The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-04-20

conscious appeal to His great might,
her, glance fell upon an article of fur
niture which in that instant seemed to
have been manufactured by the an
gels.
It was q cushioned lounge, but 1t
served two purposes, for the top could
be lifted like a trunk, and within was
a long, open space, within which dress
es might be laid at length. For the
moment it was empty.
She sprang forward, and lifting it,
motioned to Bertram to conceal him.
self.
He hesitated with a mans instructive
hesitation to turf his back upon a foe.
"Quick!" h pleaded; "for my sake
n the future. They will overpower
you, and then I shall be indeed alone!"
The third blow. warned them both
that not a moment must be lost. She
clasped her hands imploringly upon
his arm. Her words bore fruit. 1t
was for her sake and h future.
The fourth blow-and with a great
crash the door CAV way.
Three men sprang into the room, but
paused, bewildered, on the threshold,
for, confronting them stood only a
young and exquisitely-beautiful girl,
her small head haughtily erect and her
yes flashing their scornful questioning
at the reason for this base intrusion.
They hesitated, abashed, for though
she spoke no word, her silence was
more eloquent than speech, and her
glance confessed them towards.
She was very pale-a paleness the
more marked by the contrast of her
deep mourning dress, its Grape folds
outlining SO perfectly the slender.
graceful figure, while the light falling
upon her hair converted it into a
crown of golden glory on her young
head.
At this juncture a fourth man ap-
peared upon the scene. Perhaps fear
ing violence, he had let the three Off
GERS precede him.
He now stepped forward to give
them courage, though his very lips
were white with disappointed rage.
"Ah, the bird has fiown!' he said
Though not so far, I warrant, but that
we may overtake and bring him back
with pinioned wings"
Regardless Of Beatrice, he stepped
across the floor and out on the bal
cony, calling to those stationed below:
"You are sure our man has not
escaped?' M .
mot this way" both replied.
"Flash your lanterns into the
branches of the tree!" he commanded,
further. -
But the light revealed only the green
boughs, and the twittering birds, rude
ly awakened from their sleep.
"Ie is within this room, then," he
said. turning back. "Search it, and
leave. no spot unsearched."
l., The men advanced a single step,
when Beatrice. putting up one hand,
waved them back.
Instinctively. they obeyed the silent
gesture, as though it had been the
mandate of a queen.
For the first time she spoke.
Leave my room Instantly" she said.
sNo one gives orders here save my.
self"
They looked from her to Chester.
He treasured them by a quiet smile.
The game was in his hands now. He
could afford to have his tranquility I'M
disturbed. For the moment he a
been chilled by the fear that h u !
prit had escaped him.
Reassured by the men beneath the
window, and knowing that the apart
ment offered no other egress for es-
cape, his color returned.
He motioned the men to withdraw,
but by a look. indicated that they were
to remain within call.
Beatrice. he said, gently, when
they two were alone, I wish to spare
YOU all that it is possible; but, my
child. YOU cannot evade the laW. l
told YOU a thief had entered the house.
II is useless to disguise from o that
7 have recognized that thief's identity
with Bertram Talbot. Oh. my Y
are YOU not already convinced of this
mans u~nworthiness that you still seek
to shield him? Tyrrell saw q man
swing himself from the branches OF a
tree on to yon balcony-saw him enter
This room. Scarcely had he made This
discovery, and was a bout to arouse
the household, when four men entered
the grounds. Bertram Talbot had es-
capped from custody, and, following his
trail. It led them here. They appealed
to me. I could but promise them all
The. assistance in my power. One OF
their number they left with Tyrrell to
watch below. The other three are with
ont. They are officers Of the law, Bea-
trice. and armed with its authority.
In aiding Bertram Talbot you, too. are
putting yourself within its power. II
he is a man." raising his voice he
will not let you bear this stigma. He
will surrender himself"
Fearful that BERTHE might hear n
rashly accept this challenge, Beatrice
hastened to interrupt him.
IBID your men enter and search
she said, scornfully. II no longer for
bid invite them. It was only that
they forced their entrance that made
me take such action. You say that
Bertram Talbot is in this rooms? Your
spies saw him enter? Seek and n
him. then. He is not invisible. He
cannot make himself SO. My chamber
boasts. no secrets. as you we'll know.
since this house Is as familiar to you
as to me. Only I shall begin to believe
IN witchcraft, since, perchance, I am
told one man enters my room unseen,
bv the window, and three break down
nv door in pursuit. Bid your friends
enter. Mr.. Chester. We will institute q
game Of hide-and-seek. II you have
no objection, I will watch h hunt"
And, smiling. scornfully. she threw
herself, as IL weary. upon h cushions
Of her lounge.
Her heart was beating madly. but
she maintained her outward calm, n
~. r..a ..o,nv r1,n0 more qWeetlv,