The gold leaf., 1909-06-24
CHAPTER XVI.
A WHISPER OF vENGANCE.

gone Daniel smiled broadly
for the first time since he had
set eyes upon IvanOff. He
could see his way clear now to the
thorough accomplishment of his mis-
sion, and he mentally thanked heaven
for putting into his hands such a
weapon as the Russian fugitive.
"Glenwood. eh? And he protected
the historic name of st. Aubyn, that
noble earl; protected it on the surface
while he dragged it in the mire of an
other mans disgrace and humiliation
In private He was sweet lot, that
noble EARL IIC carried himself high,
and his keen eye lost no whit of its
dignity and Importance from that CON
science that must be uneasy within
his breast
And the woman, too, Helene" Ivan
off had called her. So they had stuck
together all those ten years. with Lady
Creech as most complaisant and
discreet chaperon-but that couldn't
be, for, whatever else Lady Creech
might be- worldly wise and naughty,
she was at least an English gentlewo-
man at heart. and she would have
starved rather than conniye at scan
dal Of that sort
No, Daniel reflected, he would have
to leave Lady Creech out of the mess,
even though she was Il bitter old dame.
But Hawcastle should feel the touch
of the iron. 1t should burn him deep
ly, and the scar would remain.
And the fair countess, who was an
CLING for that addle pated Horace and
his share Of the estate That woman,
who had deliberately sent Il good man
to what was worse than death, should
he have any pity for her? Not for a
single instant
He leaped up and hastily crossed the
room to the writing desk, scribbled a
note and, before he put it in the en-
velope, rang the bell.
AS he sealed the note Mariana tap
ped dlscreetly at the door, and Pike
called:
''Come inr
Look here, Mariana, l want you to
said quickly.
ITO Mees Granger Seempsone?"
asked the man deferentially.
Yes. Do you know where she is?''
''She walk upon the terrace alone.
sair." replied Mariana.
Then give it to her yourself-to no
one else-and do it now" he went on
emphatically, pushing the servant out
OF the door in his haste When he had
closed it he went to the door of the
suit, threw it open and called:
"1vanoffw
Almost Immediately the Russian
came into the room, and Pike noted
the suffering upon his face. the look
Of timid apprehension with which he
glanced furtively about For him
there was carabinicr In every cor
ser
Have they Gomez" he whispered
tensely. Daniel went over to him
and laid lank hand upon the bent
shoulder, looking him triumphantly in
the eyes.
Not yet" he answered and paused.
lVanoff, you prayed to see your wife
and your friend Gienwood before you
went back to Siberia"
The Russian tore himself away with
Il gasping cry, but Daniel caught his
wrist.
IF that prayer is answered through
me-" he went on, will you promise
TO remember that it's my tight?"
Ivanoff covered his face with his
hands, and his breath came chokingly.
1T is impossible You wish to play
with mer he gasped.
DO look playful?" demanded Dan
iel. And as he spoke n bugle sounded
sharply outside the window off to the
right. At the sound lvanOff Shrank
into himself, and his fingers trembled
N the others grasp.
'The carabinieri-for mer' he cried.
Both men turned quickly to the win
dow, and Pike thrust Ivanoff behind
him as he drew aside the heavy cur
tain.
Don't show yourself" he command.
ed. But there was smothered ex-
clamation from the fugitive. and he
pointed over Pixies shoulder.
Look! Near the lamp yonder-
there by the gates-the carabinieri.'
His arm trembled as it rested for an
instant on the Americans shoulder
and Pike returned quietly:
'Pouf! They've been there since we
hid you beneath the machine" He
stopped and shaded his eyes with his
hand from the glare of tha lomnS in.
side the room, then started Why
who on earth-who's that they've got
with 'em? Why, good Lord, it's docr'
Ivanoff strained over his shoulder to
look and then replied bitterly:
1T is Herr Won Grollerhagen! Did
not tell you he was a Russian? he