Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-06-26


she did not attempt to conceal.
MANY times that thought has come
to me, but | dismissed it as unworthy.
He brought several things my father
had with him when he went away, and
he resembled the only picture had OF
my father--that is, in general way.
You could not expect very much after
his cruel years of hardship in the
desert. Besides, he knew all about
our family matters. the quarrel with
mammals people on account of her
marriage, and many little things con-
nected with the past
Il shall devote myself to the task
OF discovering the truth. Heaven alone
Knows who he is. or how he came into
possession of the facts he has used to
suat advantage; but I intend to sat
isfy my curiosity in that respect. at
any cost"
Something tells me you will sue
ceed." she said eagerly. so that Char
lie flushed with pleasure.
Thanks for your faith in me. 1t
will go great way toward assisting
me. OF course, you would be gratifed
should l find the means to expose him
as an impostcr?"
80 long as still believe him to
be what he claims, cannot find it in
my heart to turn against him. He has
told me so many awful stories of the
cruelties practiced upon them that |
sometimes feel as though possibly his
mind had been little affected. and
that he could hardly be held account
able for his actions"
Charlie seized upon a slender cue,
quick as flash to discover a vulner-
able point.
All" he said. eagerly; you speak
OF their suffering among the Arabs!
Then he had a companion in exile, |
imagine"
"0h. yes-three at first; but later on
there was only one left"
And the name-do you remember
Yes. 1t was his mate, Ben Hazen. +"
"Ah! that is a substantial point
from which to work. Our friend. If an
imposter may be very cunning; but
doubt il he has been able to cover
his tracks so that we may not learn
something of Ben Hazens past: Ship
ping books and shipping masters may
tell the story of Identification if all
gelse fails. By the way. what does he
say became of Ben Hazen?"
He was shot while defending a
wretched woman slave against her in
human master. and died OF his
wounds"
We'll, the incident may be true
enough: but the chances are that i.
was your own father who gave up his
life In this chivalrous fashion, and
that what papers he had hidden on
his person he confided to his fellow
prisoner In the hope that at some day
}emight escape and carry the news to
those he loved in old England"
Airline heard him with both wonder
and delight
Her confidence had apparently gone
out to him in the start, and now she
felt 1t growing he was so earnest so
positive that his logic seemed to have
the faculty of convincing others.
There is one thing meant to ask;
you gave me the wrong card by a
singular accident. but at the same time
intimated that you were known by an
other name than Airline Brand at the
hotel"
Yes; should have explained.
When my aunt adopted me assumed
her name of Wallis; and as her title
was hereditary. and could descend to
the next of kin after her demise, be-
came Lady Airline Wallis. AS such |
have been sometimes known"
Charlie cringed somehow. at this.
1t seemed to raise a wall between
them-wealth and title. What few or
binary young Englishmen dare aspire
to win bride from behind such ram
parts?
2 Never before had Charlie Stuart
wished for fame and fortune as now:
nothing could be too grand to lay at
the feet OF such a royal princess.
And while he was thus battling with
his thoughts, she suddenly caught his
arm.
He is out yonder! heard his
laugh Now, come to the door. Mr..
Stuart, and take your first look at
Captain Brand of the Hespasia, be-
fore you meet him face to face"
Nothing 10th Charlie followed her
to the door. whence they could look
into the Office OF the hotel.
Several men were in sight; but al
most instinctively his gaze settled
upon one who seemed to command
general attention; and no sooner had
Charlie clapped his eyes on this re-
markable individual than he uttered
q little ejaculation of surprise and
pleasure.
Possibly he had seen this same lo-
quacious Captain Brand of the Hespa-
sia under other and more exciting cir
cumstances.
tell me-" he said quietly, to the
girl who was lowering over his shout
der. "have you given him any particu-
lars as to how you CHANGED to escape
from the Steen dungeons?"
"Only that just in the nick OF time
I was discovered by some tourists who
had come down to see the awful place
for themselves"
my name was not mentioned?"
ITO the best of my recollection, not
at ALL"
Good! Then, II | meet the ogre,
you can introduce me as one OF your
friends"
Il t.ust such is only the truth" shy
ly.
"An old, old friend. let us say, for
whom you have always entertained
feelings of profound respect"
1T shall be as you say. l am sure
you have some motive in this action. ="
II certainly have. Truth to tell, |
haliaxa L hava sean this gentleman be-