The Elbert County tribune., 1902-07-31

| keep nlb engagement ioi that tfthAh o.
come what might.
Oh. sublime faith 1t would re-
quire mountains to crush a positive
belief in the conviction Of his own eyes
and his own intuition.
Dinner came next.
He could amuse himself with n
| thousand and one theories bearing
upon the case.
Charlie was enjoying his dinner
with a fair amount Of satisfaction.
considering what a load he carried
upon his mind. when Artemus. who
had been given his address, made his
appearance.
Stuart Immediately decided to make
a full disclosure.
An opportunity came in good time
whereby they could converse without
being overheard.
Then Charlie let loose.
He fairly staggered his companion
with his first volley. containing the
account OF the famous baron and his
charge that Airline Brand was the most
dangerous as well as notorious adve1-
turer in all Europe.
While Artemus was yet gasping
from the effect OF this hot shot, Char
lie poured in grape and canister. He
sketched the dramatic advent Of the
professor on the scene. the challenge
to a duel he had flung at the supposed
disturber OF his family peace. Charles
amazed questions concerning yellow
hair and blue eyes. and finally the SOL
emn agreement that had been reach
ed between them.
Charlie. having exhausted his roper
toire. now turned the tables.
What became OF you, my dear
boy?" he asked.
"I waved you farewell" Artemus
said.
Then you were not in the second
eoach?"
"Ay. ay. You see. the fair lady
neglected to favor me with one of her
cards. and was compelled to adopt
measures OF my own in order to dis
cover her residence. She went to the
hotel In the Rue de Mennisters."
That's the De la Paix." With q
frown. remembering the card he held.
Yes. my boy, the same. I was sat
isfied that | had found out Just where
she put up but curiosity induced me
to waylay the doorkeeper. he who
opened the carriages and exercised
the functions OF factotum. So, put
ting a bit OF silver in his hand. ask
ed him who the lady might be-she
with the veil over her face. He
scratched his head as though a bit
puzzled himself. and then suddenly
answered, as though at random:
Mile Brand"
Charlie had been listening eagerly.
He gave vent to an exclamation OF
satisfaction.
"Artemus, you are a brick!"
So" continued the other. with
grim smile as though he could scent
something that had not yet become
visible to the naked eye. 81 came to
the conclusion the young lady had
given us her true name, after all,
though she limited at possessing an
other"
Eyes: why did she say that2" mused
Charlie. but one thing seems clear
there is an Arsins Brand. after all; and
tonight am bound to discover what
relation. II any, connects her with this
bold. intriguing countess. or the rum
away wife of the Herr Professor
either that, or tomorrow IN booked
for DUEL
Charlie Stuart saw the shades OF
night close In upon the old city of
Antwerp with a sigh OF deep satisfac-
ton.
Reaching the hotel he boldly asked
to see Madam Sophie Richter.
II. a t.tI txs.A ttnI
He was on needles and pins-hung
up, as 1t were, on tenter-hooks by sus-
pense.
1.-THE lady awaits meinherr in the
little parlor over yor der" at last came
the message.
Charlie drew in long breath aud
entered.
He felt sensation of tremendous
relief.
For the lady. while pleasant and
even handsome in her appearance.
was a stranger
He bowed courteonsly to the lady.
Il nm stranger to you. lady-an
Englishman. Stuart by name. Through
some misadventure have become,
much against my will. ! assure yon.
mixed up in your domestic arrange
ments. and | have come here to throw
myself upon your mercy and beg your
gentle indulgence as an intercessor."
The lady looked astoDished
"Sir. explain. Who seeks to do
you harm, and OF whom am l to beg
indulgence?" she asked.
Madam, there is at large in Ant
werp a man who has sworn to have
the life of the wretch who has robbed
his quiet home OF its one bright jewel
who prowls hither and yon, regard
less of his personal appearance.
breathing vengeance. and ready to
sacrifice all he has on earth II he can
but avenge his honor"