The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-05-08
Of child. No doubt you condemn me

Of child. No doubt you condemn ma
for using such heroic measures to
accomplish my purpose, but | am be-
lever In the adage that the end justi-s
fies the means. You know that which
may ruin me should it come out, and
am surely at liberty to defend my
SELF Besides had other reasons for
my actions"
Paul knew what she meant, and his
old feeling OF repulsion came back.
Such determination appalled, him
was 1t possible to escape from the
clutches Of this wonderful woman
once she set her mind upon his cap
ture?
A less stubborn man might have
yielded to what he was pleased to call
the inevitable, but Paul was saved
from this fate by the memory Of
face.
Though Hildegarde might be lost to
him forever, he could not forget the
charm of that modest blush which sig
nailed the condition of her heart to-
ward him.
By that memory he was ready to
steer his craft, whether dire disaster
or the favoring winds of fortune over
took him.
"My visit to Berlin" he said, "is one
of pure defense, but in clearing the
innocent it will be necessary to place
the blame just where it belongs. You
understand what that means. Ger
many is no place for you, Countess
and if you are as wise as I take you
to be you will pass over the border
without much delay
She looked at him strangely.
II am unable to quite fathom the
motive that influences you to warn
me. I had imagined that you hated
me-" she said, slowly.
'Not that Countess; not that.
only regretted that was unable to re-
turn the unfortunate regard you ex-
pressed for me. A man can not force
his heart to act-that is, beyond his
CONTROL
"Then, in spite of my work, you say
you have not despised me, Paul?" with
a vein Of eagerness in her voice.
II am afraid I was beginning tc
when suffering the indignities you.
agents chose to heap upon me; but as
I saw you ministering to these pool
suffering wretches all that passed
away. would not have harm come to
you, Countess"
"Then turn back to Heidelberg"
II have too much at stake to do that
Come what will l shall go to Berlin"
There is war in sight"
Il know it, and perhaps may be
given an opportunity to see some ac-
ton. In my present frame of mind
nothing would suit me better.'
She looked troubled.
Surely you would not take up arms
against my beloved France?"
"You forget that German blood flow
ed in the veins of my forefathers.
And, in truth, am utterly indifferent
as to the cause that takes me to the
field, since 1t is only the excitement OF
battle that DESIRE"
sYou grieve me very much, Mon
sieur. / would see you fighting for the
lilies of France with the keenest OF
pleasure. Perhaps a commission"
do not mention it, Remember,
Countess, I have given you ample
warning Of my intentions once reach
the capital. If you are wise you will
vanish Immediately. At any rate, l
shall not hold myself in blame should
something unpleasant happen to show
you the interior of gloomy German
Fortress
"Have no fear. am well able to
look out for myself. Perhaps 1 have
influential friends closer to the throne
than you may suspect"
She was called away at this juno
ture by Sir Noel, who had need of her
valuable assistance in binding up a
wounded arm.
A remarkable woman!
/ Yes. Paul was compelled to &C
knowledge that he had never met nor
heard Of her equal. He hoped he
would never see the Countess again;
but fate willed otherwise, as future
events would prove.
His next concern was to reach Ber-
lin.
ITO be continued)