Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-11-11

the collar of his cloak being raised SO high
that could sec nothing of his features.
My first notion that he must be Master
Lindstrom passed away, and, displeased
by his silent scrutiny aud thinking him
stranger, l said sharply, II hope you arc
satisfied, sir"
.Satisfeds'' he replied in voice which
made me start so that the irons clanked
on my feet. Well think / should be-
seeing you SO, my friend!'
1t was Clarence! OF all men, Clarenocl
l knew his voice, and he, seeing himself
recognized, lowered his cloak. stared at
him in stupe1ed silence, and he at me in
a grim curiosity. | was not prepared for
the blunt abruptncss with which he con-
tinued, using almost the very words he
had used when face to face with me in the
food, Now tell me who you are, and
what brought you into this company
/ gave him no answer ! still stared at
him in silence.
Come, he continued, his hawk s eyes
bent on my face, make a clean breast of
it, and perhaps-who knowss-I may help
you yet, lad You have puzzled and foiled
me, and want to understand you. Where
did my lady pick you up just when she
wanted your I had arranged for every
checker on the board except you. Who
arc you?'
This time did answer him-by ques-
ton. How many times have we metz
I asked
Three" he said readily. land the last
time you nearly rid the world of me.
Now the luck is against you. 1t generally
is In the end against those who thwart
- Il 1o,l 4 bo
ceit, and read in. his face at once his
love of intrigue and his vanity. Il come
uppermost as always.
/ only nodded
What do you want?'. asked. felt q
certain expectation. He wanted some
thing.
9 First to know who you are"
81 shall not tell you!" answered.
He smiled dryly, sitting opposite to me.
He had drawn up stool and 1nade him
self comfortable. Hewas not an income
ly man as no sat there playing with his
dagger, dubious smile on his lean, dark
face Unwarned, might have been ut
tracted by the masterfui audacity, the in
tellect as well rs the force which saw
stamped on his features. Being warned,
I read cunning in his bold eyes and cruel
ty in the curl of his lip. What do you.
want nexts" l asked.
II want to save your life, I" he replied
lightly.
At that / started could not help it.
..Ha! hal he laughed. II thought the
stoicism did not go quite down to the bot
tom, my lad But, there, 1t is true
enough, have como to help you. / have
come to save your life if you will let me"
l strovc in vain to keep entire mastery
over myself. The feelings to which he ap-
pcnlod were too strong for me. My voice
sounded strange, even in my own ears, as
l said hoarsely: "It is impossiblel What
can you doS'
"What can dos" he answered, with
stern smile. 'sMuch! j have, boy, q
dozen strings in my hands and . nook, a
Efo at the end Of each!''
He raised his hand, and extending the
fingers moved them to and fro.
See! seel A life, DEATH" he ex-
claimed. And for you l can and will
save your life--on one condition"
Son, one condition. murmured.
s'Aye, ON one condition, but 1t Is very
easy one. I will save your life on my
part, and you on yours must give me
little assistance. Do you see? Then we
shall be quits.
II do not understand, said duly.
did not. His words had set my heart flut-
tering SO that could for the moment take
in only one idca-that here was q new
hope of life.
sit is very simple, y he resumed, speak
ing slowly. Certain plans of mine re-
quire that should get your friend the
hoe TO En- IA
for you 1 should have succeeded before
this. In what you have hindered me you
can now help me. You have their conf
dence and great influence with them. All
/ ask is that you will use that influence SO
that they may be at certain place at
certain hour. Twill contrive the rest. 1t
youn-
Betrayed theml"
well, gave me some information" he
said lightly, putting away my phrase.
mo; betrayed them!' persisted.
s'Put it SO, if you please" he replied,
his shoulders and raising his
eyebrows. What is in word?n
'sYou are the tempter himself, / think"
cried in bitter raee-for it was bitter
bitter indeed to feel that newborn hope
die out. But you come to me in vain.
defy yonl'
Softly, softlyr' he answered. with
calmness.
Yet saw little pulse beating In his
cheek that seemed to tell of some emotion
kept in subjoction.
TT frightens you at first" he said.
aBut listen. You will do them no harm
and yourself good. l shall get them any
way, both the duchess and her husband,
though, without your aid, it will be more
difficult Why, help of that kind is given
every day They need never know 1t.
Even now there is ono Of whom you little
dream who has
'sSilence!" cried fercely. u care not.
I defy you'll"
could think of only one thing ! was
wild with rage and disappointment. His
words had aggravated tho pain Of every
regret. every clinging to life felt.
.sGo!' cried go and leave me, you
yillain''
IF do leave you" he said, fixing his
eyes on me, 1T will be, my friend-to
death.
.sThen SO be it'' answered wildly.
$50 be It'll ! will keep my honor.
Your honor'' The mask dropped from
his face, and he sneered as no rose from
his scat. A darker scowl changed ana dis
figured his brow as he lost hope OF gain
ing me. Your honor? Where will it be
by tonight" he Kissed, his eyes glowering
down at me- Where week hence, when
you will be cast into pit and forgottenP
Your honor, foolY What Is the honor OF
dend man? Pah! But die, then, II you