Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-10

portant and happy as Bernard, WITH CopD
assistance placed his foot on the step OF the
phaeton At that moment DR.. Blackhart
came rapidly up the driveway.
CHAPTER XIII.
When Thieves Fall Out.
"Ah, Phil, now shall not have to trouble
you, for I can go into Easton with the doc
tor" said Bernard. stepping back. Drive
on little 30 can reach the buggy without
walking around you. Doctor, you are just
in time to save my young friend some trou-
ble"
"Are you leaving us, Mr.. Dupre, without
my advice?" exclaimed Blackheart. But,
though he was not an adept at villainy, as
was Bernard. he was too cunning to tax
before Others He felt convinced that the
scheme had succeeded. and congratulated
himself heartily that he came just In the
nick of time to prevent his accomplice from
making off with the booty and leaving him
In the lurch.
"At this very moment: and II you will be
kind enough to drive closer I'll get in with
you and save Phil a trip. Go on" he said,
In a low tone, "get away from here as fast
as you can" He leaned from the vehicle
and waved a last goodbye.
They were on the turnpike before either
spoke again.
trembled, and he held out his hand to re-
ceive the ring.
Sorry, Blackhart, no. I haven't got It,"
said his companion.
Its lie!' exclaimed the other Don't
try to fool me, Leman. You can't do it ag'i in.
I know you for the rogue that you are, and
you go straight from this buggy to justice!'
Easy, my friend easy now. I tell you I
haven't got the ring. and II you'H stop
bowling 50 passers-by won't learn the
whole affair, I'll prove 1t to you. Do you
suppose I'd have gotten into your buggy
when was nearly in another. II l had
get away with it?" and he laughed SO good
naturally that the other was still more en-
ragged.
''Td believe anything of you-anything
bad. that is" snarled Blackhart.
But nothing stupid! Come, my friend.
dry your tears and listen to my explana-
ton. All is not yet lost. When you know
everything you'll agree with me that a
short absence at this time will help our
affairs more than anything else could
Just speak plain English. Leman. None
O. your fourishes for me-"
Bernard put his hand in his pocket and
drew out a card. do you remember that
name?" he said.
81 reckon I've reason to remember Barry
Harlow. What's he to do with this latest
move Of yours?" cycling him suspiciously.
Everything. He arrives at Marion Lodge
this evening to visit his dear friend Glover
confound that tutor-and, incidentally. to
examine the ruby ring the injured stranger
wears-without the strangers KIN )wledge.
ha! ha! Now, mad as you are. Blackhart,
even you will have to admit that 1t would
be-er-unpleasant for me to meet the maker
Of my ring in the bosom Of the Montjoy
family
For the"
"And unpleasant as 1t might be for me, It
would be even worse for you, for I am
stranger here. while that long scar on your
wrist Is certainly known by two boys not
too far away.
Score another lie for you." cried Dr.
Blackhart almost beside himself with dis
appointment. 1.-The boys know nothing Of
any scar on my wrist. You've played me
trick. Why didn't you open the drawer
last night when you knew Harlow would
be there today? I had thought you capa-
BILE: but believe you're fool or
coward"
more civil. my friend The old lady was
very sick all night and DR.. King was WIDE
awake in her room attending her. At least
I presume he was awake. though I didn't
deem 1t prudent to investigate"
II half believe you're making 1t all up!"
"Oh! no. you don't. 1t Is unfortunately
true. But Mr.. Montjoy got me to promise
with iff1culty"-Bernardch uckled "to re-
when my sister recovers-in other words,
when the coast Is clear"
"Of course you'll keep your word" said
the other, sarcastically.
Eyes, I WILL" decisively. IT have become
interested In the game, and should the old
lady die"
"Wen?'
Bernard whistled cheerfully and pretend
ed not to hear. IT have told you the truth,
Blackhart." he said, at last. IT was trying
to think OF scheme to help us out, and
while sitting on the balcony overheard the
tutor tell Mr.. Montjoy what I've told you.
Then knew must clear out at once and
luckily did have q telegram calling me to
New York. I promised to come back and
n do there's my hand upon II"
your whole body on It. But I don't see
what can do"
NO more dol: but know what Harlow
you are pleased to think owe you.''
You swear you'll come back and make
another effort. LemanT'
return. Drive faster or I'll miss my train.
wouldn't care to be in this neighborhood
after Harlow is in It: You'd better keep
out of his way. my friend"
HE wouldn't recognize me. The change
Is too complete. You'll not care to see any
either"
mo, won't Employ yourself planning
return, as the scheme of exchanging them
didn't work. When you've another way or
have one myself I'll come back. You
must find out somehow II Harlow ever tells
them about my ring"
There's your train: we're Just in time
I'll not weary my brain connecting schemes
until see you again. What did you do
with your wheel?"
Had 1t sent to friend of mine In Gin
cinnati. The dealer bought It from win
probably take 1t away from hint"
You cheat every one You know, I see.'
Be quick. or you'll be too late to get your
ticket"
Goodbye. old boy: take good care Of
yourself till I get back. ira lar and Ber-
:scheming young thief! II he's wearing
the Montjoy ring instead OF the INIT alton
III follow him to the ends of the earth,
but what I'll have IT." thought the disap-
pointed Bfackhart, savagely.
Madame Dupre was pronounced out Of
danger in the morning. And the telegram
summoning Mr.. Harlow had been sent be-
fore Bernard received the one from New
York
Go be continusd.)