The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-09-01

After a moment or two Karl put n
chair for Olive, and she sat down. AS
she moved to the chair. Olive caught
swift side glance from Merrldew In
her direction. But not n sign appeared
on his face to show whether or not he
suspected her Identity.
Presently he beckoned Karl to him.
A sharp gesture eloquent of his con-
seriousness OF authority and leadership.
Tho action OF one who meant to be
obeSed without question and on the
instant,
Olive read 1t so; and not without
satisfaction. The greater the influ-
ence he exercised over the rest, the
moro certain would be her success IL
she could In some way battle and beat
him. Every word he spoke to the 9th :
ers. every gesture he made tended to
show his complete ascendency over
them. And then It occurred to her
that this parade of authority on his
part WAS calculated and that his OBJ :
ject was to Impress her with sense
of his power In order to frighten her.
But 1t had precisely the opposite
effect. It was Just what she wanted
to know. Thus the delay which was
designed to confuse and embarrass her
really helped to reassure and strength
en- her.
Now" said Merridew at length. IN
much the same tone he had used to
the unfortunate Perigord; and he sat
up in his chair and looked searchfngly
at Olive.
She met the look steadily and with
out nervousness; and felt little thrill
OF pleasure at perceiving that he did
not know her. Not trace OF suspi-
cion crossed his face
You wish to question me?" she
asked in German. deeming II best that
he should hear her voice for the first
time in that language.
You must manage to speak Eng
fish," he replied. I'VE do not all I'M
derstand German. Yes, thereaare some
questions that must be answered. and
| some matters that must be made much
palmer than they are at present"
She turned to Karl You will ex-
plain that only speak English with
dificulty?"
II understand that" said Merridew.
showing thus that he himself spoke
the language. II will put my cues
tons slowly. Now, why do you think
you were the object of suspicion at
Cromwell Gardens?'' !.
II explain already that"
But tell me-" she noticed the me
ms II he was the centre of all. In
broken English. carefully interlarded
with occasional German words when
using terms Nhich her supposed linz
! tied knowledge OF English would not
cover. she described very slowly and
deliberately the meeting with Jack on
the staircase and tie subsequent state
ment OF Mrs. Grlmston that she was
to be questioned by the minister him
self.
Yes, yes. But why do you suppose
Mr.. Fenwick suspected you out of all
the servants2" he asked with a. frown.
II act foolish. ] think. He try TO
! stop me: I not wish he question me.
run down the stair; he call; l go not
| back. ] see now"
But how~did You know he sus-
pected you?"
II knew not so: not then. But
fear the question being asked. When
Mrs. Grimston tell me afterward. then
know 1 am right. All the servants
were the same as me-"
"Hovt do you mean, the same as
your"
Suspected"
But Of what?"
Olive shrugged her shoulders. u
know not. The housekeeper tell me
they want to know all about me.
could not make clear that. So i run
away"
| He frowned again at this. DO you
mean to tell me you have no idea how
| the people Sol 10 hhoW W "ciS A'o'
what you had said?"
How could II" cried Olive. with
another shrug.
That's Just what mean to find
out" he answered sharply. and paused
To glance at some notes before him.
Its perfectly plain" put in Karl
but Merridew waved him to keep silent
Another gesture indicative Of his com
plete authority.
| Nfarridpw
question at Olive, accompanied with 9
searching. almost threatening. look.
But, Olive only smiled II do no,
understand what You mean
81 want to know all about you. OF
course" he replied. sternly. .
Karl knows. I tell him all. she
said. simply.
..He knows what you have told MIN
That's all. Tell me-"
| Very deliberately, and vet very d.
rectly, Olive told the little fairy tale
| or her supposed life, just as she hac
4 prepared it in readiness for such 6
question They all listened carefully
and very quietly. with the exception o.
Karl, who was showing signs of rest
3essness.
rs this what she told you, Hart
mann?" asked AIerridew, bluntly anc
brusquely.
Every syllable" he said, adding: =
think this thing has gone far enough
II am the Judge Of that. not YOU
4 rctorted Merridar7. anGrily, and Olive
regretted her would-be lovers inter
4 Dellation.
..I do not mind Karl" she said.
/ How am ! to know that all that Il
i true?, was Merridew's next question
II know not Unhappy for me, thu
Police of New York could tell you tina
part: but as for the rest" And she
i finished with a slrus.
!, Merridew was sharp enough to faster
on the weak spot of the story, as hit
next question showed. Who Were
I these people on the steamer. and wht
told you of the Hartnlannsg"
/, .sAh, they ask me not to tell theil
names They were very. kind. and
4 dc what they wish"
HE sneeWG. "It's the only point tr
!, the whole story on which we could
have tested YOU. You are quick enough
!, to see that, I suppose. You must tell.
II NO. tell not" and she shook he
Il head resolutely.
you'd better, or for one shan
" avr,t.,