The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-08-12


81 am told that some of them are
very beautiful" said Genevra sedately.
"Other mems wives always are, I've
discovered" said Chase CALAMITY.
The party had moved over to the
great stone steps which led down into
the gardens. Chase was standing be-
side Lady Deppingham, and both of
bungalow.
That is my home, princess 1t is
the first time have seen it from your
point of view, Lady Deppingham. I
must say that it doesn't seem as far
from the chateau to the bungalow as
1t does from the bungalow to the cha
teau, There have been times when
the chateau seemed to be thousands of
miles away"
when in reality 1t was at your very
feet" she said, with bright look into
his eyes. For some unaccountable
reason Geneva resented that look and
speech.
"Is that really where you live?" she
asked, SO innocently that Chase had
difficulty In controlling his expression.
At that instant something struck
sharply against the stone column above
Chases head At least three persons
paw the little puff Of smoke in the
hills far to the right. Every one heard
the distant crack of rifle. The bullet
had dropped at Chase's feet before
the sound Of the report came floating
to their ears. No one spoke as he
stopped and picked up the warm, dead
" missile. Turning 1t over in his
fingers, he said coolly, although his
check had gone white:
with Won Blitz's compliments, la
dies and gentlemen. He is calling on
me by proxy"
Good God, Chase" cried Browne,
they're trying to murder us! Get
back, every one! Inside the doorsr'
I'm sorry to bring my troubles to
your door," said Chase. "It was meant
for me, not for my Of you. The man
who fired that did not intend to kill
me. He was merely giving voice to
such bad COMPANY" He was smiling
calmly and did not take single step
to follow them to safety.
Come in, Chase! Don't stand out
. there to be shot at"
"I'll stay here for few minutes, Mr.
Browne, If you don't mind, Just to con-
vince you all that the shot was not in
tended to kill. They're not ready to
kill me yet I'm sure Lord Doping
ham will understand. He has been
shot at often enough since he came to
the island"
He lighted cigarette and coolly
leaned against the column, his gaze
bent on the spot where the smoke had
been seen. The others were grouped
inside the doors, where they could see
without being seen. A certain sense Of
horror possessed all Of the watchers.
"For heavens sake, why does he
stand there?' cried the princess at last
Il can endure 1t no longer. 1t may be
as he says 1t is, but 1t is foolhardy to
stand there and taunt the pride of that
marksman. can't stay here and wait
for 1t to come. How cam
AAC DSCA LAClC 4OA lCA LuIuuLGSy
princess" said Browne plenty Of
time for another try"
Before they were aware Of her In
tention the princess left the shelter
and boldly walked across the open
space to the side Of the man. He start
ed and opened his lips to give vent to
sharp command.
1T is so easy to be hero, Mr. Chase,
when one is quite sure there is no real
danger" she said, with distinct irony
In her tones. Zone can afford to be
melodramatic If he knows his part so
well as you know yours
Chase felt his face burn. 1t was
direct declaration that he had planned
the whole affair in advance. He flicked
the ashes from his cigarette and then
tossed it away, hesitating long before
replying.
Nevertheless have the greatest re-
spect for the courage which brings you
to my side. l dare say you are quite
justified in your opinion Of me. 1t all
must seem very theatrical to you. l
had not thought of it in that light. l
shall now retire from the center of the
stage. 1t will be perfectly safe for you
to remain here-just as it was for me-"
he was leaving her without another
word or look. She repented.
II am sorry for what / said" she
said eagerly. "And"-she looked up at
the hills with sudden widening of
her eyes-"I think shall not remain"
Chase made light of the occurrence,
but sought to impress upon the others
the fact that 1t was prophetic Of more
serious events in the future. In per-
fectly cold blooded manner he told
them that the islanders might rise
against them at any time.
THE people are angry, and they will
become desperate. Their interests are
mine, of course. am perfectly sim
cere in saying to you, Lady Doping
ham, and to you. Mr.. Browne that in
time they will win out against you in
hn Norrto DIT %hoxy o~a