Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-04-23
at the same time unalterable, is that
I have nothing to say"

at the same time unalterable, is that
have nothing to say"
"You mean you refuse to tell meo"
She nodded
He thrust his hands deep into the
pockets of his old grey trousers, and
stared down at the carpet. Marion
Rolfe was more difficult to question
than he had anticipated. She pos
sessed the same firm, resolute nature
of her father and her brother. That
Maud Petrovitch had made state
ment to her which possessed a most
important hearing upon the serious in
terests involved, he was absolutely
certain Ever since the day following
the strange disappearance, certain Sc
cret agents of his had been at work
but they had discovered next to moth
ing. Marion Rolfe alone was in pos
session of the actual sacts. He knew
that full we'll, and was therefore de-
termined that she should be compell-
ed to speak and explain.
81 wish, Miss Rolfe, that could i'm
press upon you the extreme import
ance of this matter to myself person
ally" he said, assuming an air quite
conciliatory in the hope that he might
induce her to reveal the truth.
have begged of you to assist me in a
very difficult task-one which, If fail
in accomplishing, will mean an enor-
nous financial reverse. Your brother
is in my service, while you yourself
are also indirectly in my service" he
added; "and If, as result Of your in
| formation, I am able to discover the
doctor, need not tell you that chall
mark your services in an appreciable
| manner"
you have already been very gener-
GUS to us both, Mr.. Statham, but l
think you cannot know much of me
| if you believe that for sake of reward
will betray the DOCTOR was her dig
nified answer.
cit is not question Of betrayal"
he fastened to reassure her. cit is
to his own interest as we'll as to mine
that we should meet. If we do not,
it will mean ruin to him.
"And if he is dead?" suggested Mar.
ion.
"My own belief is that he is not
dead" was the millionaire's reply. a
know more of him and of his past
than you imagine. There is every rea
son why he should live"
'And Maud-what of herr"
He shrugged his shoulders, and re
Piled:
GAS regards her-you know bes,
She told you the truth"
Eyes - and which l will not re
peat"
ooh! but, my dear young lady, you
must! Why waste time like this:
Every day, nay every hour, causes the
affair to assume increased gravity
would have gone to the police Ions
ago, only such course would have
brought the doctor into a crimina
dock. l have his interests, as we'll as
my own at heart
II have given my promise of Sc
crecy, Mr.. Statham, and will not be
tray it," she repeated, again rising
from her chair, anxious to leave the
house.
"You still refuse," he cried starting
to his feet also, and standing before
her. "You still refuse-even to save
yourself!"
ITO save myself" she exclaimed
81 do not follow you, Mr.. Statham"
A sinister grin spread over his gre,
face.
you are perfectly free to leav,
this place, Miss Rolfe," he said in I
hard. meaning voice, "but first reflec
what they will say at Cunningtons re
garding your visit here tonight"
"You-you will tell them" she gasp
ed, drawing back from him, pale a
death as she realised, for the frs
time, how she had imperilled her GOO
name, and how completely she was il
} his power IL believed, Mr.. Sta.
ham. that you were an honorable
mani"
Where a mans life is concerne
it is not question of honor" was hi
reply. "You refuse to assist mean,
refuse to assist you. That is all"
(To be Continued)