Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-15

time The comtesse knew this. My brother
was not in condition to transact bust
ness and was incapable of securing to her
any benefit by testamentary disposition.
even If he had wished to do so. Her only
chance was the money for the property.
This she saw her way to securing with the
doctors help. even although my brother
should die before it fell due. and the au-
thority she held should thereby lose its
legal validity
You mean that they determined to
carry out a fraud IL necessary"
Precisely. 1 must remind you that my
brother knew nothing of this. He was al
together past understanding anything
about it. I may be very brief now, but
am still anxious that you should fully I'M
derstand. All that I'm saying to you Is
beyond question and can be proved at any
time by taking evidence on the spot; 1t Is
easily available"
Harry had sat down by now and was
listening intently.
ION the morning Of the cd" Edge pur-
sued in his level, methodical way, the
comtesse went to the station escorted by
DR.. Migrate: that was his name-rather
that is his name; he is still alive. On the
in reply to inquiries from him said that
my brother had had another attack but
had rallied again. DR.. Migrate expressed
the opinion that he would live another two
days, while Nine. Walter 0he vice consul
knew her by that name) was sangutne
enough to talk of the possibility of re-
covery. She impressed him very much
by her courage and hopefulness: she was.
I may remark a handsome and attractive
woman. Leaving the vice consul. they
reached the station and there parted
Migrate returned Immediately to my
brothers house and remained there, the
case being declared to be so critical as to
require unremitting attention. Madame
de Valfier-the comtesse-took the train to
Petersburg, reached 1t that evening. pre-
sented the authority early next morning
hoo o1or,f
the 23d. The next day my brothers death
was announced. certified by Migrate ana
duly registered as the law Of the place re-
quired." He drew paper from his pocket.
This Is copy of the entry, showing oeath
on the OATH
THAT document Is very familiar to me,
Colonel Edge. 1t gives both styles, doesn't
it?''
Eyes. both styles. but-well. you see for
yourself. My story is done. with Mi
GRATIS connivance, woman who acted as
nurse was squared, too. and her evidence
Is available-the actual date of death was
concealed and the Comtesse d'Albreville
had time to present her authority and re-
ceive the money. After paying her accom-
plices their price, she left Russia with the
bulk of it immediately.
Harry glanced at Neeld: the old mans
face was full of excitement and his hand
trembed as it lay on the leaves of Josiah
Cholderton's journal.
my mother was married to my father
on the 3d." said Harry, slowly,
my brother died on the 22d." said VIII
mot Edge. He was dead before the COM
Jesse started for Petersburg"
Harry made no comment. He sat still
and thoughtful.
'Of course. was put on the track Of
the affair."" Edge pursued, ''by the disap-
pearance of the money. l had little dif1-
Guilty In guessing that there had been
something queer but what it was did not
cross my mind for long while. Even after
I had clew 1 found Migrate tough Gus
60 1o,,c iroo fnf n fn
to identify Nine Walter. When. thanks to
a series of chances, 1 did so, 1t was shock
to me. She was the wife Of a man Of high
position and high reputation She mad
contrived-she was a remarkable woman
to carry out this expedition of hers with
out rousing any suspicion. She had re-
turned to her husband and children. Find
ing herself in danger, she took the oolo
course Of throwing herself on my mercy
and sent for me to Paris. 1t was not my
desire to rake up the story. to inJure my
brothers memory or to break up the Wom-
ans home. 1 pocketed the loss. as far as
l was concerned. AS for you. l didn't know
you were concerned. l had never gone into
the details. 1 accepted the view which
your own conduct and Lady Trlstrams
suggested. I promised silence, guarding
myself by a proviso that l must speak II
the interests of third persons were ever af-
fected. Your interests are affected now,
and 1 have spoken, Mr.. Tristram-or Lord
Trstram as 1 undoubtedly ought to say"
Harry turned to Mr.. Neeld with a smile
and pointed at the leaves Of the journal.
There was something Cholderton didn't
know. after ALL he said. "A third date
neither the 18th nor the oath! Twenty
four hours! Well. 1 suppose it's enough"
ats enough to make all the difference
to YOU" said Neeld "It makes the ac-
unnecessary and wrong. 1t restores the
state of things which existed
Before you and Nina Zabriska came to
Blent-and brought Mr. CholdertonT re
very inhospitable," he said, and offered
them cigarettes and whisky.
Neeld refused, the colonel took both.
you may imagine with what feelings l
found that the comtesse's fraud was really
the entire basis Of your action. II had
been in England the thing need never have
happened . a..
and I don't quite know where we are
For the world was all altered again. Just
when the struggle Of the evening had
seemed to settle It, The memory OF the
girl in the restaurant flashed across his
mind. What would she-what would she
you can call on me for proofs whenever
YOU wish to proceed. After what has oc-
Cured. l presume they will be necessary"
yes. yes, for his seat" assented Neeld.
And to satisfy public opinion" added
There was a pause Neeld broke it by say
ing. timidly
"And-er-there is. Of course. the-the
lady. The lady who now holds the title and
estates"
..Of course" agreed Edge. with nod
that apologized for forgetfulness.
.'Of course, there was! Harry smiled. He
had been wondering how long they would
take to think Of the lady who now held the
title and estates. Well. they had come to
her at last-after providing for the require
ments of the house Of lords and the de-
mands Of public opinion-after satisfying
the girl in the restaurant, In fact. Yes. Of
course, there was the lady. too.
At a glance from Edge Neeld rose to go.
pray, wait-wait a minute or two" beg
ged Harry. Il want to think for min
ute"
Neeld sat down again. It is very likely
childishly vexed at them. For he exhib-
tied perfect calm. Yet perhaps Col. Edge