
clear this mob away from the streets. Keep the house watched by one
man outside and one in the rear. We don't know what might be done to
destroy some of this evidence."

The automobile containing the two girls started on the glad homeward
journey at the Captain's signal. Bobbie waved his hat and the happy
tears coursed down his face.

"Well, Captain, I've got to f