The San Francisco call., 1907-02-17

pleasure. almost a theatrical part; butF
YOU know, the French people like
that"
1T Is true" nurrnursd- They love
their heroes dscked in ttnsef"
She nodded.
They say that # is part OF pose.
and that he has serious political arabi-
tlons. He contenplates always some
great scheme which shall make him
the IDOL IL only for a day, Of the
French mob. a day would be sufficient
for he would strike while-Princs. be
careful she called out. ~Ahr'
We heard a shrilI cry. and we saw
the Prince sway on the verge OF the
elin. He threw up his arms and
clutched wildly at the air. but he was
too late to save himself. We saw the
ground crumble beneath his feet. and
with a second CRY of despair he disap-
peared.
Grooton. Lady Angela and I reached
the edge Of the cliff at about the same
moment. We peered over in breath
my arm and for a moment I did not IN
the least care what had happened 70
the Prince.
Don't be frightened" I whispered.
The descent Is not by any means
sheer. He can't possibly have got to
the bottom. I win Chamber down and
look for him.
She shuddered
"Oh. you mustn't" she exclaimed. TT
- not safe How terrible 1t looks
down therer'
raised my voice and shouted. Al
most Immediately there came an an
swer.
II am here. my friends, in the mid
die OF a bush. I dare not move. 1t IS
so dark I cannot see where to put nv
foot. Can you lower me a lantern, and
I win see II I can climb out?r
Grooton fastened back to the cot
tase.
II think you viii be all right"
cried out. 1T is not half as steep as
Il looks"
II believe" he answered. that I
can see path up. But I will wait
until the lantern comes"
The lantern arrived almost immedf-
ately. We lowered it to him by rope
and he examined the face OF the cliff.
II think that I can get up he cried
but should like to help myself with
the rope. Can you both hold it
tightiy7''
"Ali right" answered. We've got
He clambered up with surprising
agility. But as he reached the edge
OF the cliff he grosned heavily.
Are you hurt?" Lady Angela asked.
1T IL my foot" he nuttered; my
left foot. twisted 1t in falling"
Grooton and I helped him to the cot
tage. He hobbIed painfully along with
tightly clenched lips.
Il shall have to ask for a pony cart
to get up to the house, 1 am afraid
he said Il am very sorry to give you
80 much trouble, Mr.. Ducaine.'
The trouble is nothing I answered.
"SHt am wondering how on earth you
managed to fall over the cliff"
II myself scarcely know he an
swered. as he slipped the brandy which
Grooton had produced. Il am subject
70 fits of giddiness. and one came over
me as I stood there looking down.
felt the ground sway. and remember
no more.' / am very sorry to give you
all this trouble. but indeed Z fear that
1 cannot walk"
We will send you dowR cart" I
declared. you will have rather a
rough drive across the grass, but there
is no other way"
You are very kind" he declared.
II am in despair at my clumsiness."
gave him a box of cigarettes Lady
Angela hesitated.
II think" she said. that Z ought to
stay with you, Prince. while Mr.. Du-
caine goes up for the cart.
Indeed. Lady Angela, YOU are very
kind" he answered. but ? could not
permit it. regret to say that I am
in some pain, and I have a weakness
desire anything Mr.. DUcaines servant
will be at hand
SO we left him there. At any other
time the prospect OF that walk with
Lady Angela would have filled me with
joy. But from the first moment OF
leaving the cottage 7 was uneasy.
What do you think Of that man?''
7 asked her abruptly. I mean per-
sonally?"
II hate him." she answered cooIly,
He is one OF those creatures whose
eyes and mouth, and something under
always to suggest offensive things. I
find it very hard indeed to be civil to
him."
do you happen to know what Coll
eneI Ray thinks of him. I asked her.
II have no special knowledge OF Coll
onel Rays likes or disUkes," she an
swered.
.'Forgive me-" I said. II thought
that you and he were very intimate.
and that you might know. L wonder
whether he takes the Prince seriously
Colonel Ray is one OF my best
friends" she said, but am not In
his confidence"
A slight reserve had erept into her
tone. I stole a glance at her face
paler and more delicate than ever 1t
seemed in the gathering darkness. Her
lips were firmly set, but her eyes were
kind. A sudden desire for her sym
pathy weakened me.
Lady Angela" I said. 'T must talk
to some one. I do not know whom TO
trust. do not knew who is honest.
You are the only person whom dars
speak to at all"
She looked round cautiously. We
were out of the plantation now, in the
open park, where eevesdropping was
impossible.
you have difficult post, Mr.. Du-
caine,' she said, and you will rener-
ber-"
"oh, 1 remember" interrupted.
you warned me not to take it. But
think in what position was. had
no career, was penniless. How could
] throw away such a chanceg
Something has happened-thiB
morning. has It not?' she asked
1 nodded
yes"
She waited for me 70 go on. She
was deeply interested. A could hear
her breath coming fast. though we
fno At II