Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-06
The 0rc efeSS of the
/tTdnd. sf Ro st I SEa1f

nected with this terrible woman? If SO,
what dreadful revelations might not be be-
fore us! Helen was not the first innocent
girl who believed in madame and not the
first whose life was threatened.
why don't you speak Mr.. Druce?' she
off"
II would rather not say what I am
thinking Of" / answered, but / am very
glad OF one thing, and that is that am
going with you'
You are my kindest, best friend she
said. And now / will tell you one thing
more. Madame said that the fact of your
being one of the party put all danger out
of the case, so far as 1 was concerned, for
she knew you to be the cleverest man she
ever met
"Ah!" replied slowly, there is clev-
erer man than 1, and his name is Eric
Vandeleur. Did she happen to speak Of
him?"
mo. Who is he? 1 have never heard Of
him.
Il will tell you some day. I replied, but
not now
went straight to Vandeleur's rooms.
Whatever happened, 1 had made up my
mind to consult lin in the matter. He was
out when called, but left a note and he
the evening.
In less than a quarter of an hour 1 put
him in possession of all the facts. He re-
ceived my story in silence.
Well! / cried at Iast. What do you
think? p
There is but one conclusion. Druce," was
bis reply There is motive in this mys-
tery-method in this madness Madame is
mixed UP in it. That being the case, any
thing supernatural is out of the question.
/ am sorry Miss Sherwood is going to
Lisbon, but the fact that you are going too
may be her protection. Beyond doubt her
life is in danger. Well, you must do your
best, and forewarned is forearmed. l should
like to go with lou, but cannot. Perhaps
archffend who Is pulling the strings
De Castro took the information quietly
that his niece was about to accompany us
women are strange creatures he said
who would suppose that delicate girl
would subject herself to the nervous terrors
she must undergo in the castle? Well. let
her come-it may be best, md my friend
the lady about whom SPOKE to you, recon-
You mean Nine. Sara?" said
"Ah!' he answered, with start. do
you know her,
Slightly 1 replied in a guarded Tone
Then turned the conversation.
Our journey took place without adventure,
and when We got to Lisbon we put up at
Durrands Hotel.
On the afternoon of that same day we
went to- interview Manuel Sousa, the lawyer
who had charge of Mr.. Sherwoods affairs.
f1is office was in the Rue de Rio Janeiro.
He was short bright-eyed little man, hav
ing every appearance of honesty and ability.
He received affably and looked with
much Interest at Helen Sherwood, whose
calm. brave face and English appearance
impressed him favOrably.
so you have come all this long way,
sonora" he said, Ito investigate the mys-
terry of your poor fathers death? Be as
sured l will do everything in my power to
help you. And now you would all like to
see the documents and papers. Here they
are at your service
He opened a tin box and lifted out pile
of papers. Helen went up to one of the
windows.
II don't understand Portuguese" she
said. You will examine them for me,
won't you, Uncle Petro, and you also, Mr..
Druce?",
1 had a sufficient knowledge of Portu-
guese to. be able to read the will, and I
quickly discovered that De Castro's ac-
count of it was quite correct.
rs it your intention to go to CASTILLO
Mondego?' asked the lawyer when our in
teryiew was coming to end.
II can answer for myself that intend to
'go.',aI replied.
TT will give me great pleasure to take