Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1902-02-27

of child. No doubt you condemn me
for using such heroic measures to
accomplish my purpose, but | am be-
lever in the adage that the end justi-
fees the means You know that which
may ruin me should II come out, and |
am surely at liberty to defend my
self, Besldes--I had other reasons for
my actions"
Paul knew what she meant and his
old feeling OF repulsion came back
Such determination appalled, him
was II possible to escape from the
clutches of this wonderful woman
once she set her mind upon his cap
turo?
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 a
face,
Though Hildegardc 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 fayorlng winds Of fortune over
took him.
my visit to Berlin" he said, "is one
OF pure defense, but in clearing the
innocent II 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 II you are as wise az take you
to be you will pass over the border
without much delay"
She looked at him strangely,
81 am unable to quite fathom the
motive that influences you to warn
me, | 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 ls beyond his
control"
"Then, in spite Of my work, you say
you have not despised me, Paul?' with
a vein Of eagcrness in her voice
II am afraid was beginning tc
when suffering the indignities YOU
agents chose to heap upon me; but al
I saw you minlstering to these poor
suffering wretches all that passed
away. would not have harm come Il
you, Countess
"Then turn back to Heidelberg
IL have too much at stake to do that
Come what will / shall go to Berlin
"There Is war in sight"
81 know II, and perhaps may b.
given an opportunity to see some ac
ton. In my present frame of mlnt
nothing would suit me better"
She looked troubled,
Surely you would not take up arm
against my beloved France?"
you forget that German blood flow
cd in the veins Of my forefathers
And, in truth, | am utterly indilleren
as to the cause that takes me to tn
field, since It is only the excitement o
battle that / desire"
"You grieve me very much, Mon
sleur ! would see you lighting for tn
lilies of France with the keenest o
pleasure. Perhaps commission--'
"Do not mention 1t, Remember
Countess, have given you ampl
warning Of my intentions once reacl
the capital, If you are wise you vii
vanish Immediately, At any rate,
shall not hold myself in blame shout
something unpleasant happen to shoN
you the interior of gloomy Germoi
fortress"
Have no fear am well able t
look out for myself Perhaps | hay
influential friends closer to the thron
than you may suspect"
She was called away at this juno
ture by Sir Noel, who had need OF he
valuable assistance in binding up
wounded arm,
A remarkable woman!
Yes. Paul was compelled to &C
knowledge that he had never met no
heard of her equal. He hoped h
would never see the Countess again
but fate willed otherwise, as futur
events would prove.
His next concern was to reach Der
lin.
ITO be continuod,)
-1S-e---.s---