Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1907-11-12
A SMILING VILLAIN.
By VIOLET M. Finn

Swered QUICKLY. In the moonlight ne
saw the color rush to Moyra's face, then
esb away. leaving her very pale. Yet her
gaze did not falter. 1T is village talk
how he went to church so regularly, how
he helped at this meeting and the other.
and was hand-in-glove with you all, and
was such good young man Ha. ha 1t
was new character for Angus Robertson
20 take. He generally picking
up-other peoples superhuous property"
.'Bertram Charters. how dare you /.
Angus a thief! Il is a lie."
rs it? ] think not" He had grown
very calm and deliberate; there was a
mockins smile on his handsome face as
be looked at the girl. THE famous dia-
monds have disappeared" Moyra started
violently Curious, isn't It? Especially
when Mr.. Agnus Robertson was seen
lurking about the house last night, yet
made no open appearance, although he
was an invited guest Curious too, isn't
IT. that he always alludes TO his father
as the chief and that is the name by
which the head of a certa in-shall we
say socialistically-di disposed? band Of
thieves is always known? Curious too,
isn't it, that he should have appeared in
this locality just after the Fentons came?
Curious. isn't it"-speaking stiB more de-
Iiberately-''that he should give you,
whom he evidently admires-and, as
Sandy Agnus.' his favourite nickname
amongst his fellows. has had consider
s5le experience of the fair sex, you may
feel fattered by his approyal-that be
has given you as a trinket of no value a
costly jewel that probably cost him roth
ing beyond a little trouble and fair
amount of riskY'
'Stop!" Moyra exclaimed. She stood
for second unable 20 speak; her tongue
seemed powerless. Il do not believe you,
she said, with gasp.
''Of course not" he answered sheer
ingly. You are as prejudiced in his
favor as you are against me, and yet
speak the truth. His father is, and has
been for years, the head of a secret soci-
ETY. of ne'ar-do-wells, of broken-down
aristocrats, of impecunious clever men,
who want 10 be rich with as little ex-
ertion as possible, and generally succeed
by playing upon the incredulity of brain
less fools. They play big game of
Grab, my dear Mayro, and. being en-
gineered by a very clever man, for | ac-
knowledge that both Robertsons are Gle
verer than they look, they usually hold
the trump cards. They certainly have
in the case of the Fenton diamonds
How do you know all this?' Moyra
demanded slowly. She felt stunned and
confused. yet she held desperately to her
own idea-it was all lie.
Bertram laughed again rather noisly
"In his time man plays many parts,
dear Moyra. In my time | have been a
New York newspaper reporter. and as
such have had-against their wishes. |
know-the eHtree into the Fair Division
| Society as the elder Robertson has hui
morously designated his followers.
When | returned from town and discov-
cred Mr.. Agnus Robertson in your house,
acknowledge that was very much sur
prised"
Then why did you not speak? Why
did you not tell us what you say now ~
SHOULD | have been believed? Do YOU
believe me now? | hesitated because l
could not imagine why he was in Eng
land at all. and, having hesitated-
He shrugged his shoulders. Il am sorry
for Mr.. Fenton though. He'll never see
diamonds again
And pray that l shall never see you
or hear of you again." Moyra retorted,
stung into anger. You shall certainly
never enter our house again, you-you
sneak. you traitor Do you think | be-
lieve you? You could not speak the truth
you never have done so !"
She stayed for some time alone in her
room when she reached home, until she
was composed enough to face the sharp
eyed critics in the schoolroom. Supper
was ready on the table. Lulu had had
hers and was fast asleep In bed. The
remainder of the family, augmented by
Vera. were still excitedly discussing the
latest phase of the robbery. although not
even the slightest clue had been found.
They were all sitting near the fire except
Aileen, who was pretending to read at
the table. Bride, wrapped in a big shawl,
sat in her accustomed corner, looking
wretchedly i'll and miserable. Moyra sat
down beside her, but Bride turned her
head away, deep flush overspreading
her face.