Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-03-17


yes. let us have done with il before
I lose my courage" replied the colo
mel. his voice thin and quavering
He wiped his forehead with his hand
kerchief His hand shone white and
bis nails darby blue
! The count stepped over 20 the table.
reached into the inner pocket OF his
coat, and extracted a packet In this
packet was the enormous sum OF $780,
300 IN notes Of 81 600 denomination:
that IS 90 say. $50 slips Of paper re-
ieemable i'm gold by the government
which had issued them. On top Of this
packet lay the coloners note for $50. 900.
ct is true that Karlon never ac-
cepted money from his government in
payment for his services: but It IS
equally true that for every penny he
laid ont he was reimbursed by Russia)
Karlof placed the packet on the
table. first taking off the note. which
he carelessly tossed beside the bank
notes.
you viii observe that I have not
bothered with having your note dis
counted. 7 have fulfilled my part Of
the bargain; fulfil yours" The
count thrust his trembling hands in
to his trousers pockets. He desired to
hide this embarrassing sign from his
accompliC-. Annesley went 20 a small
safe which stood at the left OF the Ere
place and returned with packet some
what bulkier than the counts. He
3ropped II beside the money. shudder-
lngly. as though ne had touched a
/ poisonous viper.
My honor" he said simply. ct
bad never expected 20 sell II 50 cheap."
! There was a pause. during which
neither mans gaze swerved from the
others. There was not the slightest.
not even the remotest. fear Of treach-
sry; each man knew with whom he
was dealing, vet there they stood. as
! n fascinated. One would have thought
that the colonel would have counted
his money. or KarloG his plans: they
did neither Perhaps the colonel
wanted Karlof 10 touch the plans first
before he touched the money: per
haps Karlon had the same desire. only
the other way around
| The colonel spoke
| 81 believe that is ALL" he said quiet
ly. The knowledge that the deed was
done and that there was no retreat
gave back 20 him a particle OF his
former GOODNESS and strength OF mind.
Il had been the thought Of committing
the crime that had nnerved him.
Now that his bridges were burned. a
strange. unnatural calm settled over
lhim
l The count evidently was not done
He moistcued his lips There was a
dryness in his throat.
"It IS not too late" ne said: Il have
uot yet touched them"
I've shall not indulge in moralizing.
II you please" interrupted the colonel.
with savage irony. The moment for
THAT has gone by"
Very Welt" Karlof's shoulders set
Tied: his jaws became aggressiveIy an
lgular; some spirit OF his predatory
forhears touched his face here and
there. hardening Il. II wish 20 speak
in regard TO your daughter"
| Enough Take my honor and be
Igone," The colonel's voice was loud
and rasping.
y EHUNN
and inclined his body toward the colo
mel
Listen TO me-" he began. There
IS in every man the making and the
tcapacity OF a great rascal. Time and
opportunity alone are needed-and a
motive. The other night / told you
that I could not give up your daughter.
Well, I have not given her up. She
must be my wife"
'Must?" The colonel clenched his
hands.
Must Tonight am going to prove
myself a great rascal-with a great mo-
tive. What is Russia TO me? Nothing.
What is your dishonOr or my own ?
Less than nothing. There is only one
thing. and that is my love for your
daughter" He struck the table and
the flame OF the student-lamp rose VIC
lently. she must be mine. mine! ]
have tried 20 win her as an honorable
man tries TO win the woman he loves
now she must be won by an act Of ras-
cality. Heaven nor hell shall force me
to give her up. Yes, love her; and
lower myself 70 your level 10 gair
her"
ITO my level! Take care, am still
man with a mans strength" crieS
the colonel
Karlon swept his hands across his
forehead. Il have lied TO myself long
enough, and TO you. / can see nov
that / have been working solely TO,
ward one end. My country is not e
be considered, neither Is yours. Do yoI
realize that you stand wholly and com
pletely in my 2ower?" He ran his
tongue across hts lips, which burned
with fever.
What do you mean ?"-hoarsely.
II mean that your daughter must be-
como my wife. or | shall notify you
government that you have attempted
to betray it,
you dishonorable wretch The
colonel balled hts fists and protrnde(