Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-09-05
.WomanAgainstW Woman
.&BY.&
MRS. NJ. A. HOLMES.
&BY&
MRS, NJ. A. HOLMES.

There were a few gasps for breath,
a sligMo 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.
Eyes" she muttered; cit has
worked well. She will sleep well to-
might. F'riend-a friend to this
poor puny thing! l am her enemy,
as she will soon discover-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 it's pallor, round, lifting the form
gently in his arms.
''You have given her enough" he
muttered.
evil it kill herr" asked Valerie
in a low, eager whisper.
He shook his head, and a wave Of
contempt passed over his face.
F'No; she will live, but she is out
of your path forever"
''What will you do with her?''
"Ask no questions, retorted the
man fiercely. 81 have served your
purpose-leave the rest to me-"
ST want to know nothing, except
that J am free of her." Valerie an
swered with sheer.
''I will answer for that. She will
be in my hands, and cannot escape
me-
"Then come quickly. Here-take
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 a cor
ridor of stone that led to door
opening into the grounds.
NOW can you find your way?
whispered Valerie. keep straight
ahead
ST know. My cart is concealed there
if Paul has done we'll
"Then farewell; but once before
we part repeat your oath. You
swear never to let Paul Ross modest
me when once-once-I am"
Countess of DARRELL" finished the
count quickly. Il swear it,
"That he shall not approach me?
''I swear it," repeated.
'You have more power over Paul
thar I imagine human creature tc
have if you can do this Valerie
muttered.
The count laughed soflly.
"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 he1
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.
ga she-devil!" muttered Count
Jura with 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
flung 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
I would leave them behind. l have
the jewel I crave; but he must be
silenced, and with these I can shut
Lis mouth and work HIM as I will.
He drew the cloak over the girls
face again, and crept on slowly till
he reached the end of the coppice
Here he stopped and uttered a low
whistle.
After an instant's silence, mans
torm crept from the bushes.