Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-07-24

mind kind of dread when he remem-
bered for what light reason he had dis
missed the other man, and he wondered
vaguely where Stephens was, and what
he was doing; but this morning, as he
gazed at the writing on the note that was
brought to him, he lost remembrance of
al that troubled him, and let loose the
food of delight that only the thought of
AEtonia could bring.
1t needed only the sound of Stanton's
voice speaking in the passage to recall
him from dreams TO hidecus reality. The
two men met without word, and Stan
ton sat down TO the breakfast table and
began to eat as though he were the mas
ter. Suddenly he leaned across the ia
bic and looked into Gerald Tenby's eyes.
Il am here now" he said roughly, Ito
tell you that the journey we discussed
yesterday must be taken by you. / find
Ii impossible to get away from town. /
have my own life TO live, you know, and
imperative matters will keep me here for
the next few days"
Il refuse. How dare you come to me
Ike this? Do you suppose l would have
let you rob me, as you nave done, if l had
not expected you to keep to our bargain?"
For answer Stanton pulled one of the
newspapers lying on the table toward him,
glanced at certain column, then advanc-
ed to Tenby, and held the paper out.
The paragraph was headed Missing"
and went on to describe Hubert Tenby's
appearance, giving details of his last
known movements, with a substantial re-
ward for any information that could be
given that might lead to the discovery of
his present whereabouts. The advertise
ment was signed by firm of solicitors.
If it could have been possible for Ger
aid Tenby to have turned paler, he would
have done so, but his face was already
as white and nerveless as though he had
just risen from bed of sickness
"Who-who can have done this?" he
asked
What does it matter who has done
this?' said Stanton, CURLY. 1T is enough
for us that we stand now in active danger,
and that if we would save ourselves we
must not lose a moment. Tenby, you
must start at once. You know every step
you must take. The way has been made
clear for you. With GOODNESS you can
work out the end on the lines | have laid
down"
Great beads of perspiration stood out
on Tenby's face he trembled like a leaf.
II can't do this" he said, hoarsely;
you know / can't do it," he repeated,
wildly. Il am a changed man already
with what has gone"
Hush J" Stanton gripped his wrist like
iron and silenced him as the door opened.
and the new servant came in to clear the
table. Obeying a sign from his confeder-
ate, Tenby turned and sat down at his
desk again, pretending to be busy with
letters, while Stanton picked up the
newspaper, ard seemed to be reading il
carefully. He was watching the valet as
he did so, and he saw enough curiosity
in the mans face to werrant any amount
of caution.
Have yos this months railway guide?"
he asked suddenly.
The servant went at once in search of
it. and Stanton turned the pages till he
found what he wanted.
There is a good train this evening"
he remarked to Tenby. Il think l shall
60 by that Are you dining at the club?"
Gerald Tenby bent his head. Then |
can see you there for final instructions"
observed Stanton. His manner was calm
and practical. He suddenly addressed
question to the valet
by the way, Bates, has man been
calling here the last few days, asking to
see Sir Gerald?"
The valet colored slightly.
''Yes, SIR" he answered. "Sir Geralds
last servant has been here twice"
"Ah full of grievance, suppose? Well.
let me know the next time he comes. Sir
Gerald expects me to look after these sort
of things for him. l promised Stephens
written character" Stanton said, now
addressing Tenby, land l must see to
this
When the door had closed upon the
valet Stanton touched Sir Gerald on the
shoulder significantly.
THE net is closing, you see," he said.
Tenby shivered. Suddenly there had
flashed back TO his remembrance the Wis
ion of Antonia's pure, beautiful face: it
stung him into very torture of remorse.
fear. self-hatred.
II almost wish il would close; then
there would be an end to this" he said.
hoarsely.
Bah" The word fell like knife
thrust from Stanton's lips. so once
more it is / who must work. But after
tonight be warned, Tenby-I do no more.
only go tonight because you are too
much of a cur TO see this through. Now,
renby, listen; these are my orders: You
are to be at your club all this afternoon
and evening, so that | may send for you
IN case of necessity. You understand"
Gerald Tenby rose and looked at Stan
ton. with flush of rage coloring his face.
Il understand" he said, sullenly.
Then Stanton bent his head and whis-
pered a few sentences in the other mans
ear. and the rage went from Tenby's
face. and gave place again to fear.
Lady Betty Msrchmont passed her time
in a kind of fever till the moment came
when Gerald Tenby should be announced,
but as FIVE o'clock came and went, and
hell for her maid, and ordered her TO bring
down hat and sunshade.
Il am going out" she said, sharply /;
1.-THE hoase is sufocating."
On her doorstep she was met by her
butler, whose face had a panied and sad
expression. The news ne had to give her
was no news 10 Lady Betty.
The doctor was with her husband at
that moment she was told. so she wait
ed in the hall TO see the medical man as
he passed down. When he came he wore
a troubled, even perplexed look.
Il am afraid. Lady Elizabeth" he said
gravely, that your husband has been
overexerting himself. l find him in very
ses& condition. The action of the heart
is strangely feeble. 1t seems to me he is
quite changed man."
Il assure you, DIR. Anderson she said.
in her sweetest way. Il have wearied my
ELF with trying TO peruade Edward to put
himelf into your hand. / have noticed
for some time past that he has rot been at
81 strong. | fancy that the sudden death
Of his old friend. Sir Maurice Tenhy, gave
him a great shock. hope you don't and
him really ill.,
ITO tell you the truth, Lady Betty.
don't quite understand his condition He
Is in that state of health that matters
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