The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-10-12
CHAPTER XXIv.-Continued

HE left me In January" she con-
tinued, determined at least to
have speech with his son. He heard
then for the first time of the alb.
sconding trustee. He came to Eng
land. If not to implore hi sson S
forgiveness, at least to place him
above want. And in this country
he has nevee been heard of. He
has disappeared. l am here to find
him. Perhaps" she added, leaning
over towards Ray. and In a slightly
altered tone, perhaps you can help
me?"
Again 1t seemed to- me that Ray
was troubled by certain speech
lessness. When at last he found
words they and his tone were alike
harsh. almost violent
do you think" he said. that
would stretch out the little finger
Of my hand to help you or him?
You know very we'll that I would
not. The pair of you, in my
opinion. were long since outside of
the pale of consideration for any
living being. II he is lost. SO much
the better. If he is dead, SO much
the better still"
1T is because / know how you
feel towards him." she said, slowly,
that l wondered-yes, l won
dered!"
"Well?"
Whether you could not. II you
chose, solve for me the mystery of
his disappearance"
There was as much as dozen
seconds or SO of tense silence be-
tween them. She never once finch
ed. The cold question of her eyes
seemed to burn its way into the
mans composure. A fierce exclam-
alton broke from his lips.
IF he were dead" he SAID land
IL 1t were my hand which had re-
moved him, should count 1t
amongst the best actions Of my
life."
She looked at him curiously--as
one might regard a Wild beast.
You can speak like this before
his son?'
Il veil my words at no time and
for no man." he answered. "The
truth is always best"
The. door opened, and Blenavon
entered. His arm and head were
bandaged, and he walked with a
limp. He was deathly pale, and APP
parently very nervous. He at,
tempted a Casual greeting with Ray
but 1t was por pretense. Ray. for
his part. had devidently no mind to
beat about the bush.
Lord Blenavon," he said, "this
house Is no fit place for your
fathers son. have warned you
before, but the time for advice is
past. Your hostess here Is a crea.
ture Of the French police, and her
business here Is to suborn you and
others whom she can buy or cajoIe
into a reasonable breach of conf
dence. 1t is very possible that you
know all this and more. But ap.
peal to you as an Englishman and
the representative of a great Eng
lish family. Are you willing to
leave at once with US and depart
ditoEetHcI IfOHi tilS part Vi IHe
country, or will you fave the con.
sequences?"
Blenavon was a coward. He
shook and stammered.
II do not understand YOU" he
faltered. "You have no right ia
speak to me like this"
Right or no right, I do" Ray
answered. III you refuse, l shall
not spare you. Last night was
only one incident of many. break
my faith as a soldier by giving you
this opportunity. VIII you Gomez
II am waiting now for n carri-
age" Blenavon answered. II have
sent to the house for one.'
"You will not return to the
house." Ray said. shortly. "You
will leave here for the station, the
station for London and London for
the continent. You do this, and
hold my peace. You refuse, and
see Lord Chelsford and your father
tonight. You will then be an exile
from England fox the rest OF your