Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-06-17
CHAPTER XII.


"Mr. Darkmore-Terence, speak to me
All! who has done this thing?'
The words seemed part of some vague
dream of pain and remuneration. | wish
ed TO open my eyes, but leaden weight
pressed them down. Then became coz
scious that my head was supported by a
warm and supple arm. Finally the power
came to me to lift my heavy lids.
1t was as l thought-Consuelo Hope
was bending over me. Ny eyes fell upon
her hand, which had once been covered
with the sheath of pearls. Round it was
wound lace handkerchief.
Can you speak to me:" she said again
you have lain here in need OF help, and
we did not know. And there is blood
some one has done this-how-whoY y
Il don't know" l said in a voice that
sounded hoarse and odd in my own ears
Don't think of me-now-but of your
self. Where is-she-Paula?"
do you want herr" she asked. "She
can hear you as you speak. She should
come to you. This place by your side is
hers by right, and she shall have it.
Come, Miss Wynne. Your cousin asks
for you. Do not let our quarrel stand
between you. Some one has done ter
rible and ccwardly thing. Your cousin
has been struck by an enemy, in the
back. Go free, and do with the knowl-
edge you have gained of me as you will.
Only go and get help for Mr.. Darkmore.
Here are the keys
She put up her free hand to the bosom
of her dress. and took out the keys from
their place of concealment, holding them
at arms length for Paula to come and
take them from her. But Paula made
no sign.
If it is that you do not wish TO come
near me, you need not be subjected to
that discomfort" the sweet, calm voice
went on again.
And Consuelo threw the keys to dis
lance, so that they fell upon the floor
with jingle and a crash. Still Paula
did not take them. And there was not
the rustic of a movement, or a sound OF
any kind The stiffness was suggestive
| remembered the fall l had heard just
before l had tainted. What if Paula
were not now able to take the Woman
in Gray at her word?
"Why-does she not Gomez l manag-
ed to gasp, fighting with the horrible
living weight upon my breast. What
has happened?"
"Your cousin hides herself" she pro
nounced contemptuously, and then, as il
scorning TO seek for one who childishly
persisted in concealment. she picked NJ
the keys to the door, which she unlock
ed and threw wide open, with a back
ward glance. as though half expecting
Paula to make rush past her for lib
erty.
Presently, when five, or possibly ten
minutes had passed, footsteps came run
ming along the picture gallery outside,
and there appeared two Of the servants
in the Wemyss, who had come
down from Portman square, and my I'M
cle's own man, Harris.
Before you touch me-" said, search
this room. Don't let a corner, or any
possible lurking place, be forgotten. /
must know whether anyone besides my
self is here"
mo, sir" SAND Wemyss, returning to
bend solicitously over me, there's not
living creature in this room the size IT
mouse. And the windows barred
across, so he couldn't have got out that
way, the brute! He must have gone
through the door into the picture gallery,
sir, but, thank goodness, there'll be a
hue and cry out after him before long.
Could you give any description of what
he was like, sir? Oh no-perhaps il
would be better if you kept quiet and
didn't try to talk"
ITO be continued)