Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1907-01-11

4
them to wait until the guests had de-
parted.
! ut is the dearest thing | have seen."
said Beverly. holding II rare old candle
stick ut arms length and looking at it
in as many ways rs the wrist could
low the elbows. The counts eyes fol-
lowed the graceful curves of her white
forearm with an eagerness that was
annoying
Il prize it more dearly than any
other piece in my collection" he said.
at came from Rome. 1t has a history
which shall try to tell you some day
and which makes 1t almost Invaluable.
A German nobleman offered me q
small fortune II would part with 1t"
And you wouldn't sell it!'
81 was saving it for an occasion.
your hlghness." he said. his steely eyes
glittering The glad hour has come
when ! can part with 1t for a recon-
pense far greater than the baron's
gold"
'Oh, isn't it lucky you kept itf she
cried. Then she turned her eyes away
quickly. for his gaze seemed greedily
endeavoring to pierce through the lace
insertion covering her neck and shoul-
ders. Outside the window the steady
tramp of the tall guard went on mo-
notonOusly
"The recompense Of sweet smile, a
tender blush and the unguarded
thanks of pretty woman. The can
dlestick is yours, Miss Calhoun-if you
will repay me for my sacrifice by ac-
ceptng it without reservation"
Slowly Beverly Calhoun set the can
dlestick down upon the table, her eyes
meeting his with steady disdain.
"What rare old jester you are,
Count Marlanx," she said without a
smile. 'If thought you were In ear
nest I should scream with laughter.
May suggest that we Join the count
ess? We must hurry along, you know.
She and have promised to play tennis
with the princess at 3 o'clock" The
counts glare Of disappointment lasted
but moment. The diplomacy Of ego
tism came to his relief. and he held
back the gif, for another day, but not
for another woman.
at grieves me to have you hurry
away. My afternoon is to be a dull
one unless you permit me to watch the
tennis game" be said.
II thought you were interested only
In the game Of war;" she said point
edly.
81 stand In greater awe Of q tennis
ball than l do Of cannon ball, II It Ii
sent by such an arm as yours" and
be not only laid his eyes, but his hand,
upon her bare arm. She started as II
something had stung her. and cold
shlver raced over her warm flesh. His
eyes for the moment held her spell
bound. He was drawing the hand to
his lips when shadow darkened the
French window, and a saber ratified
warningly.
Count Marlanx looked up instantly.
q scowl ON his face Baldos stood at
the window in an attitude Of alert at-
tention. Beverly drew her arm away
spasmodically and took a step toward
the window. The guard saw by her
eyes that she was frightened; but. II
his heart beat violently, his face was
the picture Of military stoniness.
"What are you doing thereT snarled
the count.
"Did your highness callT' asked Bal
dos coolly.
"She did not call, fellow!' said the
count, with deadly menace in his voice.
Report to me in half an hour. You
still have something to learn, see."
Beverly was alarmed by the threat in
his tones. She saw what was In store
for Baldos, for she knew quite as well
as Marlanx that the guard had delib-
erately interviewed in her behalf.
"He cannot come in half an hour"
she cried quickly. II have something
for him to do, Count Marlanx Besides,
think | did call" Both men stared
at her.
MY ears eACticllt,
lanX stifily.
81 fancy Baldos' must be even better
for he heard me- said Beverly, herself
once more. The shadow of a smile
crossed the face Of the guard.
"He is impertinent, insoient, your
highness. You will report to me tomor-
row, sir. at o o'clock in Colonel Quin-
nox's quarters. Now. gor' commanded
| the count.
wait minute. Baldos. We are 60
ing out too. VIII you open that win
dow for me-" Baldos gladly took 1t as
a command and threw open the long
French window. She gave him CRATE
full glance rs she stepped through. and
he could scarcely conceal the CLEAN Of
Joy that shot into his own eyes. The
| dark scowl on the counts face made
absolutely no Impression upon him. He
closed the window and followed ten
PAGES behind the couple.
Your guard is a priceless treasure"
said the count grimly.
"That's what you said about the can
dlestick," said size sweetly.
She was disturbed by his threat to