Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-12-07


He Fell Hesdlong Without a eroan
a fash OF hope snone IN r-orena-s
pale face, only 20 be followed by
the deepest detection. But there are
the proofs" she said. mournfully. Il
cannot would that I could. deny my
brothers writing"
~ must See Madame de WARMER. A
I few hours ago she held us at her
mercy But now we have the upper
hand; there are many things she
( must explain. Where is she?"
She left the chateau with Fordi-
nand half an hour ago"
Left the chateau" 7 cried. aghast.
why was she not held?"
Prince Ferdinand insisted that she
I must go az once 20 Sofa. He has
sent her on some secret mission. 7
I think she must be one OF his spies "
And she left no message for me-"
demanded. gloomlly.
No replied Helena. looking al me
I In wonder why do you ask"
did not tell her OF Madame de
WARMERS promise. knew now that
IL had been given me quite recklessly
70 spur me 90 action. was mad TO
expect mercy and gratitude from such
woman. She was too determined
on her revenge. remembered BIT
terly how she had told me In tho tow
or that she sacrificed friends and enc
mics II they proved obstacles 70 her
plans
II had hoped" answered. vaguely
now that Ferdinand was saved. that
she might in some way be able 10
/ show us that your brothers dishonor
IS not 50 great as It appears"
But could she explain away his
writing?" asked Helena mournfully.
NO: even n she feels remorse for her
cruelty In torturinE me. Il is too
late. have eaten Of the tree OF knowl-
edge. MT Haddon. and IL IS very BIT.
ter. Heaven has reversed my fate and
yours. Il is i who now have lost my
selfrespect, while you have gained"
No, I cried. bitterly. Il have fail
ed utterly In nay task. dared hope
for too much. have dared too
greatly in dreaming that should find
happiness in this Castle OF Lies"
But" she whispered. I. too. have
dared. Ernest and shall not for
/ get"
Helena" ] crushed her hands In
mine. Even now I refuse % despslr.
/ will find this woman though I search
/ the earth for her. She shall tell me
everything, and perhaps even now"
Not even your love can bring about
the impossible"
But II IL could II by a miracle
your brothers honor were shown to
be stainless?"
All, II you could work miracles
yes. she faltered
The door was flung open brusoue-
! ly. Locke stood at the threshold his
keen glance bent cynicaIly on me.
so you are quite yourself again ?"
He concealed his embarrassment bv
a grur demeanor. 80 much the bet.
ter; for you must be of before the
dawn, my friend"
And where?" I demanded aston
ished and not a little piqued AZ his
cool assurance
En- route for America, II you are
wise"
You are settling my destiny in a
rather highhanded manner" I cried
angrily. And will you tell me why
you dispose OF me so sunmsrily?"
Why" replied he, with a quiet
laugh. Il have promoted you"
He became suddenly serious. glanc-
ing uneaslly at Helena
Miss Bret, Capt. Forbes and nv.
self will accompany you to your 10
tel presently. VIII you wait here
while ! say few words to MIR. Had.
don?"
But It is not possible that you stin
mistrnst him after to-night?" she de-
manded with indignation.
No, no" he assured her. Il would
spare you from embarrassment; that
is ALL"
Come. thea" I 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 prisouers?" 1 demand
ed. In my perplexity I 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 a 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. II was a
good scrap while IL lasted. Your shot
winged Starva. as you probably know.
i settled Brstinau- Forbes peppered
away in the dark. and had fair luck.