The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-10-22

as a babe and almost fainting; then his
breath returning, he forced himself 10
kneei and watch.
As he watched, two figures detached
themselves from the group and walked
his way-a man and a woman, who spoke
together with the utmost earnestness.
They halted presently. only few PAGES
from his lair, He tried 10 listen TO their
conversation; but the wild throbbing Of
his heart and the surging of the blood in
his veins had robbed him for a time Of
the power OF hearing.
They stood, their backs turned TO him.
but soon he recognized the prince from
certain extravagant gesticulations pecu-
liar to the man. After what seemed 10
Cressingham an interminable period, but
IN reality was only a few moments, he
had so far recovered his composure as
10 hear vague murmurs. and little later
words and whole sentences. The prince
spoke quickly and eagerly: his demeanor
was authoritative and unrestrained, he
appeared to be angTily urging some course
upon the woman which was Tepugnant TO
her inclinations: she answered him for
| long in monosyllables, and her attitude
was distinctly combative.
You are mad even to dream Of return
! ing" cried the prince in fluent Russian
Are you blind TO the dangers that
threaten? You will be lonely. What then?
| Dull, perhaps, but safe! Soon ] shall go
to you-as soon as possible. That pros
| pect does not please you Speak,"
What do you call soon?" asked the
woman in a mufiied voice
"One week. perhaps; two at furthest. ]
would accompany You now did l dare.
but in that case / should be ruined.
| Already | believe that Perigord suspects.
1t viii require much art and my constant
/ presence here for the next few days to
battle his suspicious"
Cressingham experienced such a shock
on hearing these words that his strength
and nergy returned in sudden food. He
strained forward, fearing to lose a word.
| The woman replied: You are all 50
much afraid OF PeTigoTdi For me. !
/ laugh at him! Twice have / fooled and
Knocked at him as easily as that" She
snapped her fingers, and suddenly gave
/ vent 10 a peal of laughter, mellow, rip
ping. and beautiful.
CFesgingham found the sound most tam
tsHzingly familiar, but he could not fix
/ Il in his memory; he was certain that he
/ knew the woman. though: who, who
under heaven could she be2 She spoke
on when her laughter ceased: Even al
ready he will know that his pretty bird
/ has flown. All, what would / not give 70
/ see his face this instant"
I'VE waste time," said the prince You
should be gone ere this. Let US bid each
/ other farewell here"
"Good-by. then" said the woman,
/ holding out her hand.
Have you no warmer offering for
/ your husband, KatheTin2"
/ "KatherinI' thought Cressingham, and
suddenly he understood. The blow
was sharp, and almost took away his
/ senses. He bit his lips TO keep back the
/ CITY that burst trembling from his heart.
My Cod madame escapes and here"
With violent effort he restrained him
/ self from Immediately rushing forth and
doing he knew not what Madame's words
came 10 him in a sort of dream: when
YOU make me your wife before the world.
/ I shall be kinder-not before. Too long
/ have 7 been soft submissive fool
Kate, Kate, you know well how i'm
possible it is Ny nephew"
Your nephew viii not live for ever. II
you had not been such a fool
Hush cried the prince, giancing
round him fUrtively. "Ha. those shrubs !,
some one may be lurking there. Why
lid ! not notice them before" Swinging
on his heel. he quickly approached the
EnClishman peeTing into the bushes as
he came. Cressingham awaited him. un-
certain and indetorminate leaving all TO
! fate The prince skirted the clump very
closely, kicking at the stumps with his
/ feet. his hands oUtstrctched to feel as
/ he proceeded. When he had reached the
back Of the clump he halted within q foot
Of the other, and sharply struck a match
Then he gave q little cry. and feI no
the ground dazed and stupid for CTcS-
Siugham's fist had caught him squgTely
on the chin, Cressingham swiftly follow
ed up MS advantage and kneeling on the
princes chest. caught him by the throat.
There had been very little noise in the
encounter but he had not reckoned on his
voice Nothing he cried. trying 10
initiate the prince. But tho word was n
hollow crCak, so weak and faccid were all
/ his Organs from the cXertions ne had
undergone.