Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-22

spiracy against you. should hardly have
called your attention to the strangeness OF
the rendezvous. have. however. better
guarantee of my honesty; am country
man OF yours, an Engiishman. I like this
affair as little as you do; but II you are
minded to see 1t through. I have sword
and the will to fight beside you should
there be any attempt at treachery. There's
my hand upon 1t"
It was not the words, but the manner in
which they were spoken that convinced
Ellerey, and he took the hand held out to
Forgive my momentary suspicion" he
said. I'VE meet by the light yonder, you
say"
The light came from a dim lamp in an
upper window. 1t might have been placed
there as a signal, or some poor seam
stress. in the struggle for livelihood.
might be running her health and sight by
1t. 1t must, at any rate, have been very
constantly there. or it would not SO readily
have been mentioned to mark a place of
ures of two men became dimly visible
standing in the shadow Of the wall. One
advanced to meet them. and addressed HIM
self to Ellerey's companion.
II much regret this unusual mode of
procedure. but it Is unavoidable under the
circumstances and In view Of your friends
decision to fight tonight. May l request
that you will follow us in silence?'
The other man moved from the shadow.
1t was Baron Petrescu; and going to the
house which was next to that in which the
lamp shone, he knocked twice at the door
in peculiar manner which was evidently
a known summons to those within. Some
considerable time elapsed before the sum-
mons was answered. but the baron showed
no Impotence, and this manifest knowledge
Of the ways Of the establishment did not
inspire Ellerey with confidence. Once
within. murder and concealment of the
crime might be easy. Who was there in all
Sturatzberg to know that he had ever en-
tered this house? And how many were
there in the wide world to care whether he
ever left 1t?
Presently the door opened little space.
and shaggy head was thrust out in
truculent manner. Whether the baron
spoke to him. or whether the man recog-
nized his visitor, Ellerey could not deter
mine, but the door was opened wide, and
they were admitted into small, ill-lighted
lobby. The entrance was a private one not
a usual cafe entrance, but the smell OF
stale liquor and smoke and the reek Of
highly spiced dishes proved that the cafe
1t resort of that lower stratum of So
ciety which loves its food pungent and
highly favored. That there was such ST.
lence in the house was surprising.
"a private visit, Theodor.'' said the
baron. I'VE do not Join the assembly to-
night. Reassure them, and let US have a
word with you"
Theodor opened one of the folding doors
In the lobby, and in stentorian voice
shouted some word, which Ellerey did not
catch. Its effect was magical. Immediate
ly there arose loud hum Of voices, the
clinking and CHATTER Of innumerable glasses
and plates. and the rattle of dice and domi-
noes. Then Theodor let the door swing to
again, muffling the sounds Of this living
hive, and led the way into small. bare
room at the side.
The barons companion now became the
spokesman.
1--WE have a little matter to settle. Theo-
dor. private quarrel which does concern
the good fellows yonder, and Of which they
must know nothing. The grass alley in
the garden will serve our purpose. Let us
out quietly. and have care that no one
wanders that way to cool an aching head
Theodor looked from the speaker to his
companions, each in turn. and Ellerey
keenly watched the mans eyes to note If
any look Of understanding were exchanged.
He could detect none.
"Of course, Of course, 1t is good spot
for such matter. but if one is killed."
well, Theodor, there is earth enough In
the garden for burial"
Theodor shrugged his shoulders.
'And you will call none to help you with
that work."
mo. Have I not said That the matter is
private?'
''And there is no surgeon"
Il have sufficient skill for that" was the
answer. Come, Theodor, time presses,
and the moon will not serve US long
''Is it in the cause?'
NO" said Baron Petrescu, sharply, as
though he were afraid some different an
swer would be given, but Elerey could not
help believing that the cause, whatever 1t
might be. was at the bottom of the whole
affair. that the baron had designedly in
suited him that evening because of It, and
that his speedy removal was considered
necessary to the well-being of it. Theodor
did not seem to believe the baron's state
ment either, but it was apparent that
either he had not the power or the desire
to oppose the baron, for he answered
quickly:
II see. Will an hour be enough?
more than enough"