Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1908-05-01

Ou your uOuOt do ioNy
"On my honor"
The light flashed out. and the head
and shoulders Of man appeared
above the window sill.
"Waitw commanded Harriet "Are
you aloneT'
sure" said the man; you can see
for yourself Miss Renwyck." and
thereupon he climbed cautiously into
the room.
He turned his bullseye carefully
about. cursorily inspected the hall out
side, appeared satisfied and slipped
his lantern into his pocket.
"Ahr' said the visitor as he caught
sight OF Miss Imogene's bloodless face
"You didn't go back on me. my dear.
didn't think you would. and ! am
much Obliged to you"
Stop said Harriet you must
conduct this transaction with me.
Imogene. IL this Mr.-FitzeeorgeT
Yes - fultered the shivering young
lady. 'Tt's-it's he"
Every WELL" Miss Renwyck began
again. Then we needn't waste fur
ther time. II you have the letters you
spoke or
:Wnit q minute the man interrupt
ed. I'VE can't talk In here. It's too
near the front OF the stairs and don't
want to run any unnecessary risks
either for you ladies or for myself.
What room does that door lead tor
He pointed TO the left. while Har-
rist. following bis shadowy gesture.
wondered II he were up to some crafty
trick
"Mr Fitzgeorge," she said. II pre-
fer to transact this matter where we
are. see no reason
Again the man interrupted her.
"All right" he answered carelessly;
"it isn't my risk, you know. II your
father came down those stairs sud
denly | might have to shoot; that's all.
| don't want to injure him. Of course.
but
"Oh. Harriet, plessew moaned a
shrinking voice at her elbow. and Har-
riet. seeing the wisdom Of the move.
gave In.
"That is the billiard room," she an
swered. but II also connects with the
hall. Stand where you are. and when
you hear me call you may follow me.
Come. Imogene."
This room was lighter than the H.
brary, having large transom window.
through which the sickly moonlight
forced Its way. and possessed an addi-
tional advantage to the girls by rea-
son OF the billiard table, which could
be kept between them and their Wis
itor.
At Miss Renwyck's low call the man
flashed his lantern twice across the IL
brary window and stepped into the
billiard room. carefully closing the
door behind him.
Nov" he began Immediately. tax.
ing packet from his pocket. I'VE can
get dswn to business. But before
take the money which Miss Chittendon
Is kindly going to lend me for a
month or two want to make an ex-
planation OF my act"
Sir" whispered Harriet, II do not
consider that at all necessary. You
explained yourself In your letter, and
neither Miss Chittendon nor | desire
to go further Into your motives. Please
be good enough TO bring your extraor-
dinary business to an end"
But. my dear Miss Renwyck." the
visitor persisted. lowering his voice
to match her own. you must admit
that something is due me. present
myself in very bad light before both
OF you. and want TO clear myself be-
fore go, Appearances are against
me. know, but
whats that" demanded Harriet.
sharply starting at Il slight noise which
at first she fnncied was In the hall.
Nothing think" Mr. FltzgeorGe
answered hurriedly after listening for
an instant. "Ah. this is it," he went
on swiftly STOPPING and apparently
picking up something from the door.
81 stepped ON stray piece OF billiard
chalk. As | was saying just now. I've
got to leave for the west Immediately
10 join my regiment'-they could feel
his mockng smile even II they could
not see it-"and, to he absolutely truth.
ful, which | prefer. some OF my
friends. the police. are ON my trail
That's why am obliged to come at
night hope haven't frightened you
ladies, and beg 10 assure you that
wouldn't harm hair OF your pretty
heads for any price whatever" con-
tlnued this extraordinarily loquacious
rascal
Yes YES. said Harriet hupatiently.
1--WE know all that. Give ne the let.
tiers and go"
Pardon me" said the speclous Mr..
Rodcrick FNSgeorgo. with gallant
bow, "but / haven't quite finished yet.
| want yo1 10 understand my position
clearly, So that you may know I'm
dealing squarely, though a harsh
world outside is dogSiug my Innocent
heels"
The much abused gentleman plung.
cd into rambling tale ot his misfor.
tunes, speaking 50 rapidly that nel-
-acr ot his auditors at times could FOL
low him even II they had not been
in Cd STINT. l,rf,.t,., go. .ft 80