Evening star., 1909-04-18

DaCk m time, LndnkS TO the MADONNA else i
might never have met you !"
do you expect me to walk quietly to the
burial ground in order that l may be slaugh-
tered conveniently"
Il am not going to kill you, Marcus Bower, }"
said Stampa. Il trust the good God will en-
able me to keep my hands off you He will
punish you IN His own good time. You are
safe from me-"
"A moment ago you spoke differently
"Ah, that was because you refused to come
with me. Assuredly will bring either you or
your lying tongue to Etta's grave this morning.
But you will come now. You are afraid Herr
Baron. ! see it in your eyes, and you value
that well fed body of yours too highly not to do
as demand. Believe me, within the next few
minutes you shall either kneel by my little
girls grave or tumble into your ownl"
Il am not afraid, Stampa warn you again
that am more than a match for you. Yet l
would willingly make any reparation within my
power for the wrong have done you
Yes, yes,-that is all l ask, reparation. such
as it is. Not to me; to Eta. Come then
have no weapon, ! repeat You trust to your
size and strength; SO, by your own showing,
you are safe. But you must come!"
A gleam of confidence crept into Bowers
eyes Was it not wise to humor this old mad
man? Perhaps, by displaying a remorse that
was not all acting, he might arrange truce,
secure breathing space. He would be free to
deal with Mlicent Jaques. He might so con-
trive matters that Helen should be far removed
from Stampa's dangerous presence before the
threatened disclosure was made Yes, wary
prudence in speech and action might accom-
plish much. Surely he dared match his brain
against peasantsi
livery WELL" he said, Il shall accompany
you: but remember at the least sign of vio-
lence, / shall not only defend myself, but drag
you off to the communal guardhouse!'
WITHOUT any answer, Stampa resumed
" his steady plodding through the snow.
Bower followed, somewhat in the rear. He
glanced sharply back toward the hotel So far
as he could judge, no one had witnessed that
frantic spring at his tormentor. At that hour,
nearly every resident would be on the sunl1t
veranda. He wondered whether Helen and
Millicent had met again He wished now he
had interviewed Millicent last night. Her prob
lem was simple enough,-a mere question OF
terms Spite had carried her boldly through
the scene in the foyer; but she was far too SEN
sible young woman to persist IN hopeless
quarrel.
TT was one Of the fatalities that dogged his
footsteps ever since ne came to Maloggla tnat
the only person watching him at the moment
should happen to be Miicent herself. Her
room was situated at the back of the hotel, and
she had fallen asleep after many hours of rest
less thought. When the clang of bell woke
her with start she found that the morning was
far advanced She dressed hurriedly, rather III
panic lest her quarry might have evaded her
by an early flight The fine panorama of the
Italian Alps naturally attracted her eyes. She
was staring at it idly, when she saw Bower and
Stampa crossing the open space in front of her
bedroom window
Stampa, of course, was unknown to her. In
| some undefnable way his presence chimed with
her fear that Bower would leave Maloggla
forthwith Did he intend to post through the
Vale of Bregaglia to Chiavenna? Then, indeed,
she might be called on to overcome unforeseen
difficulties. She appreciated his character TO
the point of believing that Helen was his dupe.
She regretted now that she was SO foolish as to
attack her onetime friend openly Far better
| to have asked Helen to visit her privately, and
endeavor to find out exactly how the land lay
before she encountered Bower At any rate,
she ought to learn without delay if he was hir
| ing post horses in the village. If SO, he was un
willing to meet her. and the battle royal must
| take place in London.
| maid entered with coffee and rolls
Who is that man with the English mon
seur!" inquired Millicent, pointing to the two.
The servant St. MOritz girl, and
glance sufhced That? Why, he is Christian
| Stampa madam. He used to drive one OF
Joos's carriages but he had misfortune. He
| nearly killed lady whom he was bringing TO
the hotel, and was dismissed IN consequence.
| Now he is guide to an American gentleman.
| How droll they are, these Americans
The maid laughed, and created a chatter
| with basin and hot water can. Millicent, fore
| ing herself to eat quickly, continued to gaze
| after the pair The description of Stampa
| employer interested her. His drollery' ev:
| IDENTIFY consisted in hiring cripple as guide.
is the American monsieur named Charles