The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-07-01
copyright, 1897. by d. Appleton & Co All
rights reserved
CHAPTER IX.-CoxrNuEp
BY cHAUNcY c. HOTcHKIss

CHAPTER IX.--CoNTINUED.
The broad light from the window fell full
upon him, showing him TO be a man OF but
medium height, though stout and pale Of
face. His eyes were dark, his nose long
and slightly dished at the bridge The
mouth was sensual, and bespoke his char
acter at glance, though his face was by no
means coarse or weak. His brow was not
broad, but it was smooth and open, and his
brown hair, greatly pulled about his ears,
was tied into a queue behind and profusely
powdered.
But he was not striking figure despite the
gorgeous uniform of scarlet and gold
adorned with the waistcoat ribbon and bril-
liant star OF his knightly order. Something
there was about him which impressed me
with the litteness Of his nature, and there
was a Turk in his side glances wholly in
compatible with an honest fearless spirit.
Undoubtedly he was a man proud OF his
rank and power--a man much given TO self
communion and silence. His official stand
ing was indicated by the single heavy epau-
let adjoining his right shoulder. His sword,
with its belt wrapped about il, he carried in
his hand.
IL declare, madam" he said, as he
Strengthened himself and walked 70 a hand
homeN uppolnhcu bdnlt, Oh which ne uc-
posted his sword you have braved the
storm and stolen n march on me, as you
promised. Have you other charms TO pit
against the terrors of tempest and earth
quakeg You are the queen of graciousness
to thus honor me. Do you find Lounsbury
TO your likingY And as he pronounced
the name lie recognized my presence by
look and an almost imperceptible bending
Of the head.
"Now / protest, Sir Henry!" said Mrs.
Badely, rising and affecting petulance as she
adjusted her costume. you interrupted
me before | had come to conclusions. The
affair ia none Of my making and | am
broken hearted at its necessity. Oh neces-
sity is such a dreadful worlds il not,
Capt. Lounsburyy Really, Sir Henry, sup.
posed you would not come for an hour yet,
but, now that you are here, will leave you
TO settle with the captain while look after
my rccrcant ward. Sir Henry, i feared l
would have found her with you. Ali! Capt.
Lounsbury, ones children, be they ours by
law or nature, are such tral-such n trial.
When shall / know Of your decision, Sir
Henry" Then with an upward look and
clearly affected archness, yen viii honor
me tonight, will YOU not, Sir Henryg'
What answer Clinton made never knew.
He held out his hard to her, the fall OF
lace from his cuff almost covering IL, and
with n step as unnatural as that in the
minuet escorted her into the hail. closing
the door behind him.
He was not absent long. / had but time
to take in the details OF the elegantly fur
nished apartment, from its carved fireplace
behind the table TO the carved cAsing Of
the window overlooking the Hudsoa, when
he entered rather hastily, his face no
longer bearing its genial expression, and
with something Of businesslike air seated
himself at the table, motioning me 20 take
the chair opposite
Before speaking he cast quick glanccs az
me, instantly removing his eye from mine as
he met my gaze, but Immediately returning
70 the charge. Finally, he began quite
sharply;
Are you Capt LounsburyY
Ny heart leaped at the question. and |
pulled myself together with the firm in
tention Of laying violent hands on him il he
had discovered the fraud, but answered
quietly and with an answering look
Yes your cxcellency"
General Knyphausen has always vouched
for YOU, but you hardly appear the des-
perado / had been led TO expect. Your
physique and carriage make you an excel
lent agcnt-if--you have subtlety behind
His manner was unsuspicious, and This
relieved me- Bowling, answered:
81 have seen service, your excellency,
and have always rendered a good accoant
of myself"
$50 / am told" he replied you are
remarkable man, You look and peak like
a gentleman, yet your record Is shady, sir;
STILL" he put In hurriedly, II am not criti.
cising War has It's necessities. You read
the order given yon yesterday"
Eyes, your excellency."
"Are you prepared to act on its sugges-
tionr
Eyes. your cxccllency"
lie stopped as II perplexed, and passed hia
hand across his brow.
"You were not successful in your mission
20 Norfolkl Why did You not reportg"
"The party was out Of reach" / ven
tured, hazarding the guess that he referred
to the kidnaping business. ''But l made
amends later have been III from wound"
4 continued, pointing to my sling, which
through all the excitement In leaving the
Kings Arms | had not forgotten.
win you undertake a similar crrand-
here in the city. and IN connection with the
"trip to Newport" he asked, looking at me
and then away.