The Holly chieftain., 1902-08-01
George Rathb0r,,e,
,G0G00O0NGOGGOGG6O0

80 AOdth ANNA hOdICu oCkOIS lib HELL
tai vision, for he smiled several times,
though his face finally clouded over
and q long sigh forced itself from his
lips.
The last scene might have been a
tragedy that brought pain rather than
pleasure.
At any rate Merrick jumped up and
began to walk the floor Tiring of
tramping back and forward, he again
dropped into a chair.
No visitors yet, and almost half an
hour had elapsed-why. Jones must be
on his way back and would soon show
up. either exultant or Respondent.
His cogitations were finally inter-
rupted by loud and excited voices
from the corridor.
Could this have aught to do with
the anticipated coming of the enemies
for whom Jones looked? II the count
and his rabble had invaded the hotel
and were searching for him, they
would no doubt discover him in time.
Just when he had figured this out
sorne one pounded vigorously on his
door and shouted in French:
THE house is on fire, save yourself,
monsieur"
Then Merrick threw aside the mac
ton that had been weighing him
down-when necessity demanded
prompt movement he would be found
in the van.
He snatched. the door open.
Some smoke drifted in promptly
at least there was good evidence to
prove the presence of fire.
All the while pandemonium was in
creasing. shrieks and shrill French
exclamations joining with gruffer
male voices In mad chorus.
Come" said Merrick, this looks
serious. shall have to take a hand in
the game"
He was very cool. perhaps because
he was brave and sensible. and had
fought for his very life with the fire
demon ere now.
The holocaust Of a previous year,
when scores Of Partisan society lead
er persisted In the awful Charity Ba-
kaar conflagration. was fresh in the
minds Of these frightened people, and
added to their terror.
Merrick calmly locked Jones apart
ment and put the key in his pocket.
The smoke was becoming thicker,
and fgure after figure went lurching
and plunging toward the stairs, where
possible safety lay.
Merrick could easily have made his
escape. but somehow this thought did
not seem to have presented itself TO
him while there were still others IN
danger.
Some heroic souls at such times al
ways think for those whom fright
has rendered incapable of using their
own bairns-a fact that does human
nature credit l4
He entered upon systematic ex-
animation Of each room, and managed
to start several upon the road to
safety.
1t was work that just suited his
nature-he delighted In cheating the
hre demon out Of his contemplated
victims. for he and the monster were
old enemies.
Rapidly. then. he made the tour Of
the floor. and left not a room un.
searched.
This had taken time, and the smoke
had gathered In almost suffocating
clouds. 10 that Merrick ON his way to
the stairs, ran zigzag across the hall.
back and forth. in order that he miaht
not miss any unfortunate one who
should have sunk down overpowered
by the choking fumes.
That was happy thought. an In
spiration born Of genius, and all his
life Mark Merrick found, cause to
bless the moment in which he had
conceived such master stroke.
For he had not covered more than
half the distance when he came upon
one such unfortunate lying In heap
and almost helpless.
1t was impossiblbe to see, but Mer-
rick put down his hands and Immedi-
ately felt the face and long hair Of
. woman. 4
She Immediately caught hold of
him and endeavored to gain her feet.
but was too weak.
Can you walk?" he shouted in
French.
ALAS! have sprained my ankle.
fear" came the reply close to his
car.
Merrick did not hesitate.
He knew there was only one way
to get her to q place Of safety, and