The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-08-11
"Let us terminate this as quickly

Eyes, let us have done with 1t before
I lose my courage" replied the colo.
mel, his voice thin and quaveriDg,
He wiped his forehead with his hand
kerchief. His hand shone white and
his nails darkly blue.
The count stepped over to the table,
reached into the inner pocket Of his
coat. and extracted packet. In this
packet was the enormous sum Of $780,
600 in notes of $1,000 denomination:
that is to say, 1870 slips of paper re-
deemable in gold by the government
which had issued them. On top of this
packet lay the colonels note for $40, 900.
CT is true that Karloff never ac-
cepted money from his government in
payment for his services; but It is
equally true that for every penny he
laid out he was reimbursed by Russia
Karloff placed the packet on the
table. first taking off the note. which
he carelessly tossed beside the bank
notes.
You will observe that have not
bothered with having your note dis
counted. have fulfilled my part Of
the bargain: fulfill yours" The
count thrust his trembling hands in
to his trousers pockets. He desired to
hide this embarrassing sign from his
accomplice. Annesley went to small
safe which stood at the left of the fire.
place and returned with packet some
what bulkier than the counts. He
dropped it beside the money. shudder-
inGly. as though he had touched a
poisonous viper.
| My honor" he said simply. II
had never expected to sell it so 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-
cry; each man knew with whom he
was dealings: yet there they stood. MS
| if fascinated. One would have thought
that the colonel would have counted
his money. or KarloF his plans they
did neither Perhaps the colonel
wanted karloff to touch the plans first,
before he touched the money: per-
haps karloff had the same desire. only
the other way around
The colonel spoke.
II believe that is ALL" he said quiet
w. The knowledge that the deed was
done and that there was no retreat
gave back to him particle of his
former GOODNESS and strength of mind.
1t had been the thought of committing
hot
Now that his bridges were burned. a
4, strange. unnatural calm settled over
him.
| The count evidently was not done.
lie moistened his lips There was a
dryness in his throat.
ut is not too late" he said: II have
not vet touched them"
1--WE shall not indulge In moralizing.
If you please" interrupted the colonel,
with savage irony. 1.-The moment fer
that has gone by"
Very we'll" Karlof's shoulders set
tied: his jaws became aggrcssively an
gular: some spirit of his predatory
forbears touched his face here and
there, hardening it. II wish to speak
In regard tc your daughter"
Enough! Take my honor and he
gone!" The colonel's voice was loud
and rasping.
karloff rested his hands on the table
and inclined his body toward the colo
mel.
Listen to me-" he began There
is in every man the making and the
capacity of great rascal. Time and
opportunity alone are nceded-and a
motive. The other night I told YOU
that could not give up your daughter.
Well, l have not given her up. She
must be my wife"
"Must?" The colonel clcnched his
hands.
Must. Tonight am going to prove
| myself great rascal--with 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 studcntlamp rose VIC
| lently. she must be mine, mine!
have tried to win her as an honorable
man tries to win the woman he loves
F., now she must he won by an act of ras-
cality. Heaven nor hell shall force me
to give her up. Yes. love her; and
her.
TO my level! Take care am still
a man with mans strength" cried
| the colonel.
Karloff swept his hands across his
forehead. Il have lied to myself long
enough, and to you. can see now
that ] have been working solely to-
ward one end. My country is not to
he considered, neither is yours DO you
realize that you stand wholly and COM
plctcly in my powcr?" He ran his
tongue across his lips. which burned
with fever
What do you ?"---hoarscly.
II mean that your daughter must be-
come my wife, Or | shall notify yonr
government that you have attempted
to bctray It,"
You dishonorable wrctch.' The
colonel balled his fists and protruded
his neither lip. Only the table stood
between them.
THAT term or another, 1t does not
matter The fact remains that you
have sold to me the fertilization plans
of your country; and though 1t be in
times OF peace. you are none the less
guilty and cupable. Your daughter
shall be my wife"