Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1902-08-29
U11LE MISS MILLIONS
OR,
TIE WITCH Of MONTE CARLO.
A ROMANCE OF THE RIVIERA.
B,i ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE,
AvtAs- er "Nsss Psulins. Of Nsv York" "7As
Spiders No." "kjss Csyries," etc., ste.
Copyright. $780, Street and Smith. New York.
CHAPTER vIII,-ContInu.d.

Copyright. lsso, Street and Smith, New York.
CHAPTER vIII.-ContInusd.
Very WELL" she concluded, with .
hash Of determination in her bright
eyes. then shall 60 alone. Thank
Heaven. know how to row a boat"
AS she turned toward the door the
form of Count Leon glided between.
He was smiling suavely, for man
may smile and still be villain.
Pardon me, m'selle; 1t would
be madness in this sea-" he said.
She looked at him steadily.
The boat was as motionless as a
house, and the manifest absurdity or
his declaration was so apparent that
there could no longer be any doubt
regarding what was meant.
The girl turned pale, as though
overwhelmed with a sudden sense of
her helpless condition.
1t was now Merrick's turn.
The situation had resolved itself so
that the plans Of the enemy had been
exposed, and his opportunity to enter
the game was at hand.
There was no other way.
Discretion might have suggested
that they wait until the yacht was
quiet, when possibly rescue could
be effected without warfare.
But as we'll attempt to stop the
bowling sirocco of Sahara as to in.
Ar1nv,on orIont $1 hio
hand under such conditions.
Count Leon was there within easy
reach, and the temptation was too
great
So Merrick threw his castor into
the ring.
His manner Of doing so was unique.
The door offered a chance to over
whelm the great explorer. Men more
famous that Count Leon have been
upset and disconnected by even small.
er things that a cabin door.
Merrick hurled his whole weight
against the hinged catapult so that it
shot inward with tremendous force.
There was a collision.
Count Leon came out of it second
best, for the door held it's own, while
he sprawled upon the floor in an in
glorious manner.
Score one for the intruder.
OF course, every person at the
table was up by this time, and bat
terry of eyes looked to see what was
to follow this assault on Villebois.
Merrick stepped into the cabin.
His appearance was so warlike that
1t at once created tremendous SEN
characterization from the men,
cries from the women.
Sir Lionel was almost petrif1ed with
establishment at thus seeing a stran-
ger aboard his yacht, anchored so
far away from the shore, but, realiz-
ing that duty awaited him, he
brist}ed up and turned fiercely upon
the intruder.
Jones had not yet shown his hand.
He was prudently keeping in the
background, though ready to advance
to Merrick's support at an instant's
notice.
"Who are you, sir, and how dare you
come aboard my boat uninvited?"
clustered the red-faced English cou-
sin.
Merrick had so great a disdain for
Q bully, and especially one of this ilk,
that he laughed in his face.
pardon me for having nc cards, sir,
but my name is Mark Merrick, Esq,
and my ancestors came from the same
favored land that calls you an I'm.
worthy son. AS to my audaclty in
coming aboard your yacht, sir, permit
me to inform you that had no choice
In the matter, since your jolly fellows
Knocked me down on the beach and
carried me aboard, which was very
kind and considerate of them, to be
sure, since it allows me the privilege
of offering my services to Miss Dare
as one who can pull steady oar and
is not alarmed at this bowling tenn.
pest without"
Sir Lionel appeared quite crushed
perhaps there was that in the fearless
demeanor of the young man to &C.
count for his apathy-or else he was
quite content that his allies France
and Russia should bear the brunt Of
the trouble.
Besides, it was not so much his af-
fair after all, since he was only throw
ing the weight Of his influence for q
chum, the great count
Unfortunately the count recovered
his wits about this time. He scram.
bled to his feet, looking very demoniac
such rough treatment as he had re-.
ceived is not very conducive to good
temper.
"Snvre! it must not be. They shall
not leave this vessel alive, these mis-.
cradle towards who would knock a
man down behind his back. Captain,
I look to you to prevent It," was what
he exclaimed in his rage.
"sir," said the captain, resolutely,
" wa: h my hands Of this whole bust.
ness. You cannot count on Captain
John Lane for aid, even though it cost
me my place to refuse. So there you
have it."
"Good boy!" said Jones, enthusiast
tically.
Merrick drew breath of relief.
It was time they were going.
evil you trust yourself with me,
Constance?" asked Merrick.
GLADLY" was her reply.
''Then comet" taking Der arm.
AS they went out Of the cabin Count
Leon could be heard grinding his
teeth in a savage manner-no doubt
it was custom he had acquired in
Africa, but discretion must have been
picked up at the same time, for he
did not lift q hand to prevent their