The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-12-18
CHAPTER XVII
(COntinued.)

But tomorrow night we are GO
ing to Lady Ringmar's great recep-
tion," Walter urged. II under
stand Vera is looking forward to
it with the greatest possible pleas
ure."
well, we can CO." Ravenspur
said, a trifle impatientyl. 1--WE can
leave the house in a hired fly
which will subsequently take us
to Waterloo station. BY special
train we will go down to Weymouth
and at that point hire yacht to
convey us to Jersey. There we shall
be able to stay few days and set
tie our plans. The servants can
easily get all we want together
early tomorrow morning, and send
the luggage in advance. The next
day the papers will contain the in
| formation that Lord Ravenspur has
suddenly been attacked with
mysterious illness. and that he has
been ordered to leave London at
once. AS perfect rest and quiet
ness are prescribed, he is keeping
his address a secret. How does the
| idea strike your
Walter murmured something in
reply. AS a matter of fact he was
not in the least in love with the
scheme. Flight seemed cOwardly.
He would have placed the matter
in the hands of the police. But still,
there was Vera to be considered.
The girls future was of the first
Importance.
| every WE'LL" he said. 81 will give
up my time tomorrow to getting
ready"
It was after lunch the following
day that Vera came into the billiard
room in search of Walter.
81 have been looking for you
everywhere" she said. what is
the meaning Of all this mystery? |
have seen enough baggage leave
the house to supply us with all we
want for a season in Scotland.
When l asked my maid what she
was doing, she simply said that she
had been instructed by the house
keeper to get my things ready"
| Walter looked a trifle embar
raised. He had quite forgotten that
Vera might show natural curios-
ity.
I'VE are going away for little
time" he explained. ''The fact of
the matter is, your guardian has not
been at all well lately; he is afraid
of a breakdown. We are going to
Weymouth direct from Lord Ring
mars house, and not soul is to
know anything about it. can't suf-
ficiently impress upon you the ne.
cessity of keeping this thing abso-
lutely secret"
Even from Lady Rigmar?"
Vera cried.
From everybody" Walter said,
somewhat sternly. Vera, your
guardian is in great danger. You
are in great danger yourself. I dare
not tell you more now, but perhaps
| shall be permitted to say it later
on"
Vera asked no further questions.
She passed out of the house pres
emily with a view to walk in the
park. She stopped before a feeble,
blind old man who was dolefully
grinding out hymns on a dilapidated
organ. Vera took out her purse,
and placed a shilling in the little
tin cup which the boy was carry
ing.
After dinner was over and the
carriage was ordered round, Vera
came downstairs; her cheeks were
flushed, her eyes We're sparkling.
She was very alluring and attrac,
tive in her white dress. She had
made up her mind to be absolutely
: happy tonight.
Il declare, there is my old blind
man STILL" she said as she got into
: the carriage. "He must have been
here all day"
The door Of the carriage was
banged to, and the horses trotted
away. A moment later and a shah
by figure came shutting down the
lane.
That's right, Stevens" the blint
man said in quick, clear voice
Nov, here's the note, and minC
you are to deliver it before hal
past twelve"