Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1907-10-05

| demanded. gloomily.
NO." replied Helena looking at me
in wonder why do you ask"
l did not tell her of Madame de
WARMERS promise. knew now that
it had been given me quite recklessly
to spur me to action. was mad to
expect mercy and gratitude from such
a woman. She was too determined
on her revenge. | remembered bit.
terly how she had told me in the tow
er that she sacrificed friends and enc.
mics II they proved obstacles to her
plans.
II had hoped" ! answered, vaguely,
now that Ferdinand was saved, that
she might in some way be able TO
show us that your brothers dishonor
is not so great as it appears"
But could she explain away his
writing?" asked Helena mournfully.
mo; even If she feels remorse for her
cruelty in torturing me. it is too
late. have eaten of the tree of knowl-
edge. Mr. Haddon, and it is very bit.
ter. Heaven has reversed my fate and
yours. 1t is who now have lost my
self-respect. while you have gained"
NO." cried. bitterly, II have fail
ed utterly in my task. ! dared hope
for too much. | have dared too
greatly in dreaming that | should find
happiness in this Castle of Lies"
But" she whispered, Il, too. have
dared, Ernest. and l shall not for
get"
"Helena!" crushed her hands in
mine. Even now refuse to despair.
/ will find this woman though | search
the earth for her. She shall tell me
everything, and perhaps even now"
Not even your love can bring about
the impossible"
But if it could If by a miracle
your brothers honor were shown to
be stainless?"
"Ah. if you could work miracles
yes" she faltered
The door was flung open brusque-
ly. Locke stood at the threshold, his
keen glance bent cynically on me.
80 you are quite yourself again."
He concealed his embarrassment by
a gruff demeanor. $50 much the bet
ter; for you must be off before the
dawn. my friend"
And where?" | demanded aston.
ished and not little piqued at his
cool assurance.
EN- route for America, If you are
wise"
IN
rather highhanded manner" cried.
angrily. And will you tell me why
you dispose of me so summarize"
why" replied he, with a quiet
laugh. Il have promoted you"
He became suddenly serious, glanc
ing uneasily at Helena
Miss Bret, Capt. Forbes and my
self will accompany you to your no.
tel presently. Will you wait here
while / say few words to Mr.. Had
dom"
But it is not possible that you still
mistrust him after tonight" she de-
manded with indignation.
mo, no." he assured her. II would
spare you from embarrassment; that
is ALL
Come, then" l said. shortly.
When we had reached the gallery
saw to my establishment that the
hall below was empty. | listened and
there was complete silence.
What have Forbes and yourself
done with your prisoners? | demand
ed. In my perplexity l forgot to ask
what Locke had meant in saying flip
PANTY that he had promoted me.
They are all gone but two" Locke
answered cody. He lighted cigar
cite, and leaning on the gallery rail
stared down into the hall. "Starva
and Bratinau's bodies are in the din
ing-rooms. but their souls have been
swiftly ferried across the Styx by old
Charon. Nothing reminds us Of our
fight except the dark stain on the
staircase carpet yonder 1t was a
winged Starva. as you probably know
settled Bratinau. Forbes peppered
away in the dark, and had fair luck
The man called Go on or Geeup, or
something like that. got shattered
ankle and the Servian a rather nasty
wound in the thigh. AS for the rest
of the gentry, three of them rallied
to your slogan and joined me at the
staircase; the other two were easily
settled with. Yes, 1t was a good
fight, but much too short-especially
for you. old chap" He shook his
head despondently.
But your prisoners?" 7 demanded
again. irritated by his superfluous
comments.
1T was Prince Ferdinand who in.
sisted on their release"
Their released" I interrupted, fu.
riously What incredible folly"
You remember that Starva and
Bratinau were the only Bulgars
among the conspirators, and they are
dead. The two ringleaders are wound.