Putnam patriot., 1909-11-19


 The next day three of the native servants bees ma violently H. seized by the most appalling convulsions. Al first thrill of horror ran through the chateau. The plague-the plague in reality!
 But these fears were quickly dissi pated. The sufferers soon began to mend. By nightfan they were fairly well recovered. The mysterious seizure however, was unexplained. Chase alone divined the cause Poison, He was sure of it. But who the poisoner?
 All previous perils and all that the future seemed to promise were forgot ten in the startling discovery that came with the fall of night.
 Lady Deppingham and Robert Browne were missingl They had dis appeared as if swallowed by the earth Itself, Neenah. the wife of Sellsn. was the last of those iu the chateau 10 see the heirs. They crossed the swift tor rent by the narrow bridge at the base of the cliff and stopped below the mouth of the cavern which 5lew it's cool breath cut upon the hanging gar den. Later on she saw them climb the stanch ladder and stand i'll the black opening. apparently enjoying the cool ing wind that came from the damp bowels of the mountain. Her attention was called elsewhere, and that was the last glimpse she had of the two people about whom centered the struggle for untold riches.
 Chase, they are lost in therei" groaned Deppingham. numb with ap predension. He was trembling like a leaf
 There's just one thing to do." said ChNes. we've got 10 explore that cavern to the end. They may have lost thetr bearings and strayed of into one of the lateral passages"
 Fl can't bear the thought of her wandering about In that horrible place. Deppingham cried as he start ed resolutely toward the ladder.
 shell come out of it all right" said Chase. sudden compassion in his eyes.
 Drusilla Browne was standing near by, cold and silent with dread. a set expression in her eyes Her lips nov ed slowly. and Deppingham heard the bitter words: You will find them, Lord Depphgham. You will find themr'
 He stopped and passed his hand over his eyes Then. without word. he snatched a rife from the hands of one of the patrol and led the way up the ladder. Chase turned to the white faced princess and said between his teeth:
 If Skaggs and wyckholme had been in the employ of the devil himself they could not have foreseen the result of their internal plotting. l am afraid -mortally afraidw
 .Take care of him. Hollingsworth." she whispered shuddering.
 "Goodby. Genevra. my princess. said Chase softly and then was on with Britt and Selim. As he passed Drusilla he seized her hand and paused long enough to say:
 Its all right. little woman. take my word for It. If I were you. I'd cry. You'll see things differently through your tears"
 The four men. with their lights. van ished from sight few moments later. Chase grasped Deppingham's arm and held him back. gravely suggesting that Selim should lead the way.
 They were to learn the truth almost before they had fairly begun their In. yestigations.
 The heirs already were in the hands of their enemies. the islanders.
 The eager searchers, shouting as they went. had come to what was known as the cathedral" This was a wide. lofty chamber, hung with dripping stalaetstes. far below the Ievei at which they began the descent The floor was almost as flat and even as that of modern dwelling Here fhe cavern branched off fin three or