Picture Stories Magazine (Sept 1914-Feb 1915)

308 JAILBIRDS. versation she awaited her opportunity and deftly extracted the jewel. Resuming her seat with a conventional excuse, she pointed to a painting on the far side of the room, and, as all heads turned to look, she slipped the brooch into the pocket of Audrey's coat hanging over the back of a chair. Then the chatter resumed, and shortly after a horrified cry broke from one of the guests. " My brooch ! It has been stolen ! " People jumped to their feet amazed. Waiters ran about confusedly, helplessly. In the midst of the hubbub the manager approached the now hysterical woman. He heard the particulars from Dupree, then the other guests, and at once instituted a rigorous search. Audrey came last. The jewel was found in her coat pocket. Indignantly she disclaimed all knowledge of the affair, but despite her protests she was arrested. Dupree had intended to get away with Audrey, and later extract the brooch, leaving Mrs, Carson to still entertain, but the loss had been discovered before he could carry out his plans. McFarlane had witnessed the whole affair, and now rushed up to the group, "That girl is innocent," he shouted, pointing to Audrey. I saw that woman commit the theft ! " indicating Mrs. Carson. Audrey stood petrified — she had recognised Robert. Mr. McFarlane, thank you," she managed to gasp out. "Don't worry, Audrey; I will see to this," he returned easily. There was nothing for it but for the whole party to go to the police station, and off they went. Once inside, the chief subjected all to a searching cross examination. McFarlane "npHE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY" -■■ is the title of the great serial which Thanhouser Films, Ltd., will commence releasing early in January. The picture has already met with considerable success in America, where it was produced, and there is every sign that it will be equally as successful in England. The story is in 23 episodes, each a complete incident in itself, and ftom beginning to end it brims over with excitement and thrilling scenes. Every efiFort has been made to prevent the story from "dragging" atany period, and the producers have evidently realised that the success of a film serial, like a magazine or newspaper serial, depends entirely upon making every instalment of more than usual interest. The photography and acting throughout is superb. Miss FLORENCE LA BADIE is the heroine of the stated his case against the "crooks" lucidly and decisively. His testimony concerning the theft carried weight. Dupree and Mrs. Carson were formally arrested. One of the police had been scrutinising McFarlane, and suddenly held a whispered consultation with his chief. A book of photographs was produced and several extracted. There was no mistaking one large photograph. It was McFarlane in convict garb. The chief knew they had found their man. Two officers approached, and in a flash McFarlane was handcuffed, "You are Robert McFarlane, the escaped convict ! " said one of the officers. "It is of no use denying that fact," answered McFarlane. " But look to those two criminals I have discovered — they will escape you yet." Dupree and Mrs, Carson were edging towards the door to make a final dash for liberty. They were pounced upon and dragged back. Their bid for escape proved their undoing. Mrs. Carson broke down and confessed to many thefts, Dupree stood speechless with rage and mortification. After a long consultation McFarlane was paroled and Audrey released. Outside he told her the whole miserable story of his incarceration and his escape, and the events leading up to it. Audrey listened compassionately, and together they reached her quarters. They planned to return to the old Western home. McFarlane was eventually pardoned for his services in bringing two criminals to book. Audrey does not worry any more about publishers. She went into partnership with Robert, and filled that gap in his life for which he had long craved. story, and JAMES CRUZE and MARGUERITE SNOW also appear prominently in the cast. A big cash prize will be offered for the best alternate solution of the mystery to the solution which will be given in the last episode of the picture ; and one of the prominent London weekly journals will print the story in serial form. J WARREN KERRIGAN and JACQUES • JACCARD are authors of " The Dreamer," recently produced, with the former playing the title role of a Western j'oung man. By caring for a friendless Indian the young Westerner learns of a valuable deposit of gold, and is thereby able to secure sufficient wealth to search for his father, estranged from the mother, and a happy re-union follows. George Periolat, Mrs, Benson and Vera Sisson play prominent parts.