The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-05-22
-cHAPTER xv.-lcontInued.l :

CHAPTER xV-(continued,)
HNCE or twice Diana cast fleet
ing and half-anXious glance AT
the doorway But apart from
this there was no indication
that her mind was concerned
with anything but her immediate sur
roundings.
Strong stood gazing on her for some
little time, content 10 let the crown
pass and repass.
In his own mind and out OF the
vanity OF his heart. he could conceive
no more fitting mate for man set
upon the theft OF the earth.
Presently he drew back step and,
taking OGorman's arm, led him away.
II is little BIT early now" he said.
ito disturb her royal highness, but Il
will be necessary for me TO speak 10
her before | leave. Now, | want YOU,
my dear fellow. 10 do me the service
OF breaking the news OF my presence
10 her as quietly and as diplomatical-
iy as possible. In the meantime !
wans 70 get out OF this"
Strong looked round and shrugged
his shoulders. The whole OF his sim,
pie and. as some called II, unclVilzeu
nature rose In revolt against the os'
tentatious luxury on every hand.
He drew the hot air into MS great
lungs until he had filed them. then
exhaled II slowly and made a little
grimace. "Faugh," he cried. / can
not breathe In this place"
Mr.. O'Gorman looked at Strong
with considerable concern. Il tell you
what" he said anxiously. III you real
~ want a breath of fresh air you can
get II easily enough"-here he looked
a trife guilty-"on the servants stair
case"
Any place" replied Strong, edging
his way through the crowd. which is
clear OF people and has a window
open is good enough for me-.
Mr.. OGorman led the way through
some curtains and along strip OF
passage. till they came 10 a baize-coy-
cred door. the inevitable oaize-covered
door which signifies that the servants
regions lie beyond. The detective
pushed the baize-covered door open
and then ne bowed Strong through.
They found themselves on a little
landing from which there descended
aud assembled a stone staircase with
iron balustrades Opening of the
landing was little buffers pantry,
ard into this MIR. O'Gorman led the
way.
IF you don't mind. sir" be said 10
Strong. I'VE will see II Mr.. Pomeroy,
that's the butler. you know, can en-
terrain you FOR little while. Mean
while I will do my best 10 get hold OF
Her Royal Highness"
The, best place think you can
meet is the winter garden at the oth'
or end of the house. For some rea-
son which cannot explain II Is not
in use tonight in fact, IT Is pracucal-
~ in darkness"
At this moment Mr. Pomeroy, dig
nifed and portly, came painting and
wheeling up the stairs.
"You are just in time. gentlemen.
he said. with an effort at geniality,
ITO Join me In a glass OF wine"
Thanks" said Mr.. OGorman. i
won't myself just at present. but my
Dir. Smith will"
And he pushed Strong into the but.
lers pantry after Mr. Pomeroy.
Mr.. Pomeroy surveyed Strongs her
culean proportions and distinction OF
superior altogether" he said to him
self
"Will you take port or sherry" he
added aloud, turning TO the sideboard'
Now Strong detested both.
ITO tell you the truth" he said, con-
fdentially, Il would rather have a
glass OF beer"
With an expression of disgust the
immaculate Mr.. Pomeroy fshed out
bottle OF Bass.
Excellent" said Strong. smacking
his lips.
Nice and cool, anyways, on night
like this" said the butler, slipping
away at his port. II expect" he add
ed looking Strong over again, that
you find IL builds the frame up, and
III lay a wager that you have tackled
many rough customer in your timer"
Strcng instinctively stood a little
straighter and made the most of his
mighty chest.
YES" he said. with the reflective