Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-12-08
CHAPTER "


There was no doubt that Felix in
tended to continue passing himself off
as Francis. For how long l was uncer-
tain; perhaps for the rest of his natural
life or until he made Olivia his wife.
In this latter event he could reveal the
fraud with impunity and revert to his
own identity could not help thinking
that he had been informed beforehand
OF the death of his brother, else he would
not have dared to keep up his imposture
with a possible revelation so near at
hand. Even assuming such ignorance, l
had now told him of the death myself and
so strengthened his position. l regret
ted that l had not been more cautious.
l was curious to see whom he would
bring forward as witness to his iden-
tity. Scarcely Olivia, as if she once had
suspicion of the truth she would never
rest until all was cleared up to her salts
faction. hardly thought Felix would
run such risk, the more so as his story
Of losing the pearl ring could not stand
against my assertion that it was on the
finger of the dead man. If he still per.
sisted il. declaring himself to be Fran
els, determined that he should ride
| with me to the Fen inn and there see
the corpse of the man whose name he
had so shamelessly assumed. That
would surely settle the matter
Felix was holder than / gave him
credit for, as his witness proved to be
none other than Olivia Bellin She en-
tered the room with assumed lightness,
but her face was anxious, and she glanc-
ed every now and then at Felix as
though to seek his aid and countenance
He, as was natural, wore a haggard ex-
preston. His nerves were tensioned up
to the highest pitch, matter of small
wonderment, seeing that his life's hap
piness depended upon this interview
What is this strange story you bring.
Mr.. Denham:" asked Olivia. greeting
me coldly. In our best days we were
never overfriendly.
Has not Mr. Rriarfeld told you?''
Il have not had the time" inter-
posed Felix quickly. Beyond few
hints of the truth she knows nothing. -
Mot even that you are Felix Briar-
field?''
Felix" repeated Miss Bellin in sur
prise. But you are making mistake,
Mr.. Denham This is Francis.
$50 he says. ="
You see, Olivia" said Briarfield,
addressing Miss Bellin. "Denham in.
sists upon taking me for my brother Fe.
liz"
How absurd! l assure you. Mr..
Denham. that Felix is in Paris / re.
ceived letter from him only this morn
ing"
impossible, said 1, taken aback by
the authority of her tone.
ut is quite true, she continued hur.
riedly. Excuse me for q moment, and
shall fetch the letter. You must be-
lieve the evidence of your own eyes"
When she left the room, Felix turned
toward ME with a CLEAN of triumph in
his eyes.
Are you convinced" he asked mock.
;ngly.
mo / am puzzled"
Elm what way:'
''To think how you managed to e
that letter sent on from Paris withor
being there yourself.
Against stupidity the gods then
selves fight IL vain, "quOth Felix, shrul
cling his shot lders. II assure you tn;
my brother Felix is in Paris. Miss Be
lin is about to produce a letter receive
from him only this morning, and "
you insist that am not myself and tn;
he whom pretend to be is dead Yc
are mad"
Here is d lsater, said Miss Be
lin. entering ss te.s moment "You Sc,
it bears the date of YESTERDAY. He is
present sIc--,ng at tue Hotel des Etrar