The Red Cloud chief., 1907-08-16

S'Ali'N llSN uilttItIipillbi 'du uI'u YOU
tonight. He desires me, therefore, to
send you these few lines. The Marquis
dc st. Ethol and his wife are among my
oldest friends. 1t gives inc great pleasure
to vouCh for them both In every way,
Yours sincerely, CHESTOW.
"The letter, I am afraid" the mar
quis said. smiling, docs little to sat
isfy your curiosity. Permit me to ex-
plain my errand in a few words"
Certainly Duncombe interrupted.
But won't YOU take something? l am
glad to see that Spencer Is looking aft
or your wife,
The marquise had raised her veil
and was leaning back In Il chair, with
a sandwich poised in the fingers of one
hand and a glass OF burgundy in the
other. She was looking a little less
bored and was chatting gayly to Spen-
Ger, whose French was equal to her
own.
II thank you very much" the mar
Quis said. II will not take anything to
drink, but IL you have cigarettes All,
thanks!"
He lit one and sat on the arm of nm
easy chair.
''The facts are these" he said. 81
have n great friend in Paris who,
knowing that ! was at Chestow and
returning to France tomorrow. has, |
fear | must say, taken some advantage
Of my good nature. | am asked to call
here ana escort home to her friends a
young lady who, l understand, is for
the moment a guest under your roof.
| NJ. finland \ tntSf IN fnlnnrot,LS I'm n
most mysterious manner, but he Is evil
IDENTIFY very anxious that we should
accede to his request. Our appearance
here at this time Of night I admit Ia
most unjustlfiable. but what We're we
to do? 1t is absolutely necessary for
my wife to catch the 800 from Char.
ing Cross tomorrow. I hope that my
friend will some day appreciate my
devotion. To come round by your
house | have had to borrow a carriage
from my friend Chestow. We shall
have n drive to Norwich and catch a
train from there to London in the small
hours of the morning. l presume the
young lady Is hcref"
"The young lady Is here" Duncombe
answered. MAY | inquire the name
of the friend to whom you are asked
to take herr"
The marquis yawned slightly. He,
too, seemed weary.
"My lear Sir George" he said, II
trust that you will appreciate my posi-
ton in this matter. | do not even know
the young lady's name. My eccentric
friend in his telegram, which occupied
four forms, most specially insisted that
l should ask or answer no questions
concerning her"
"You are not aware. then, of the cir
cumstances which led to her coming
here?" Duncombe asked.
II am utterly ignorant OF them" the
marquis answered. II am constrained
to remain So"
"You no doubt have some message
for her." Duncombe said. Her posi-
ton here Is Il little peculiar. She may
desire some sort of information as to
her destination"
The marquis Knocked tie ash off his
cigarette.
"If you will produce the young lady"
he said, II think that you will find her
prepared to come with us without ask
ing any questions"
Duncombe threw open the door
which led into the inner room. The
girl stepped forward as far as the
threshold and looked out upon them.
"This Is the Marquis and the Mar
quise de st. Ethol," Duncombe said to
her. 'They have brought me a letter
. from the Duke of Chestow, and they
have come to take you back to France"
The girl looked iXedly for a moment
at the marquise. If any word or sign
passed between them 1t escaped Dun
combe.. Phyllis was content, however,
to ask 10 questions.
Il am quite ready" she said calmly.
The marquise rose.
"Your luggage car be sent on" she
remarked.
Duncombe approached Phyllis and
. stood by her side.
"These people, he said, will not
| tell me where they are taking you to
Are you content to goT"
Il must CO." she answered simply.
"You wish me TO give you
/, "If YOU please she interrupted.
He turned toward the door.
II have something belonging to Miss
Ito my guest" he said, Tin my OWL
, room. If you will excuse me for a
: moment | will fetch It,"
. He returned with the sealed en-
i - 49, Lt-N Ana