The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-12-30

This is an unexpected pleasure"
Silva said, with a smile. But why
have you not come In the ordinary
way? And now. perhaps, you will
be good enough to tell me what you
are after?'
you are wasting our time" Lord
Ravenspur said sternly. 1--WE are
in search of Miss Vera Rayne, as
you know perfectly well. There is
| not the slightest occasion to lie
about. it, because l heard her voice
just now. Take us to her at once"
Your lordship's hearing is re-
! markably good" Silva sneered;
Your lordship's hearing is re-
markedly good" Silva sneered;
"but the scream of one angry wom-
an is so like that of another that
am not prepared to agree with your
statement. However. as l appear
to be only one to three of you.
suppose you will have your own
| way and search the house"
THAT most assuredly,' Venables
put in.
| HSu Will ludhc uo dttClhpt- "
stop you. will stay here while
you make your search, and perhaps
when you have found out that you
are mistaken you will apologize to
me-"
The speaker was perfectly cool
and self-possessed. He sat there
with his legs crossed, apparently in
the enjoyment of a cigaret; but
when once the party had scattered
his attitude changed entirely. He
darted across the hall and out into
the garden. His task was not yet
finished. There was a deal to dc
before he could face his enemies
again.
He was not bit downcast
though his plot had partially failed
and though he knew now that be-
fore long Vera Rayne would be in
the hands Of her friends again. All
he thirsted for now was weapon
by which he could take the venge
ance for which he had painted all
these years. Slowly he dragged the
unconscious body of his victim in
the direction of the little gate lead
ing to the lane.
Meanwhile, Ravenspur and his
companions, searching for Vera
heard her answering cry from be
hind one of the bedroom doors
Ravenspur flung himself against
the woodwork and the door gave
way with a crash. Then Vera rush
ed out and threw herself, sobbins
| Historically, into his arms.
Never mind me-" she cried
Save him.
"Of whom are you speaking?'
Ravenspur asked.
why, Walter, of course" Vera
went on. 81 believe that dreadful
man poisoned him. He lured Wal
ter into the dining room and gave
him a glass Of wine and when | go
there, he Oh, it was toe
dreadful! Then I broke the window
and screamed for assistance, ant
you came in"
Ravenspur wasted no time in fur
Their argument. He went straight
back to the dining room, but nj
signs of Walter were to be seen
Silva had disappeared also. A
strong draught was blowing from
the open back door. Ravenspur be
gan to understand pretty we'll wha
had taken place He turned eagerly
to Vera.
Come along with me-" he ex
claimed. 1--WE are going into the
garden. l shall not be in the leas
surprised to find that Silva has
dragged Walter out there. Depend
upon it, we shall find him. some
where here. Don't be discouraged.
Vera did her best to keep from
breaking down altogether.
I'VE will get Perks here with his
lantern presently" Lord Ravenspul
said. Keep as near to the path as
possible. If that fellow happens tc
have a knife and sees me here
why"
It was Lord Ravenspur's turn tt
shudder now, but he kept bravely
! on. He opened his mouth to speal
again, when, suddenly a snarlins
roar like that of an agry lion broke
out, followed by the shrill scream o.
human voice, calling in the las
extremity of agony. At the dread
full sound Vera stood still
1T is Bruno, Lord Ravenspul
said hoarsely "The dog is utterly
out of control. He has got hold Of
that Italian to a certainty. There
may be time to save his life yet.