The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-07-30

to their ears 1vo one spoke as he stopped and picked up the warm, dead Iy missile Turning it over in his fingers, he said coolly, although his cheek had gone white:
 with von Blitz's compliments, lar dies and gentlemen. He is calling on me by proxy"
 Good God, Chase" cried Browne, ''they're trying toi murder us! Get back, every one. Inside the doorsr'
 'Pm sorry to bring my troubles to your door, said Chase. "It was meant for me, not for any of you. The man who fired that did not intend to kill me. He was merely giving voice to his pain and regret at seeing me in 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 att
 "I'll stay here for few minutes, MT. Browne, if you don't mind, just to con- vince you all that the shot was not fn- tended to kill. They're not ready to kill me yet. I'm sure Lord Depping 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 doorsf where they could see without being sen. A certain sense of horror possessed all of the watchers.
 For heavens sake, why does he stand there T' cried the princess at last. q can endure it no longer. It may be as he says it is, but if is foolhardy. to stand there and taunt the pride of that marksman. I can't stay here and wait for it to come How cam
 He's been there for ten minutes. princess" said Browne-s'plenty of time for another try
 Before they were aware of her fn- 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.
 .It is so easy to be hero, MT. Chase, when one is quite sure there is no real danger" she said, with distinct irony in her tones. @One 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 ficked 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. I dare say you are quite justified in your opinion of me. It all must seem very theatrical to you. I had not thought of it in that light. I shall now retire from the center of the stage. It will be perfectly safe for you He was leaving her without another word or look She repented
 'I am sorry for what I said,D she said eagerly. "And''-she looked up at the hills with sudden widening of her eyes-"I think I shall not remain"
 Chase made light of the occurrence, but sought to impress upon the others the fact that it 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.
 s'The people are angry, and they will become desperate. Their interests are mine. of course. am perfectly sin cere in saying to you, Lady Depping- ham. and to you, MT. Browne, that in time they will win out against you in the courts. But they are impatient They are not the kind who can wait and be content. It is impossible for you to carry out the provisions of the will. and they know it. That is why they resent the delays that are inn pending"
 CTo be Contjnued)