Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1909-04-01
CHAPTER xvI.-continued.

At last 1t came. A stealthy step, a
subdued rustic of skirts, whispered
word OF caution, and we were aware
that some one had entered the din
ing room and stood so near the shell
tering portiere that it moved slightly.
We could hear low voice command
some one to go to the foot of the stairs
and listen for movements above. Then
silence again, and a whisper from
Mary Anne that everything was quiet.
A faint light appeared through the
opening of the portiere, and, parting it
still further, we saw two figures: One
a man, on his knees at the door of the
safe, while the other, a woman, held
the lantern.
The man sprang to his feet with an
oath, but his arms were seized by
two men in uniform, who in terms
more forceful than polite admonished
him to keep quiet and make no trouble.
And the woman-Lady Edith? She
stood erect, with head flung back and
blazing eyes. A scarlet spot famed
in her cheeks, glowing brilliantly at
first, then fading to marble wilderness
as she looked at the array against
her. For moment she said nothing;
then, turning to Mr.. Blake, she spoke
In an even, mechanical voice.
81 congratulate you upon the sue
cess Of your COUP"
He came nearer and held out his
hand authoritatively.
81 will relieve you of that box" he
said.
Il will not give 1t to YOU"
81 should regret to use force with
a woman"
But we could bear no more, and
with one accord pushed aside the cur
tain and entered the room.
at isn't true!" cried Elizabeth, rush
ing to her side. "Say it isn't true, and
we will believe you"
Even now, in the face of everything,
would you believe me?"
YES" said; 1--WE would indeed. 1t
is your word against theirs-why
should we not believe you? Only say
it is not true. The box is yours, but
why did you get it this way? You
had only to tell us you wanted it."
You hear?" she said, standing tall
and erect, her eyes on level with
Mr.. Blake's as she looked at him,
ignoring his outstretched hand. my
word against yours, and they believe
me-me!"
q should regret to use force" he re-
peated. THE box, If you please"
STOP" said Gabrielle quickly.
Lady Edith, may / take the box?
Thank you. Surely 1t is simple mat
ter for you to satisfy this man. Let
us open 1t and prove him wrong once
for all, and then neither you nor
need ever see him again"
She unwrapped the first layer of
paper, then paused uncertainty.
Tell me they are yours" she said
in queer, choked voice-'your moth
ers pearls-and l will believe you.
Only look at me and tell me So"
The great brown eyes looked into
for minute perhaps. then faltered;
the long lashes dropped upon her
cheek, and she turned aside, speech
less-selfconfessed thief.
Gabrielle, with sigh which was al
most sob, handed the box to Mr..
Blake He bowed gravely. removed
the cover, and Mrs. Bundy's famous
emeralds glittered in their bed of jew
eler's cotton. AS long as I five shall
hate emeralds, for they can but re-
call that most painful scene, bringing
wildly before me the averted face,
and bent golden head, of our once
loved friend.
Surely" said Gordon Bennett.
"there Is no use in prolonging this
scene"
"None whatever" agreed Mr. Blake,
making a sign to the officers who held
the man / even now think of as Lord
Wilfrid.
Il arrest YOU" said the officer. "for
the murder of Harry Graham"
Something flashed in the light, and
we heard a sharp click. accompanied
by suppressed scream from Mary
Anne.
"Not that" she cried. ooh, good
Lord! not that! Don't put the and
cuffs on i'm"
BE quiet" her son said Don't
you see the game is up?"
She did not heed him. but stood be.
fore the officers with raised hand and