Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-10-26
I VuL.:.. c.... n Author Of "The Forsaken
AHA kdtudTlnt uTttn, u lnn," Etc.
CHAPTER XXEI.
Continued.

SUuliuuCu.
"You naturally wish me to accom-
pany you back to New York" proceed
ed the other. II do not wonder at this
and, indeed, it Is my own wish to re-
turn there as soon as possible that
may make such explanations as will
place ME right with the authorities
But before leave this town demand
the privilege of signing the deed which
shall put Miss Rogers beyond the pow
er of these wretches. l have already
chosen my lawyer, and, tomorrow
morning. at II. hope to be in a posi-
tion to visit Miss Rogers with this i'm,
portant deed in my pocket.
ut is 4 serious STEP objected the de-
tective, "but jf you are resolved upon
tt"
II am resolved"
II do not see that have the right to
prevent you from taking it. But 1t
seems to me YOU might watt
"When waiting leaves her in contin-
ued danger? You ask too much Of my
generosity. Mr.. Crycc. l will wait this
one night. because it Is impossible to
do otherwise. and if no attempt is
made upon her life | may consent to
delay till | have shown my papers to
the superintendent of police, but if, on
the contrary. we find in the morning
that any attempt has been made upon
Miss Rogers life during the night, and
that her position is really as critical
as we have reason to fear, then no pow
er on earth shall restrain me from put
ting an end TO her danger by making
her the indiSputable owner Of Mr.. De.
lancys millions.'
you are Il noble hearted man" was
the artists enthusiastic comment.
'You commnd my highest respect. |
am not in position to say more; |
wish | were, and | WISH this he
added rs he noted Il certain haGgard
and unnatural look in Tie others coun-
tenance "that | better understood
your position. and what this woman.
whom | love. really owes to YOU"
They were standing apart. Mr.. Grycc
having withdrawn toward the door.
Mr.. Degraw therefore spoke frankly:
Have not made myself clearI
eyes and no. | understand that Miss
Rogers is to receive that for which
she must he ever grateful to you. but
j am not yet certain whether her Obli-
cations will include a personal devc-
ton which will rob me of my happi.
ness"
Mr.. Dcgraw's eye, which had held
the others enchaincd, fell with vague
trouble.
THAT question" said lie. can be
better answered tomorrow. If you will
honor me by being present at the inter
view which | have requested of Miss
Rogers You will then have the opportu-
nifty to learn what is at present as
much of an uncertainty 10 me as it can
be to YOU
But
Il mean it, Dcgraw want your
presence there and was about to ask it.
The hour set is II: join me here. and
we will 60 up to the house together
The artist, assured of his rivals ear
nestness, again shook his hand and pre-
pared to leave. He had his own inten-
tions with regard to the night, and was
only anxious for the opportunity to
carry them out Nj. Degraw likewise
evidently had his. and rs for the de-
tectiye, he 10 doubt was not without
his plan also. for. when he saw that
thu interview which | have just de-
ward with the remark:
at is late but | must hunt up Byrd.
I am anxious 10 know whether or not
he has collarcd his man.
"And L." said the artist, sam going
to- rouse IN Miss Aspinwall and ask
her TO take Miss Rogers into her room
tonight
"And l." added lis namesake, "am
going to pace her grounds like n police
sergeant, happy If can be of any use
in preserving the safety of one who.
without any direct fault of my own.
has been put i'll peril through my ef-
forts in Ecr behalf"
All three went down stars. At the
front door they stopped. A man was
just entering in whom the artist and
the detective recognized Mr.. Byrd.
"Wcll:' asked Mr.. Grycc, pausins
before his colleague.
"Ah. YOU here:" was the quick re-
ply. "Ihat is good, but" The young
detectives words came slowly; evident
ly he was greatly astonished at seeing
the two Mr.. Dcgraws in such amiable
conjunction with his superior. II have
not the best OF news to give yo,l.'
"Why:" WHAT" exclaimed they,
one and all. HAS the man escaped"
Dumhfoundcd at this further evil
dence OF their mutual understanding,
he looked from one 10 the other and
answered. vehencnty:
Yes. How did you krOw about it?
He is gone and l cannot tell whittier"
Mr.. Gryca Mt once turned toward the
two GcIticmG1.
"Thpn it indeed behooves us to be on
the alert. If he has gone. it is in her
direction, aud if he means mischief he
will attempt that mischief tonight
And bcckonin~ to Byrd he led the way
into tho strae-. followed hv his how
thoroughly alarmed companions.
CtlApTnI; NNNIl.