Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-09-08
Continued.

There were few gasps for breath
a sligo. struggle as If for air, and
| the young countess lay still and
motionless as death.
A few seconds elapsed, then the
door was softly opened. and Valerie
stole in. She moved on tiptoe to
the bed.
YES" she muttered; "it has
worked well. She will sleep well to-
night. Friend-a friend to this
poor puny thing! | am her enemy,
as she will soon discoyer-to the bit
ter end"
| She crept back to the door, and
beckoned without a word to another
form.
In an instant Count Jura was in
the room. CHANGING anxiously and
hurriedly round, his eyes fell on the
safe that contained the diamonds.
He opened it, and took out the case.
Must you take those?" murmured
Valerie with knit brows.
He nodded.
Glow else can we throw shame on
her? Have no fear. Though these
go, you will soon have others from
the earl"
Her face flushed.
Count Jura moved to the bedside
and turned the inanimate face, lovely
In its pallor, round, lifting the form
gently in his arms.
You have given her enough" he
muttered.
"Will it kill herr" asked Valerie
In low, eager whisper.
He shook his head, and a wave Of
contempt passed over his face.
mo; she will live. but she is out
of your path forever"
What will you do with herr"
ASK no questions" retorted the
man fiercely. II have served your
purpose-leave the rest to me-"
II want to know nothing, except
that ] am free Of her" Valerie an
swered with a sheer.
II will answer for that. She will
be in my hands, and cannot escape
me-"
SomS MUMMY. 7lohC
this cloak and hat. 1t will look as
If she had planned everything. The
window must be opened, or they will
detect the chloroform."
While she spoke Valerie moved
swiftly about, then, f1inging the cloak
over the slender form in the counts
arms, she led the way from the room,
carrying the diamonds.
With gentle tread and bated breath
they stole along the corridor till
they came to the door Alice had told
the count that morning led to an
uninhabited part Of the castle.
This Valerie pushed open, and
guided by the dim light of the
candle she carried, the count, clasp
ing his precious burden close in
his arms, descended carefully the
stone steps till they reached cor
rider OF stone that led to a door
opening into the grounds.
Now can you find your way?
whispered Valerie. Keep straight
ahead"
II know. My cart is concealed there
II Paul has done well"
Then farewell; but once before
we part repeat your oath You
swear never to let Paul Ross modest
me when once-once-I ami"
Countess of Darrell" finished the
count quickly. Il swear it,"
That he shall not approach me?"
AZ swear i'll" repeated.
"You have more power over Paul
have II YOU can do this" Valerie
muttered.
The count laughed softly.
and this girl shall never come In
my path again?"
Never by my help. Goodnight.
We must part now. Give me the
diamonds"
Valerie held the ca"dle above her
head, and nodded as she handed him
| the case. The count took it and gave
ore last glance at her before he
strobe away.
In her crimson gown. red-brown
hair, and eyes flashing with triumph
she looked like some spirit of evil
pushing aside all good.
"a she-devil!" muttered Count
Jura with a slight shudder as Valerie
disappeared from his view, "but
she has helped me to clasp you In
my arms" he added. bending over
the sweet, pale face lying on his
breast. Yes, my time has come.
Before another night you will have
fung all pride aside, and be at my
feet praying for mercy. which you
will not get. Curse these diamonds
how heavy they are! But for Paul
| would leave them behind. I have
the jewel | cravn: but he must be
J silenced, and with these l can shut
lis mouth add wo, him as I will.
He drew the clos over the girls
face again, and crt y. on SLOWLY till
he reached the END the coppice
Here he stopped va uttered a low
| whistle.
After an instan silence, man ;
form crept from N1e bushes.