Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1902-06-11
CHAPTER xvII.-tcontlnued.D

VI MN DEWllutERu. A1UA Dh @~AN-
tould you know?"
strange look came over the Italians
face.
81 have stayed at Vaux Abbey" ne
said; whether as a guest or not, doesn't
signify. The papers we seek are not in
Mrs Marsden's desk"
John Marsden shrank back and looked
at him with a sort of horror not I'M
nixed with fear.
''You-you daredr' he stammered.
why not" said the Count, tranquil
sy. II dare anything when Tn put to
1t. You forget that / hate Ivor Grant,
and I'm a good hater. He won't be the
first who's discovered that. Those papers
are necessary for my vengeance. l
thought your wife possessed them.
think so still. But, as | said before,
their hiding place battles me. | didn't
find any love letters, either" he went
on, mockingly, "or would have brought
them to you--as proof of my disinter-
estedness. They are very exemplary,
these platonic lovers, and they don't trust
even platonics to paper. They are wise"
Come, come, you know" clustered
John Marsden. "a man can't stand this
sort of thing, however badly his wife
the spy on her. OF course, with me it's
different matter / can do what
choose, and I've every right to do 1t;
but you
He paused abruptly Something in
that sinister face, in the lightning-like
fash of the dark eyes, struck TO his heart
with a sense of sudden fear.
Savona merely leant his elbows on the
%ab at sphiob fhau ufftiN0 and
resting his chin on the palms of his
hands, looked nll In the face Of his com
panion.
MY friend" he said. calmly, you're
a fool"
Thank you for the information" said
John Marsden, with a praiseworthy at
tempt at Indifference. You viii excuse
my saying that I've always heard for
eiguers were rem arkeble for politeness.
Have your" said the Count, with
sneer. Perhaps they are-when it suits
their purpose"
Il may infer then it doesn't suit yours
yet it strikes me I've most cause to com
plain. You've brought me over to Eng
iand on a wild-goose chase, at the peril,
400. of my life," he gave an uneasy
glance again at those shadowy corners of
the room, "and it strikes me | may be
nouths-years, eyen-here, before those
lawyers can settle anything. They talk
of throwing it into Chancery now. You
know what that meansF'
YES" said the Count. with a meaning
smile, another OF your English institu-
sions-not quite so admirable as the laws
for husband and wife"
He rose as be spoke and began to but
ton his overcoat. Marsden looked at him
,appealingly.
'Youyou're not going YETI"
With the deepest assurances OF my
regret" said the Count mockingly. Il
am going-now, this moment"
TITS so hatefully lonely here" NUT
tered John Marsden. Il wish I'd never
come to the place. And I've had a touch
of fever to-day. l. You might stay
till go to bed, Count"
True" said Savona, placidly. as IL
he were agreeing to a s"lf-eyident propo-
sition. II might, my good friend, but
don't intend to-"
John Marsden muttered something I'M
der his breath not exactly mplimentary,
but the Count gave no sign of hearing it.
He nodded and went over to the door,
opened ii, then paused on the threshold
and looked back at the gloomy face and
wizened figure hy the table.
The Indian mail is in," he said. quiet
ly. II suppose you know that"
John Marsden started perceptibly. His
yellow face took a gray and frightened
look.
what OF itT' he said, with an effort
at calmness.
"As yet, nothing" said the Count, i'm
perturbably. But she brings passen-
gers. you know, Are you not expecting
a consignment of-tiger clawsF
And with mocking laugh he closea
the door.
1t seemed to John Marsden as If long
hours had passed since the sound of
that knocking lausS and closing door had
ceased TO echo in his ears.
He sat there in the same attitude. star
.ng modify at the fire in the CRATE. full
OF bitter and revengeful thoughts.
II wish | could understand that man"
ne said to himself why has be mixed
himself ~ IN this business? Why did he
write t. me about Beryl, and how has he
worm,d his way into secrets unknown
even t, members OF her own familyY
After leaving John Marsden, the Count
walk ID leisurely through the streets. His
face was not good to look upon, it was
so darkly set it bore so cruel and SO
merciicss determination
How the affair drags," he muttered.
''and only a woman between me and tis e
thousand pounds. | mist have those IA
pers ( Where can she rave put them
Perhaps the good folks al yauA Abbey
will fluid the Abbey ghost pursuing his
nocturnal rambles once again"
CHAPTER NIX.
1t was four days after that interview
in John Marsden's rooms. The winter
night had closed in darkly. with stormy
,.y;rd M rain aud Al, .,t,,t,ra ,, z