The San Francisco call., 1907-03-03

have entered the 'Brand since you have
been engaged in this work.
/ answered him at once.
Colonel Ray. Lady Angela HarbeTls,
Lord BIenavon. the Prince of MAJORS
and a young lady called Rianche
Moyat. the daughter of 4 farmer in
Braster. at whose house ! used some
Lord cheisford referred to some
notes he had in his hand. Then he
leaned back in his chair and looked az
me steadfastly.
you suspect to have visited you lot
the purpose, either direct or indirect,
OF gaining information as to your
work.?
s.Yes. sir" I answered promptly
A little exclamation eseaPed from
the commander in chief. Lord Cheis-
ford never removed his eyes from my
face. the Duke had still the appear
ance of a tolerant but slightly bored
listener.
ssThe Prince of Majors I answ wered.
There was moments silence LORD
Cheisford turned again 10 his notes
Then he looked up at me
your reasons2" he asked
told them the story carefully and
circuulstantially. When | had hnlshed
colonel Ray left his seat aud whis-
pered somethlng IN bclb NhOaS-S4~S
ear. The Duke interpcsed.
II wish" he said. TO add brief
renark to the story which you have
lust heard. have known Majors since
he was a boy. my father knew MS
father. and, as You may know our
families have been frequently con-
rected in marriage ] DO not WISH 70
impugn the good faith of this young
man, but the Prince OF Majors was
my guest, and the accusation against
him is one which ! cannot believe.
Tho story. as have told H.
sir. is absolutely true, said 10
Lord Chelsford. There was no
room for any mistake or misaP,
prehension on my part am afraid
that l haven't been great success as
your secretary. Colonel Ray gave ne
to understand. of course. that your oa-
iect in engaging an utterly unknown
nerson was to try to stop this leak
age of information. It is still going on
and I cannot stop il. ] am quite pre-
pared TO give up my post at any mo-
Lord chelsford nodded toward the
door
the next room for few minutes, Mr-
Ducaine?' he said. we will discuss
this matter together.
I departed al once. and found my way
a
2 few maps, and with uEcarpeted door.
The minutes dragged slcng slowly. I
hated the thought of dismissal. re-
beIled against il almost fercely-
had done my duty. J mad told the truth
there was r3i hing against me save tf@s
obstinate and quiNot'c LOYALTY OF tns
Duke to anscid family friend Yet L
scarcely dared hope that there was
chance for me.
AT last heard the door open. and the
sound Of friendly adieux in the passage.
Lord Cheisford came in 10 me alone. he
took up a position with his back TO the
fire and looked at me thoughtfully
Wei. Mr. Ducaine. he SAID, We
have discussed this matter thoroughly.
and we are all practically agreed that
! there is no reason why we should ask
YOU to give up your position.
I was almost overcome. 1t was a.
wonderful relief to me.
"But surely the Duke / faltered-
The Duke is very loyal to his friends,
Mr. Ducaine," he said. but he is also
a man with nice sense Of justice You
and he regard two incidents from en-
tirely different points Of flew, but he
does not for a moment suggest that
your account OF them is not an honest
one. He looks upon you as a little nerv-
Gus and overstrung by your response
bilities and disposed TO be imaginative
Prince of Majors.
my. story is as. true as Gods Word"
1 declared.
II am inclined to believe in it my
self Mr.. Ducaine,'' said Lord Chelsford-
There are indications OF a strong re-
vival of royalist sentiment among
the French people, and it is very possi-
bic that the Prince of Majors may wish
to ingratiate himself by any means
with the French army This sort OF
thing scarcely sopyds like practical
politics. but one has to bear in mind
the peculiar temperament OF the man
himself and the nation. I personally
believe that the Prince of Majors would
consider himself justified in abusing
the hospitality OF his dearest friend in
the cause of patriotism. At any rate.
this is my view, and / am acting upon
it, All danger from that source will
now be at an end. for in an hours tine
the Prince will be under the surveil-
lance OF detectives for the remainder
OF his stay in England"
/ breathed a sigh of relief.
Il am to so back to Braster, them
I asked.
yes. The Duke is, OF course, q
man of ability and an honorable man,
but he is prejudiced In favor OF his
friends. Some of US others have had
TO learn our lessons OF life. and men,
in a sharper school. You understand
me. Mr.. Ducaine, I am sure"
L perfectly understand, sir" I an
swered
There is nothing more which you
wish TO ask me?"
There is a suggestion I should like
TO make. sir. with regard TO the dis
posal of my finished work." I told
him.
60 on. Mr.. Ducaine. I shall be
glad to listen to it"
81
There was a knock at the door.
Lord Chelsford held up his finger.
Send it me in writing" he said in
a low tone, tomorrow. Come in.'
Ray entered.
CHAPTER XIX
Mrs. Smith-LessinK
NAY and 1 left the building to-
VI l-A-