Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-04-25

come under my own personal observa-
tion during the inquiries | made be-
fore writing this present narrative of
east and west.
The old millionaire was surprised at
the girls admission that what the doc
tors daughter had told her was a
confession. He realised how, in face
Of the fact that her brother loved
Maud Petrovitch, it was not likely
that she would betray her Still, his
curiosity was excited. The girl be-
fore him knew the truth Of the ex-
minister's strange disappearance
knew, most probably, his whers-
abouts.
WAS the confession made to you
by the doctors daughter of such pri-
vate nature that you really cannot
divulse it to me?' he asked her, APP
pealingly. Remember, l am not
young girls life, Miss Rolfe. On the
to clear up what is at present a
most mysterious and unaccountable
occurrence. Doctor Petrovitch disap-
peared from London Just at moment
when his presence here was, in his
|
most required. I need not go into the
details" he went on, fixing her with
his sunken eyes. "It is sufficient t.
explain to you that he and | had Ger
tain secret negotiations. He came
here on many occasions, always in
secret-at about this hour. He prefer
red to visit me in that manner, be-
cause of the spies who always haunt
| q r.; o,,I ,r,lo ~,,@1 IT,
to Belgrade"
Il was not aware thai you were on
| friendly terms Marion remarked.
MAUD reyer told me that her father
visited YOU
Because she was in ignorance"
Stathnm replied. ''TLe doctor was
diplomat. remember and could keep
secret, even from his own daughter.
From what I've iold you, yon can
surely gather how extremely anxious
an to know the truth
Marion was silent. She realised to
the full that financial interests Of the
millionaire were at stake-that her
/ statement might save huge losses II
she betrayed Maud, and told this man
the truth He was her friend and ben
efactor, To him both she and Charlie
owed everything Without him they
would he compelled to face the world
she irinndess and practically penni-
less. The penalty of her silence he
had already indicated BY refraining
from assisting her, ne could tomorrow
cast her out of her employment, dis
credited and disgraced!
What would Max think? What
would he nei eve:
If she remained silent she would
preserve Maud's honor and Charles
peace of mind. He WIS devoted to
the sweet-faced, talf foreign girl with
the stray little wisp Of hair across
her brow Yet if he knew what she
lad III him he would hate fer-he
must hate her. All! the mere thought
of it drove her frenzy of despair.
She set her teeth, and, with her face
pale as death, she rose slowly to go.
Her brows were knit, her countenance
determined,
Come what might, she would be
loyal to her friend. Charlie shouli
never know the truth Rather than
that she would sacrifice herself-sac-
rifice her love for Max Barclay. which
was to her the sweetest and most
treasured sentiment in all the world.
II have asked you to assist me,
Miss Rolfe, the old man said, in
low, impressive voice, leaning his arm
upon the edge of his writing table and
bending towards her, Surely when
you know all that it means to me, you
will not refuse?"
81 refuse to betray my friend" was
her firm response, her face white to
the lips. "You may act as you think
proper, Mr.. Statham. You may allow
my friends to think i'll Of me; you
may stand aside and see me cast to-
morrow at moments notice out of
Cunnington's employ because of my
absence tonight, but my lips are closed
regarding the confession made to me
In confidence. In anything else l am
ready to serve you. You have asked
me to go upon journey in your in
terests-in motor car that it await
ing me. This am willing and anxious
to do. You are my benefactor, and 1t
Is my duty to do what you wish
1T is your duty, Miss Rolfe, to tell
me what I desire to know
moi" she cried. facing him boldly,
her brightaeyes flashing defiantly upon
him. 1T is not my duty to betray
my friend--even to you!'..
Very WELL" he answered, with a
smile upon his thin lips. ut is get
ting late. They may be wondering It
Cunnington's. l will see you to the
door"
And the expression upon his face
showed her. alas. too plainly that for
there was no future.
The present was already dead, the
future?
(To be Continued)