Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-08-13

spring. On one side of the court were
stables, and the other two sides were over
looked by the windows and timber walls
OF hunting lodge, evidently the possession
or some nobieman. Half dozen great
hounds barked a hoarse welcome TO the
fugitives and a number of the servants
ran OUT some carrying guns and lanterns
before explanations could be made or
questions asked. in the midst of the con-
fusion and excitement a woman cIoak ed in
furs emerged from the house and crossed
the court to the sledge. The light revealed
her beautiful, fmperious face, and Quin
recognized her at once.
The Countess Sandoffr he exclaimed
unSuardedly.
The. woman stared at him haughtily;
then her cheeks flushed and SHE eaperi,;
r'ade a step nearer.
You are the Englishman who stopped
my morse on the Court Quay" she said.
rs 1t not SOP
Madam, you are right" puIn replied :.
yet that slight service hardly warrants
me In trespassing upon your hospitality
But 1t is unavoidable. l have lost my way
and have narrowly escaped with my life
from a pack of wolves. If you will be so
kind
You are welcome" the countess inter-
rupted. My husband has long wished to
meet you, that he might thank you for
saving my life. Comet / will see that YOUR
servants have every attention.
gum entered the house and was relieved
OF his heavy fur cloak in a roomy hall
1 ne recent adventure seemed like a dream
when he found himself before a blazing
coal fire in a luxuriously furnished apart-
Inent that was evidently Count Sanders
library. The countess asked few ques-
tions OF her guest. and then departed en-
the pretext of summoning ner husband.
Left to himself, Quin walked carelessly
about the roorn examining with interest
the choice books and prints, the paintings
ana Drohzes He was especially attracted
by a small canvas that appeared to be set
In the paneed wall-a hand claspine a
Jeweled dagger. One of the painted stones
on the hilt seemed to protrude and to sat
isfy himself he touched 1t. He felt hard
knob under his finger, and unconsciously
pressed 1t. Instantly the door of d secret
Gle set flew open and a number of letters
and papers fell to the floor.
Alarmed by what he had DONE Quin made
haste to conceal the traces of the blunder
A low exclamation was forced to his lips az
he discovered that several of the letters
were addressed to Paul Gourko. The next
instant he came upon an open sheet of pa
per covered with writing He glanced at it
briefly, and the first few lines were suffi-
Gent to reveal a startling fact namely.
that Count Sandoff and Paul Gourko the
Nihiiist We're one and the same
Quin gasped for breath. He remembered
thu conversation with Larry Belcher, and
he knew that he had stumbled upon the
mystery of Paul Gourkos disappearance.
What a gulf between the two Identities
Russian nobleman and nihilist.
by Jove. must get this stuff out Of the
way, he muttered, suddenly realizing the
irlghtful peril that threatened him. my
i;fe won't be worth a moments purchase if
it is known that opened this Closet
The rustic Of a woman's gown startled
rim, and he looked around to see thu Count
ess Sandof. Her indignant and furious
glance SO unnerved him that he let the pa
pers and letters drop to the floor; the closet
door was swinging at his elbow.
You spy!' hisssd the countess. .sYou
vile traitorr'
1T was an accident. on my honor" STAN
mered Quin. L happened to touch the
| painting
but you have read the papeps: your face
| tells me sop'
Quin was silent. not knowing what to saw,
and Just then footsteps were heard in the
nall. The countess. whose expression indi-
Gated irresolution, called, in loud and ter
| rtied voice:
"Alexisr"
The next instant Count Sandon burst into
| the roonl-a tall, stern-facsd man. with a
| piack mustache and partly bald head He
| took IN the situation at glance and utter
ed shout that Immediately brought three
| other men to his side-evidently conspira
| tors hks himself. GUMS revolver was in
| his cloak. and he had no chance to defend
himself with the furniture. The four threw
| themselves upon him. and though ne str7Is-
| sied desperately. knowing that capture
meant death, he was helpless against such
| odds.
| Don't hurt him. Alexis" he heard the
| countess cry.
Then his throat was tightly clutched. and