Warren sheaf., 1901-08-15

II you Know, ana Inen perhaps i can
assist you. Fear not, for as true as
God lives I mean to save Ruric if !
can, and if | can but gain clew to
him now I can surely save you both,
Trust me, for ] possess wondrous
power for the good Of those who
trust me. Now, what end could the
duke have in view in wishing for
Ruric's removal? / know what he
had in view in concocting the duel
1 it was the death of Damonoff and
the undivided possession of Drot-
zen. Now, answer me. what does he
aim at now?" /.
! In spite of all doubts Rosalind
found herself trusting the monk.
There was an air of conscious truth
+ and power in his look and tone that
won upon her. " ...
"Good father" she returned after
a few moments thought, "the duke
has sworn by most fearful oath
that he will have me for his wifep'
"Hap uttered the monk, starting
back pace and clinching his hands.
''Does he mean that ?"
"Oh, most truly he doesw the
young countess replied, and she
spoke more firmly now, for there
was something in the sudden energy
of the monks exclamation that gave
her hope.
"Then he wants your estates too.
By my soul, he is aiming for wealth
with high hand! And do you sup
pose he fears Ruric Newell in con-
nection with this scheme?" ...
eyes, father-I will speak plain
| ly, for I trust you. I do not think
you would betray one who never
harmed you.'' $
"Let the end of these things tell
you that. But now finish what you
had begun-about your thoughts of
the duke.'
"He knows, holy father, that I
love Ruric, and he knows, too, that
Ruric loves me. May he not under
such circumstances fear that the no
BILE youth will try to thwart him?''
every likely" returned Vladimir
thoughtfully. II will profit by this,
and [ am much mistaken if you do
not also profit by it. I have those in
Moscow who will work for me. I
cannot, Of course, directly assure
you of salvation, for Ruric may
never be found"
A quick groan escaped from
Claudia's lips as the monk thus
spoke, but before Rosalind could
speak the door of the apartment was
opened, and the Duke Of lula strobe
in! He stopped as he came nigh TO
where the company stood, and his
eyes flashed and his frame trembled
with passion.
GLOW now?" he cried as soon as
he could command speech. 'What
means this gathering here in my
own palace?, Meddling monk, how
dare you drag your detestable form
hither? Out, reptile, out! And let
me catch you here again and my
dogs shall tear you up as they do
carrion!' .-
Without a word the monk turned
away. His face was pale as death
and his hands were clinched till the
fingers ends seemed to settle them
selves into the palms. -...a..
"Remember," the duke exclaimed
as Vladimir reached the door, ttit
you dare to cross my door stool
again. .... .. - ...
ttHold!" gasped the monk in a
hoarse, startling tone. F'Offer no
more threats. But, mark me, proud
duke, you shall see the day on which
you'll wish God had made you a dog
ere he gaze you speech to arouse the
just vengeance Of vladimir"
Thus speaking, the black monk
disappeared. Olga started to pursue
him, but he did not follow out the
impulse. Ere he reached the door
he stopped and turned back.
"And yon, woman, who art
thou?" he uttered, turning an angry
look upon Claudia.
<1 am a mourning mother in
search of her lost son." the woman
sadly replied.
} cha! I see the likeness now.
You are the woman Newell, mother
Of the young villain who bears that
name! Leave my palace at once:
and don't you dare to enter it
again!'
The poor woman tried to speak,
but she could not. With deep sob,
she turned away and slowly walked
from the room. -. ...
fENow," resumed the duke, turn
ing toward Rosalind, t'What means
} this secret council?" ~ ......