knows all about my baby! She was born in his home. And you'll make real trouble for yourself if you tell him you were the baby's father.”

"That's not the news I have in mind." He thrust his face nearer mine.

When he narrowed his eyes like that, I wanted to scratch them out of his head. For a fellow who was handsome there were times when he could look so ugly it was revolting. His features remained handsome, but when his expression became mean and vile, he appeared really hideous. I looked away from him.

Then I felt his fingers clenching my shoulders. His nails were tearing the cloth of my pink dress. And he forced me to look back at him.

"Melba," he said in what sounded like a smooth growl. "I can really blast you where your husband's concerned."

"Let go of me He let go of my shoulders and grasped both of my wrists. He bent my elbows and pushed my clenched

!"I tried to wrench away from him.

fists up under my chin.

"Melba'll give herself the knock out blow." He laughed his nastiest laugh. "Or have you forgotten what I've got on you? Has marriage made you forget Jan and the freak stuff you used to go for?"

I felt every drop of blood in my body heating at mention of Jan's name. Then realization of what Bob implied reached me.

"No!" I cried out. "You mustn't tell Granger about Jan and me.

"Maybe I won't," he said. "Or maybe I will. Melba, it all depends on you.'

"What can you gain by hurting Granger?" I asked desperately.

"The fun of seeing him turn on you,' "Bob said. "The little unwed mother he made his lawful wifeturns out to be a queer! Can't you imagine Granger's

face when I hit him with that news?"

“Bob—” I said, trying to control the overwhelming urge I had to tear him to bits. "I'll not let you do this to Granger."

"How can you stop me?"

"I'll find a way.' 9.9

"Not likely. Without killing me."

"That's an idea!"

"You aren't the murdering type," he said, sure of himself.

"If you tell Granger about Jan-I'll say you're a liar," I threatened.

"Look at you!" Bob let go of my wrists and flung me from him. "Trembling all over. Your face flushing, and your pulses pounding in your throat."

"I despise you!"

"Sure. But that's not what makes you tremble. That's not a temper flush. And those pulses" He paused momentarily.

I tried to steel myself for the truth I expected Bob would speak. And he spoke it.

"All the excitement began when I mentioned Jan's name."

I couldn't deny that.

He threw back his head and laughed.

I just stood before him, shaking all over, burning hot, and with pleading in my eyes. "Please Bob-"

He guffawed. "Imagine denying being the way you are about Jan-when you react like this. You couldn't convince a fool. And Granger is plenty smart. Just unsuspecting."

"If I paid you-money-if-”

"Hell with that," Bob said. "From you I want just one thing. When I whistle come running.

"I'll treat you politely when ever we meet socially," I said. "That's all."

"Live in worry!" He made an ironic gesture of toss-