The Nevada County picayune., 1908-05-28

more money; that his ship may bs wrecked at sea and hG aas no insur. ance.
 Pay him!" mutters Barnes impa. tiently. and hands his ps.ketbook to Graham.
 But payment takes sone time, the light of the lantern not being very good and the Italian inspecting every bill to see it's value and again greedily imploring for more money, stating that his men will desert him if he gives them not speedy employment.
 Give him what he asks" cries Bur- ton again; then pauses and mutters: Good God!" and springs on shore! For a shout has rung out through the night air from Lady Chartris' villa and there is terror in it, and he knows it is the voice of the stout-nerved An struther, who would not give cry un- less some sudden and uncanny despair had come upon him.
 The American rushes up the path and a few steps from the door almost runs against Edwin. In the darkness the frenzied men seize each other for Anstruther is now as frantic as him. self Recognizing him. Barnes asks: What's the mattero"
 By heaveni Another blow in the dark, My wife has gone also!"
 Marina? Impossible! You have looked the grounds over? You have searched the house"
 Heres a note from her, left in her chamber, begging me to forgive her, saying it is to save my life."
 My God, what horrible plot is it that has bereft us both in a moment?" asks Barnes. If she had only told you the contents of that devilish let ter"
 The two are in the hall together, in their anguish, their voices ring out loudly frightened-eyed, short-skirt- ed creature runs to them, and trem blingly asks: Did you want Marinas S knockout letter very much, Barnsey? The last part of it?' Tt was perhaps Enid's life, perhaps the life of Edwin's bride" Well, then, I-I-oh, forgive me! lied to you. I've got the letter-the last part of it; I was going to sell 1t to you for marrons glaces-I'll get it for you. It is tucked in my lucky stocking for fear mall see it. It said something about murder! Tll-oh don't look at me so awful!" Maud flies upstairs and a moment later dashes back bringing the portion | of the epistle.
 As they try to decipher it's cramped | foreign hand, Lady Chartris, coming out wildly from her chamber, for now | she fears she will be abducted herself, 1 and is half crazy with fright, sud denly, looking over their shoulders, cries, half shrieking: "oh, heavens, | Cipriano's writing."
 You are sure?"
 'I fear, I fear, I've got three love notes from him-this looks quite like his hand"
 And the astounded and dismayed widow wrings her hands, her face pallid with jealous chagrin.
 This is the most crafty, subtle and satanic plot against your married hap piness, Edwin" whispers Barnes. AS near as 1 can make out. this devilish missive says that Marina must desert you, her accursed English husband; then they will spare your life. If she remains with you, your fate will be 1 hers. Your safety from death is offer ed as bribe to your young wife if she deserts your bed and leaves herself open to the stilletos of these devils If she stays with you and clings to you, you will be assassinated, even in her arms"
 Then the wife of my heart has left me fearing as the attack upon my sis ter's liberty has been successful their efforts against my life will be equally so" shudders Edwin; next cries out almost angrily: She was mad not to trust me"
 Marina knew you wouldn't let her go if she did suggests Burton more calmly.
 ITO DE, CONTr>vJrEnA