New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-19

cause my arm. on which Madam Erranti rested
was becoming cramped. Her weight lay heavy
upon it, and I was tired
dreamed IN some jungle or tropical
swamp. Underfoot grew tangled grasses and
rankIy luxuriant ferns. The earth. wet and
black, seemed anxious to suck me down. Over
head branches and vines had woven themselves
into close. dark canopy. shutting out light and
air and sunshine Behind me. the foot of a
gigantic tree trunk. crouched Madam Erranti
trembling with fear. for advancing toward us
through lush grasses and nodding fern. came
two great dogs-Siberian bloodhOunds. Even
in my dream 1 wondered that I feared two
creatures belonging to the canine race; but in
the eyes of these so stealthily advancing upon
me there was none Of the intelligence belonging
to their dog brothers-these were wild beasts.
1 thought Madam called to warn me OF
danger, and because did not answer fancied
me unaware of the dogs approach. In reality
1 made no sign, because L was absorbed in
preparation for the coming struggle. / could
fight but one-which one? Ny hands. trained
to activity and usually so strong. felt strangely
weak. looked anxiously at the beasts as they
drew nearer, staring at me with dreadful. glar-
ing eyes. striving to decide which was the
stronger OF the two. In the eyes Of the smaller
there was an expression OF slyness. OF furtivs
doubt. Should I conquer his companion. he
would run. I dreamed I turned. with a feeling
Of relief to examine the larger dOg-and shud-
dered. The look which met mine from those
strange bloodshot eyes made me sick with hor-
rOr-the look OF a devil. I braced myself for
the coming struggle. for I knew which dog
must highland I at bay. If but my hands
would obey. and squeeze the breath from that
ugly throat-or beat out those devilish brains
Or He was close upon mel sprang forward
-ah!
I again in Madam's bright room and
awake. At the foot of the bed two men were
standing-Claude. staring with expression
Of intense scorn at the PROSTATE form OF the
| snoring Frenchwoman. and a tall Handsome
! man. with long, cleaning. dark eyes He was
| scrutinizing me closely. I tried to move. but
| could not-Madam still lay within my arms.
The dark eyes understood my difficulty. IN
! stanty their owner moved TO Madam's side
| and. lifting her with the gentIeness possible
| only to those who possess great strength. laid
| her among her pillows. Still 1 powerless
| TO rise, and I did not wonder when, the clock
on the mantel Ginning haIf-Past three. realized
| that I had held Madam over four hours. Mr..
Erranti. for had at once recognized him. saw
my predicament also. and. lifting me firmly and
gently from the bed, placed me on my feet.
| murmured my thanks and slipped from the
room. where was no longer needed. Claude
was rOusing Julie with no gentle hand.
AS I reached the first landing of the great
| staircase heard a step behind me and turn
| ing. saw the master Of Highgrove Hall close at
my elbow.
| II fear you are tired out Miss Dean ne
said. and hts beautiful dark face wore an ex-
| preston OF great kindness. May I send you a
| glass of wine?''
| Thanking him, I assured him that nseded
| no refreshment. IT very strong I said.
| "Rafarty has told me, Miss Dean. what 1 owe
/ to your kindness. He saw your tender care OF
/ my poor mother this evening. Believe me.
4 am grateful 7 knew she happy in your
| cOmpanonship but il left for 10 learn
| tonight that she had found a guardian angel
| and. raising my hand 10 mis- lips in Uld-time
/ fashion Mr.. Erranti bowed low and was gone.
Turning continue my way upstairs. I
| CHANGED to glance at the statue of the Medicean
| Venus in her niche above the landing The
/ Pickering light from the hall lamps played
strange tricks with her handsome. sensual feat
ures. The full lips seemed twisted into an ugly
smile. I shivered. Some one was walking
over my grave" I hurried TO my room and to
bed.
CTO be continued)