Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1905-11-09

Instantly the wretch, who had not
shown up to this point any real sense
of his situation, reused and looked af-
ter her.
"Ah. hal" he cried, "you may lose
yet. Eleven o'clock has not yet come"
She started, dropped Mr.. Degraw's
arm and looked wildly back.
"IIe is madv' she whispered, and
hastened to hide herself from those
eyes.
When she and the artist, who per-
sisted in following her, were again in
the hall above, she found strength to
say:
"Is it all a dream? Did that man try
to kill me?"
Eyes, darling, but providence was
watching over you and you escaped.
How can express my joy? How ut
ter my thankfulness?"
"You are not hurt?" she asked.
"You did not have any struggle with
this man."
"No; have been in no danger; that
is. for the last few hours. The fellow
did try to poison my wine, but he was
detected. Can you realize that, not
withstanding all his fine talk, it is he,
and not Mr.. Degraw. who has been at
the bottom of all the trouble which
has been suffered by your various
namesakes"
"He? What do you say? Have they
found out that?"
Eyes. through Mr.. Degraw's explana.
ton. He has been very frank and
But must not trench upon his prerog-
ative. He will tell you all you wish to
know tomorrow, and, though it is hard
for me to acknowledge my error"-he
crushed down his jealousy. consulted
his honor and continued bravely-"1
must say that this valet of his has
blinded more than one of us, and that
you are exceedingly fortunate to be
under the care of so vlgilant police.
We both owe our lives to Mr.. Byrd,
and you--'
But here he found it impossible to
talk further. Though 10y this time the
various inmates of the house had van
ishcd again into their rooms, to dress
and reappear again for endless gossip,
Miss Aspinwall and the servants We're
drawing near and he felt that it was
no time for him to express the hun
drcd anxious thoughts which the sig
norina's dcliverance from danger had
called forth. Besides, in honor, he
should wait till Mr.. Degraw had re-
vealed to her the position she was des
tined TO occupy. Signorina Naldi. poor
and fricndless, might feel very differ
emily from the wealthy Miss Rogers
with the world at her feet. How could
lie tell but that his sympathy even
would seem superfluous to her then,
much more his love. No, whatever 1t
cost him, he would wait till the NOR
row had come and gone No one should
accuse him of taxing advantage of her
weakness. She knew he loved her;
and that was enough. But ah. that
dreadful tomorrow!
Mr.. Gryce, who had accompanied
them to the upper hall, now advanced.
81 consider the danger over" said he,
'rand yet l shall watch beside Miss
Rogers door till eleven o'clock to-mor.
row morning. Have you any objection
to that, miss?'
"Oh, no! Oh, no!' was her eager
response. IL have not been afraid be-
fore but I am now. But why till ele.
ven"
Il believe you have an engagement
for that hour
She blushed deeply and threw side
glance upon her companion.
Il did not know that had spoken of
it," she cried, naively.
No one answered, but the detective
smiled benevolently upon her
"You are a very fortunate young
lady he observed, "if villainous men
do strive to take your life"
These words seemed to fix the blush
upon her cheeks, and made the refuge
of Miss Aspinwall's room, which was
now offered her by gesture Of that
lady. more than acceptable.
Il do not know what all this means
she said in withdrawal, "and l cannot
wait to find out. Miss Aspinwall Is
beckoning and I am only too glad to
fly to some place of quiet where can
think. Goodnight, Mr.. Degraw." Her
gaze was almost lingering. "Good-
night and take good care of yourself,
for bound men have been known to
escape, and" She did not say what,
but her fearful glance toward the stair
beneath which the wretch to whom sac
alluded still lay seemed to tell some
thing of the anG.ety that yet affected
her mind. And even after she had
passed through the door held open for
her by her friend did her last fond
look seem to say to the enraptured
artist: "Beware.'
"Ah" thought he. little mindful of
the warning itself, Twill she cast such
n look behind her when she knows her.
self the possessor of three millions"
Some time later Mr.. Byrd explained
how he came to appear so opportunely
at the head Of the back staircase. AS
you will remember he had been ap-
pointed to watch the back windows
and side entrance of the house. Hear.
ing. about two o'clock. a gentle bird.
call which came not from the trees but
from the path leading UP to this side
of the house, : became suspicious
and crawled out Of the arbor in which
he had concealed himself. Just In time