The Washington herald., 1908-03-28
CHAPTER XXI.
Mans BROKEN Promise!

I know very little Of the details" re-
piled the girl. Max could, OF course,
tell you everything. He introduced me
one night to Mr.. Adam, who seemed a
very polite man"
"All bows and smiles. like the average
Frenchman-ehl Oh, yes. I happen 10
know him. Well?"
He seems a most intimate friend Of
Max's."
rs he reaIIy?" remarked the million
aire Then Max doesn't know as much
about him as I do"
"what?" asked Marion in quick alarm
isn't ne all that he pretends to be?''
NO he isn't. must see Barclay to-
morrow-the first thing tomorrow. I
wonder If he's put any money into the
venture7'
'of that I don't know. He only teld
me that it would mean a big fortune"
so it would-if it were genuine.
Then isn't it genuine?" she asked
anxiously.
Genuine. Why, Of course not, Moth
ing that Jean Adam has anything 20 do
with, my dear young lady. is ever genu-
inc. Depend upon it that his majesty
the Sultan Will never grant any such con-
cession. He fears Bulgaria far too much.
II Il could have been had, 1 may tell you
at once 1 should already have had il.
There is, as you say, a big thing % be
made out of tia very big thing But
while the Sultan lives the line VIII never
be constructed. Pachitch, the prime min
lister OF Servia. told me so the last time
I was in Belgrade, and I'm entirely OF MS
opinion
But what you tell me regarding Mr..
Adam surprises me-"
"Ah! you are still young. Miss Rolfe.
You have many surprises yet in store for
YOU, he replied with a light laugh. do
you know Adam personally
YES"
Then beware Of him, my girl-beware
OF him." he snapped, his gray face dark
ening in remembrance of certain ugly
facts. and in recollection of the sinister
face OF the shabby lounger against the
park ratings
rs he such bad man. then?"
Sam Statham pressed his thin lips to-
gether.
He is one Of those men without con
science. and without cOmpunctiOn; a man
whose plausible tongue would deceive
even Satan himself"
Then he has deceived Maxi mean
Mr.. Barclay" she exclaimed. quickly
correcting her slip of the tongue. her
cheeks slightly crimsoning at the same
time
Without doubt" was the millionaire's
reply. Il must see Barclay tomorrow.
and ascertain what are Adams plans"
He is persuading Mr. Barclay 70 go
TO Constantinople. I know that because
he asked me to use my influence upon
him in that direction.
"Oh. so he has approached you. also.
has he? Then there is some strong mo-
tive for this journey. without a doubt,
Barclay will be ill-advised II he accepts
the invitation. The bait held out is a
very tempting one; but when I've seen
your gentleman friend he will not be so
credulous.
I'm very surprised at what you told
me. I thought Mr.. Adam quite a nice
person-for a foreigner
NO doubt he was nice 20 you, for he
wished to enlist your services TO induce
your lover 10 go out 70 Turkey. For
what reasong'
How can tell?" asked the girl. ''1Ir.
Barclay mentioned that the railway con-
cession would mean the commercial de-
velopment OF the Balkan states. ara that
IL would be one of the most paying en-
terprises in Europe"
That is admitted on all hands But as
the concession IS not granted, and never
VIII be granted, I cannot see what OBJ
1ect Adam has in inducing your friend
TO visit COnstantinople. Was he asked TO
put money into the scheme. do you
know
Mr.. Adam did not wish him 70 put
up any money until he had thoroughly
satisfied himself regarding the truth Of
his statements"
Statham was silent.
That's distinctly curious" he remark
ed at last. apparently much puzzled by
her statement. Underlying 1t all Is some
sinister motive, depend upon it
You alarm me, Mr.. Statham," the
girl said, apprehensive Of some unexpect-
ed evil Detailing the man she loved.
1T is as well 10 be foraarmed in deal
ing with Jean ADAM was the old mans
response. More than one good man owes
the ruin Of his Ifes happiness, nay, his
death. to the craft and cunning Of that
man, who, under a dozen different aliases,
is known in dozen different capitals Of
the world"
Then he's an adventurer?"
Most certainly. Tell Barclay 10 come
and see me. Or better. I will write TO
him myself II is well that you've told
me this, Otherwise-' and he broke off
short. without concluding his sentence.
The pretty clock chimed the half-hour
musically. reminding Marion of the un-
usual hour. and she stirred as If anxious
20 leave Her handkerchief dropped upon
the floor. The old man noticed Il, but did
not direct her attention to IL
Then II you wish II, Mr.. Statham,
Will say nothing TO Mr. Barclay" she
remarked.
mo. You need say nothing. I will
send him a message n the morning.
But" he added. looking straight into the
girls beautiful face. will you not re-
consider your decision. Miss Rolfe?"
My decision. OF what?" she asked.
Regarding the statement made 10 you
by Maud PetrOvitch. She told you sOme-
thing What was 81? Come, tell me.
Some very great financial interests are
involved IN the ex-mlnister's disappear.
ance. Your information may save me
from very heavy losses VIII you not
assist me?"
7 regret that It is impossible"
Have ! not even tonight been your
friend?" he pointed out Have I not
warned you against the man who is Max
Barclays secret enemy-and yours-the
man Jean Adam?'
Il am very grateful indeed to you."
she answered; "and if 1t were in my
power. 1 would tell you what she told
me-"
In your powerr' he laughed. why,
of course. il is in your power TO speak.
II you wish!''
Maud made a confession TO me-" she
declared. 'and hold it sacred"
"A confession he exclaimed, regard
ing her in surprise. Regarding her faith
er I suppose2'
NO; regarding herself"
'Ah. A confession of a woman's weak
ness-eh?'