Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-15
CHAPTER III.
The Mark of the Beast.

a sudden quick cry broke from Raven
spurs lis. He Ia'rly staggered back; his
white face was given over to look of pc
cul!ar horror Then as he became aware
OF the curious glances of his companion he
made d great effort to regain his self-con-
troll.
II don't understand" he stammered.
a stiletto made of glass! a long, slender
blade like exaggerated needle, l pre-
sumo Yet, now ! come to think of it. l rec
ollect that, when l was painting a 'Borgia
subject once, my costume dealer spoke OF
one OF those Corsican daggers. | did not
take much interest in the COnV rsatiOn al
the time. And you have an idea that this is
the way in which my poor friend met his
DEATH"
Ravenspur was speaking quietly and cas-
ily now. lie had altogether regained control
of himself save for an occasional twitching
Of his lips. He paced up and down the
room thoughtfully for some time, utterly
unconscious of Dullas sharp scrutiny.
Il suppose there's nothing more you have
to tell me- he said at length. This is ev-
identity going to be one OF those crimes
which thrill whole community for week
and then are never heard of again. Still II
there Is anything | can do for you. pray
do not hesitate to ask for my assistance. l
suppose we can do no more till after the
inquest is Oyer?'
Without waiting for any reply from his
companion Ravenspur quilted the room and
went back 10 his brougham. He threw him
self into a corner, and pulled his hat over
his eyes. For long time he sat there i'm
mersed IN deep and painful thought, and
utterly unconscious of his SURROUNDINGS
Even when the brOugham pulled up in
Park lane he made no attempt TO dismount
till the foOtman opened the door and ad-
dressed him by name.
II beg your pardon, Walters he said
this terrible business prevents my thinking
about anything else l am going into my
4.
turbed by anybody. If l am dining out to-
night, tell Mr.. Ford to write and cancel the
engagement. Oh, here is ord himself"
The neat, clean-shaven secretary came
forward.
Your lordship seems to have forgotten, 4"
he said. You are giving a dinner here to-
night yourself. You gave orders especially
10 arrange 1t. because you were anxious for
some of the royal academ!cians to meet the
young Polish artist
Il had clean forgotten it," Ravenspur
said, with something like a groan Enter
tanning people tonight will be ike dancing
in letters. Still | must make the best of IL,
for | should not like that talented young
foreigner TO be disappointed. In the mean
time, ! am not at home 10 anybody"
With this admonition RaVenspur passed
up to his own private rooms, and carefully
locked the door behind him. lie took a cigar
from his case, and lighted II, only to fling il
away moment later in disgust. He stood
Just for moment with his hand on a de-
Canter of brandy, and then with a smile for
his own weakness poured out glassful
which he drank without delay.
II am a fool and a coward" he NUT
tered. What can there be TO be afra id OF
after all these years Why do / hesitate In
this way when holiness and decision would
avert the danger?"
Ravenspur sat there looking moodfly into
space. He heard the house resounding 10
the sound of, the luncheon gong. but he
made movement. The mere suggestion
OF food was repulsive to him. clean as his
hlh yypr nd rph IA
usually was. The lane and the park were
gay with traffic now; the roar of locomotion
reached the ears OF Ravenspur as he sa,
there. Presently the noise of the newsboys
came again. and the name of Delahay seem
ed TO I'LL the air to the exclusion OF every
thing else. Ravenspur rang his bell and
asked for a paper.
The nimsy, Imprinted sheet fairly reeked
with the latest and most CHASTITY of London
tragedies. Nothing else seemed to matter
for the moment. Seven or eight columns