The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1907-12-05

was the first TO recover bis presence
OF mind.
Whom does he wish TO see this
timer" he demanded harShly.
He asks for his Exceilency. tho
English ambassador" replied the serv.
ant, looking at me askance. But II
he Is engaged. or not we'll. he Is anx.
ious to speak with madam"
At first was surprised that the
man had not brought the card direct
ly to myself. Il was strange that he
should ignore me II he had been given
to understand that was Sir Mortimer,
But II he were in the confidence Of
Madame de WARMER he would do pre-
cisely that
Frankly. the coming Of Captain
Forbes at this time was a surprise
scarcely less disagreeable for me than
for them. Tomorrow. or the day
after. he would have been perhaps
only too welcome. But now the intru
sion was premature. IL interfered
with my own plans as well as theirs.
More than that. could have wished
myself In position 20 forewarn him.
to explain my tactics Il looked as n
l were again in danger OF being caught
red-handed In a criminal deception.
More than ever would Captain Forbes
be convinced that was one OF the
conspirators II he discovered at this
moment that | was not Sir Mortimer.
The man and woman conversed to-
gether excitedly In a barbarlc tongue.
DIR. Starva. II was evident. was vehe-
mently advocating some plan; Madame
de WARMER opposing II. But the shock
to which she had been subjected pre-
vious TO the coming of Captain Forbes
had left her unstrung. almost apa.
thetic. Hitherto the man had been
sulkily subservient TO the woman; now
his animal strength fought for the
ascendency. He was brushing away
her agitated protests. Il was he who
commanded the servant:
SHOW this Captain Forbes 10 the
armory. | shall see him myself"
Again he spoke fierceiy TO Madame
de varnier. She listened TO him In
silence. her eyes cast down. He
strobe 10 the door. stood there a mo
ment hesitating. then left the room
shutting the door behind him.
Madame de WARMER remained where
he had left her. trembling violently.
her hands covering her face. This
was my opportunity TO appeal 20 the
woman. and not the adventures I
took her unreslsting hand and led her
10 one OF the carved seats.
Madame de WARMER. Il is a desper-
ate game you are playing" said.
sternly yet gently. Il don. know what
the stakes are. but you are not going
TO win them"
A white hand chung 70 my coat
sleeve why do you say that?" she
cried. staring at me with anrighted
eyes.
pointed silently to the card she
still held in her hand.
There is one factor to be reckoned
with"
She tossed her head in defiance.
''Dr Starva has reckoned with him al.
ready. my friend. Perhaps not in the
best way. but effectually at least. And
the other?"
| well, there is myself.
She smiled on me wanly. IF you
were an enemy that might be more Sc
rious, admit. But have reckoned
with you. You are TO be my friend.
You are to help me-"
THAT remains 10 be seen. But the
third and most serious factor is treach-
cry" added quietly.
My Cod Treacheryi"
do you trust DIR. starva absolute
ly? Dare you tell me that the death.
mask had as little meaning for him az
for you. until showed you that sig
nificance?"
But you understood its meaning "a
well as he. Who are you that you
should haye this knowledge?"
Il know. perhaps. more than you
think. Madame de WARMER"
1T Is incredible" she cried passion
ateiy. that I. the Countess Sarahofr,
should be in the dark. while an Amer
ican tourist"
The name had slipped out In her an
ger; she bit her lips.
"Oh, you need feel no CONSERVATION
| might have called you by that name
several hours ago"
Since you know 90 much" she said
In bitter disgust. perhaps you know
the service expect to ask OF you"
Il might make a shrevd guess 81
even that"
She sank back. her fingers inter
locked supporting her head. She TO
NAMED some time in gloomy thought
Suddenly door slammed. heard
faint shout; tramplng OF feet
Then there was quiet again. glanced
at my companion. She was listening
intentiy, her hands clutching the
carved arms of the seat.
Bah. think | am hystericJ
schoolgirl" She shrugged her shoH
ders in selfcontempt. Say that YOU
know everything. monsieur. so nuon
the better. 1t will save the trouble Of
explaining on the morrow. For shall
go on with my plan. There is danger.
yes; but have expected danger. II IL
too late to retreat. l have risked ar