Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-05-27
CHAPTER XIV.


themselves to the inner gloom of that
spacious drawing room ere they would
be able to distinguish objects with any
degree of certainty. This fact must have
forced itself upon Sylphide, otherwise she
would not have recoiled so suddenly and
concealed herself as that pair of strange
eyes glared in through the blind upon
her. Gathering the futtering gauze of
the window drapery about her, she stood
there, holding her breath, awaiting she
would have found it difficult to explain
what.
Evidently satisfied that the drawing
room was deserted, the quick step became
stealthy, and stole along the piazza until
1t reached the entrance to the main hall;
here, no impedment occurring in the way
of stray servant, the intruder advanc-
ed, and presently loomed upon the thresh-
old in full view of Sylphide.
1t proved to be man of medium
height and slender proportions, 1.-the and
willowy in every limb. The figure, though
understood, might have served as a model
for an artist The face had lean, hun
cry look, intensified at that moment by
u rascally CLEAN in the deep-set, flashing
eyes.
Upon table, within reach of Syl-
phide's ambush, lay velvet case, upon
the satin cushion of which nestled
string of splendid pearls-the bridal gift
of Lucian Courtlandt to Claire. The Or
nament had been brought down stairs by
Martha Dunn in the hope that her young
mistress would consent to wear it during
the ceremony, but Claire had turned
from the lovely emblems with a shudder
and Martha had forgotten their very ex-
istence. Towards this alluring bait the
man now stole with outstretched hands.
In an instant Sylphide OWNED his nefa-
rious intention, and an intelligent light
shot into her watchful eyes.
1.-THE man want" she thought, with
the celebrity of lightning; and as his
cramped fingers closed upon the gems,
she suddenly appeared, snatched the
necklace from his grasp, and in swift
undertone she breathed:
"Silence! Not word! I do not mean
to betray you, provided"
"Do you belong to the hOuse?" falter-
ed the fellow, pallid to the very lips with
terror.
mo, but am sufficiently friend OF
these people to send you packing to Sing
Sing for a term of years. You are a
thief! Your name?"
Camille"
"What brings you here?"
81 came in answer TO an advertise
ment for strong and honest man to
wait upon an invalid. Oh, madam, do
not be hard OH me! spare me! perhaps
some day may be able to do you a good
turn!'
"Mew sneered Sylphide; 'you are pre-
sumptuous. No; l have mind to de-
liver you to justice"
"Justice! walled the guilty wretch.
"rhat means ruin! Lady, l swear to you
that was born and bred to live an hon
est life. | have but one desire in the
world, and that is to lay up five thou.
sand dollars, enough to buy and stock a
little farm, where l may settle down and
live like other men. Spare me, and !
will belong to you. body and soul. In
deed. indeed, the devotion of a determin.
ed man Is not to be sneered at!''
How could you serve me?'
MADAM may have enemies" was the
crafty reply "Not at present, perhaps
but one never knows when they may
crop up; and IL you will be merciful t
me, and not denounce me. will serv,
you with unlimited devotion"
II will-efiect."
81 am saved" thought the fellow, bow
Ing deeply, to conceal the grimace O.
triumph that distorted his features.
This evening, when you are at liber
ty," continued Sylphide, with well-man
aged hauteur, you may come to the inl
In the village and inquire for Mrs. Hast
ings. | will think your matter over an,
decide whether | can so far silence m,
conscience as to permit your crime 4
pass unpunished. In the meantime us
your eyes and ears well here. Now, yo,
had bcster touch that bell and make you
presence known"
AS she spoke. she replaced the pearl
In their casket, and closed the lid The
she lowered her veil, and leaving tn
apartment, crossed the piazza, and too
the sunny path that led along the margi
of the lawn, down to the entrance gate.
From behind the closed blind Camill
watched her departure. sinister smil
upon his lank countenance.
"Ilumphv he muttered. "Set a THE
TO catch thief. There's money in tina
young woman. Folks say man can
serve two masters, but I'm willing 4
try 1t, and see whether l can't max
myself the exception which proves tn
rule. I'll bet that my pretty friend, Mr.
Hastings, is playing the spy To- ties
parts. Well. we shall see, what we wi
see"
lie turned from the window and pau
cd beside the table. For an instant h
stoo' irresolute, his hand resting on
velvet casket; but suddenly he will
drew II and smote the bell a ringip
peal
mo. no." he muttered; "the games n,
worth the candle; there's too muc
money In the wind to run the risk for
trins like that"