The Washington herald., 1906-11-17

who, after the murder Of Jibalof and the
ruthless destruction OF the Turkish yacht.
had been seized with a sudden terror OF
her father-a terror which had over
whelmed every other sense-in the absn-
don Of her mad and unreasoning panic
had determined TO risk everything and fly
from the accursed island. but neverthe-
less feared to depart alone
Unable TO find Desire, who was then
actually embarked upon similar under
taking. she had forced Miss Elliott to be
the companion of her enterprise. After
stealing the counts key Of the boat, and
also providing herself with a quantity Of
valuable jewels. she had half-Ied, half
dragged Francine. who was stiH dazed
and stupid from her swoon. down from
the castle TO the beach. probably not
many moments after Cressingham had
himself landed there.
Embarking on the nearest Of the boats,
she had hOsted the sail. and in spite OF
the rising sale had fearlessly sailed out
for the open sea- steering a course to the
northwest
The night had been q dreadful one. dur
ing which FrauCine had lain in the bot
tom of the tossing craft in ali the hor-
rors Of sea-sickness. but madame had
managed the boat with the skill and cour-
age Of a man, and before evening Of the
next day they arrived without mishaP
safely in the bay Of San Reno.
There madame had supplied the girl
with few pounds Of ready money and
had herself departed. giving TO hint of
her destination. Francine lad at once
made her way 10 London. and. there ar
rived found 10 her uuutterab bic JOY that
her father had after all survived the ef-
fects Of the poison administered to him
by madame, and was then residing in his
own house, bedridGen and still half para
/ lyzed, but OF a fair way to complete re-
covery- She had then heard for the first
time of Cressingham's successful escape
from the island and the mission he had
undertaken 70 procure her own release.
Cressingham listened in speechless sur
prise 70 the girls story, lovingly holding
/ her hands the while. and almost vainly
endeavoTing to realize the splendid for
tune which had come to him so biessedlv
and Unexpectedly When all was told
he was, in his 5urn. obliged to turn his
torian and relate TO Francine every detail
OF what had occurred 10 him.
He asked smilingly at length: Sweet
heart, after my escape did you receive a
message from me?'
BY Desire?"
YES"
The girl of a sudden withdrew her
grasp and arose to her feet. The hours
had fed in their rapt converse. and the
room was already almost dark. Frank
she said slowly, what were You doing
when l came into this room and found
you:"
The man flushed a little. I'd rather not
tell YOU he muttered.
You had better. If it was what fancy
Ior 1 nave a grievance against YOU. dear -
nat Is your grievance. sweetheart
fell me what you We're doing,"
thought you were dead" he whisper
ed / was-hissing the place where your
head had often rested. Now tell me-
your grievance. Francine."
The girls eyes were luminous as sbn
looked at him. at is gone now she
murmured; gone. that kiss of yours has
washed its score away"
1t was not a great one then. sweet
heart"
Was It not? Was it not? I vowed n
one time never to speak to YOU. never 10
look at you again, because Of it"
Francine. how could you make such
a vow?"
AS easily as I shall again. and keen
IT. too-if you should ever dare to be lln-
faithful TO me so much as I'm q thought
You were jealousi' cried Cressingbarn
springing 10 his feet delightedly: Jealous
because l kissed Desire. oh YOU beau
tiful darling, how I love you for it,
There was a catch IN Francine's voice
as she replied; How could YOU do II
Frank? All, your love must be differ
ent from mine! If I were to do such
thing I would feel that had committed
the worst Of crimes. All, but could not.
/ could nOt!'
Cressi1gham caught her passionatelv in
his arms and, his lips on hers, he whis
pered low: Sweetheart, with this kiss
pledge my faith to you for now and ever
more! Darling, my darling! again. with
this-and this,'
Francine was satisfied; and Crossing
ham-since his kisses We're returned.
FINS.