Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-06-05
CHAPTER III.

Shohhc NdhcS al Iu6a6cluCut.
Who was she?
This question came into Chalie's
mind many times while they walked
through those ghostly passages, seek
ing the worn stone stairs at the top
OF which stood the roughly hewn oak
door studded with rusty nails.
At the foot of the worn stone steps
the girl came to sudden stop.
Sir" she said. addressing Charlie
as though he were the only party in
sight. unless l am mistaken these
steps lead up to the museum of the
Steen. and We have reached the exit
81 thh horrible underground tomb"
I'VE can be in the light as soon as l
unlock the door up yonder." he said
quietly.
Zone moment. before we ascend.
want to catch my breath-to tell you
how grateful l am for your timely as
sistance--"
please don't mention it," said Char
lie.
Indeed. it was a great pleasure. fair
lady" chirruped Artemus. eagerly.
"You overwhelm me with confusion.
I have. as you may well suppose. re-
ceived something of shock. and
hardly feel equal to the task Of ex-
planning to you just now what strange
circumstances brought me into the
desperate predicament from which
have been rescued by your assistance.
But trust | may see you again soon.
when the explanation that is due will
be gladly given. Forgive me II say
have been studying you all this time.
and something tells me may surely
trust you with my life. God knows I
need friends
Her words thrilled Charlie.
Pardon me, miss-I should have
told you before-my name is Charlie
Stuart. | am at present an exile from
old London, in search OF mission.
Perhaps I have found one," he said,
with an amused smile.
A faint flush chased across her coun-
tenance.
"And lam Airline Brand"
She had small reticule attached to
her girdle. as was the custom. Open
ing this, she took out quaint little
inlaid cardcase and handed him a bit
of pasteboard.
when you call. ask for me under
that name, by which am known. But
let me say again-as duty owe you,
Mr.. Stuart-let me give you full warn
ing that, while appreciate the great
favor you have done me. must tell
you l have enemies, and that II you
should seek to continue the acquaint-
ance so strangely begun. 1t might pos
sibly bring you into trouble"
Il never yet have allowed fear of
mortal man to influence my actions"
Stuart said, proudly.
but these men are cruel and I'M
scrupulous. You can realize that after
seeing to what dreadful fate they
would have condemned me because l
refused to carry out their will"
"They are a set Of precious scoun-
drels and cowards," he declared.
"Ah! but perhaps they are all-pow-
erful at court-men in touch with a
dynasty that can shake the earth IL
is as a fallen leaf" she said, as II test
ing his loyalty.
ut Is the same-I see no reason why
l should draw back" Taking out his
watch. he continued. in the most de-
liberate fashion: ut is now almost
high noon. At eight. then, this even
ing, to the minute, shall do myself
the honor OF calling upon you at your
hotel, and until | am convinced that
1t is unlawful for me SO to do, all the
police OF Antwerp shall not stop me
IN my rights of British citizen travel
ing under the protection OF his flag"
Airline impulsively held out her
hand.
Il thank you. God bless you, Mr..
Stuart" she said. in broken tones.
4 And Charlie. as he felt the little
hand culver and throb in his, found
strong indignation arising within his
breast, directed against those un-