The Holly chieftain., 1902-09-19

be father confeSSor Guess she's
been more sinned against than sim
ming. Smart woman that to beat the
gallants of Paris and London at their
own game. Admire her grit, by gin
ger. But, here's that darned stuff,"
with a groan. as his eyes fell upon the
two sacks, and he remembered the
dead weight.
Yes said Merrick. shortly, what
shall we do with it-.scatter it along
the street or found an orphan asylum
for those unfortunates who have lost
their fathers in the whirlpool of Monte
Carlo?'
They surveyed the plunder dubious
ly.
How many men would have been de-
lighted at the opportunity of backing
such load-but then Merrick was an
odd lot, taken in all. and as we know
had particular reasons for disliking
great accumulations of riches just at
present.
Strangely enough. the idea had not
yet presented itself to him that the
same end he had in view might be ac-
complished. and the obstacles brushed
aside through an accumulation of
wealth on his part that would counter
act the malign influence of those de-
tested diamond mines.
Several men appeared just outside,
and to their tender mercies the prec
ious sacks were intrusted, while our
two friends walked Just behind.
The four entered vehicle and drove
off,
Among those at the station Mer-
rick saw the Russian bear, but Count
Leon had vanished, having a little
bag of his own to look out for just
then.
When the treasure was snugly de-
for the same slowed away in Jones
pocket-book, Merrick endeavored to
dismiss the whole matter from his
mind, and occupy himself with affairs
more in keeping with his own private
fortunes.
Like all lovers, Merrick endured all
the doubts and fears that so hand in
hand with things of this sort, and in
his case there was reason for an un-
usually large crop-still, lovers come
on in endless numbers, and will con-
tinue to do so up to the very end Of the
chapter, for no man is willing to ac-
cept some predecessors experience as
warning to his own feet, but must
needs try his own conclusions.
How would it end?
The scene in the cabin of the yacht
came vividly before him again, and he
could hardly believe that even such
an egregious failure would discourage
so persistent suitor as Count Leon
when there We're millions at stake.
How could Constance be the more
surely protected against this insidous
and unscrupulous enemy?
Two ways presented themselves to
Merrick
The first was to take the bull by the
horns and on the least provocation
give the African explorer his quietus;
while the second would cause him to
take the girl and her fortune under his
name, in fact to marry her as soon
as she would agree.
Long Merrick deliberated while he
savagely chewed the end of his cold
cigar-one of two evils must be ac-
cepted-it was either the risking of
his life in duel with dead shot, or
the thrusting aside of all his scruples
All right he said to himself final.
ly rifh u,.i,,
must go under. If | should marry her
now he might make her widow in
week. Evidently he left his luck in
the Sahara, and l can meet him on
equal terms. kismet as the Moham.
medans say, tits fate. A little smoke,
then, to propitiate the goddess of des
tiny. Perhaps the next time Captain
Leon the Valiant and myself come face
to face with weapons in our hands
something not exactly down on the
bills will happen. And deuce take it,
for one will welcome the change"
and lighting his cheroot he sent rings
of blue smoke circling up toward the
decorated ceiling, where the said god.
dess with her balances seemed sitting
in judgment.
At breakfast Jones made a PROPOSE
ton.
1t was to the effect that they go over
to Mentone bag and baggage.
Merrick eagerly welcomed the
change.
Constance would be there, and no
man could ask greater blessing of
Providence than to saunter about
those tnrraceS of Mentnne alnnu tho