Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-11-02

door alter me and placing the key in
my pocket. Ny reasons for this were
vague enough u was an instinct that
prompted me 70 take the precaution
rather than deliberate reflection. But
perhaps 7 might be able to regain the
chateau in due time by this side en-
trance. and none be the wiser. For
as far as I knew I had effected my
exit unobserved
In the meanwhile 1 ran swiftly after
Helena and DR. Starva had lost
sight of both. / soon came TO an end
OF the promenade. Il led directly into
the main street Of the village. Now
that ] had gained the village street
looked eagerly about for them. Neither
was in sIght I guessed that Helena
Brett would make her way as soon as
possible 20 the hotel where she was
known. What hotel7 That was tbs
question
I halted an urchin and asked him
the name Of the best hotel 10 Alter
boffen. "Oh. the Grand hotel" he an
swered without hesitation; that is
where all the English lords and Amer
lean millionairos stay"
Then let him take me hither; I
tempted HIM with a franc
Evidently the gentleman is In a
hurry"
I assured him tha> I was. and prom
Used him two francs II could reach
the hotel before a lady whom 1 was
following.
Then, the gentleman must so by
the short cut"
I sped after Che urchin down the VII
laee street.
This street is one OF the most quaint
IN the whole world. There are two
stories Of shops on either side. The
pavement OF The shops below is rooted
over; this covered passageway is the
pavement f1r rhe second series Of
shops above Y was on the lower pave
uent. and his explains how I was
able 60 reach a flight of steps. the cut
the youneer had promised. before
Helena or Dr. Starva.
AS the foot OF these steps the young
stor bolted assuring me that I should
ind -le hotel when I had reached the
top OF the retL
These stops pierced q wall Of one
OF the houses Of the village street.
The disht was straight for the first
90 OF So. tl.a Be- turned curiously on
little LANDING at right angles. Here
WAS IN 70 darkness. I CROPPED my
way for tlo continuance of The dight.
The first so.. OF steps. 7 began TO SEQ
dimly. had ended nc a sort Of portcr's
lodge. 7 learned afterwards that this
was a private entrance TO the hotel
above and that in the Elasscovered
little room O. porter was accustomed
to SIT
I was st-i feeling my way cautious
ly about Cor I had not yet seen that
the night c, steps was continued nc
right ans.-s. and the steps were
broken and unevcn), when the circle
Of light az the foot OF the stops lead
ing into TIE street was blotted out
At FIRST F hoped It might be Helena.
But &c was man. and he was lcaplng
up the sta.s ga desperate haste.
guessed Sc 60 Doe DR. Sarva. But
I had no. intention of letting him know
that 4 was following him. r pressed
close against tho wall 90 lot him pass.
.".r tA-NN.AI AaN. NaAI N..Na AAlAN
the empty portcr's lodge and crouchcd
down In the gloom. / hold my breath.
watching. hardly am arms length from
where he stood motionloss.
Again Tho circle OF leht was blottod
out. a woman was rapidly ascending
the steps. I could hear her catching
her breath. IL was Helena ou her way
10 the hotel tor aid.
And row ara forced Co a confession
that Will deepen the sympathy or COM
tempt ..'t for me when 1 related the
tragedy at the beginning OF my mar
ratye. nut 7 have determined GO make
myself DID hero.
Tor now again came that curious
paralysis Of win. Again, as in the
tragedy n the Alps, horror robbed mo
for Che moment of power 70 act In
stanuy. I had caught the clint Of
steel I Knew that Helena was doomed
unless hurled myself instantly on the
treacherous assassin.
I did indeed fling myself headlong
on him, but only after ne had fired.
There was a crash Of shattered glass:
the shot OF his revolver was still echo