The Washington times., 1909-03-22

LOOK OF oiSmaN crossed the 1Ial-
n ian's face at CIaytons refusal
to give rp the book
"Nhy won't you give it TO
me-" he demanded. studying the other S
expression intently.
Because we think you're an impos-
tor replied Clayton. candidIy eff you
are really from the library, show us
your credentials
Il haven't any credentials" stammel--
cd the man.
'Then you'd better be on your way.
We refuse to give you the book ana
that is all there is TO IT. declared Clay
ton, holly.
The man shrugged his shoulders again.
Very we'll gentlemen. Would you
mind telling me, Mr.. Leslie, If you have
looked at the book YETI"
Something prompted Wilbur to reply,
mendaciously. in the negative. and at
this answer the visitors face brighten
ed.
Perhaps you would not mind letting
me look at the volume, sir-just for a
rninute"-was his next remark.
Leslie again crossed over to his
friends side.
What do you say. Steve" he whis-
pered. Shall I let him look at it?
don't see that it can do any HARM
mo, don't let him see 1t. Keep him
guessing" the other advised. Hes
after that picture. OF course. There's
no doubt of it, now. He thinks you
haven't yet discovered its presence in
the book, and he wants to get the vol
ume in his hands so that he can with
draw the picture from between the
pages"
But the picture isn't there" whis-
pered Leslie.
II know that; but he doesn't Keep
him guessing. Wen be able to learn
more that way"
Leslie nodded and turned to the
stranger.
I'm sorry, but can't even let you
see the book" he said. 'rn return IL
to the library first thing tomorrow
morning and that's the best I can do
for you
The stranger shrugged his shoulders,
and darting an angry look at Clay
ton, left the house.
Il wonder who he is and why he
wanted that picture remarked VIII
bur, after he had gone
Il don't know replied Clayton. but
whatever his game may be, I'll wager
there's villainy at the bottom of it. 1
never in my life saw such an evil face.
This case certainly is beginning to
grow interesting. The plot grows
thicker every minute. Why does this
fellow with the face of MephistopheIes
so erdently desire the picture of that
innocent, pure looking young girl?
ftTrhcrcf- -
feel 1t in my bones. l shouldn't be
surprised If the quest for your fair IN
known turns out to be a most thrilling
adventure
Whenever Steve Clayton paid his
friend a visit he generally slept there
over night. The house was too small to
boast guest chamber, but Wilbur kept
spare bed in ais room for Steve's
special accommodation.
AS the two young men were prepar-
ing 10 turn in that night Leslie
paused in the act of unlacing his shoes
and gave vent to a deep groan
What's the matter, old chap" in
quired Clayton solicitously. "Corns?"
mo. worse than that An awful
thought has just struck me. Steve"
What is it?'
That villainous looking italian NAV
be the husband Of the girl. Suppose
she's already married. Steve? That pos
sibility didn't occur TO me before
We'll. OF course, it's a possibility"
Clayton admitted, thoughtfuIly. she
looks pretty young; but it seems to be
the style for women to marry young
these Aays. However, even If she is a
wife. ] don't think that that fellow is
her husband"
why not2''
Because he's so much older than she I
esd so sinister looking. / can't imagine /
4 sweet young thing like her being tied
~ such wretch for life"
Perhaps she was forced into marry
ing him." said Leslie, with a sigh. /
Such cases are not uncommon, you
know"
yes That's possible, OF course. /
However. it's no use worrying about e.
now. Wen find out more tomorrow
after our visit to the library
II agree with you that that fellow is (
up 70 some vilainy. Steve went on |
Leslie after minute. Il feel positive 1
OF II. Perhaps the yglrrs life is in /
danger"
To his horror ana indignation Clay 1
ton chucllied at this suggestion.
Perhaps you're right, old fellow" he i
said. Perhaps her life is in danger. /
Wouldn't that be Create
Great? What are you saying.
Steve2"
Just think what a chance II would
give You 10 make her acquaintance in /
the role OF a dashing hero arrived on /
the scene just in the nick OF time TO /
save her from the Vaccinations of her
deadly foe or foes-there may be more
than one OF them
why, my boy. this may turn out u
be regular stage melodrama with YOU
IS the gallant hero. the lady as the
prosecuted heroine and the Italian gen
tleman. OF course. for the heavy VIII
lain. Wouldn't that be greatg'
Don't joke about it, please. Steve"
begged the other. gravely. THAT fel-
lows evil looks I'll me with forbodlng. (
I'm mighty sorry now we did not traIl
him when he left here"
we might have done that" Clayton
admitted IT wouldn't have been
bad idea. It's a pity one or US did1-E
think of e at the time However,
guess we'H see him again, pretty soon
don't think he'll give up his efforts
10 get that picture quite so easily"
You think he'll make another at