Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-08-06

LAS soon as the meeting is opeend
we shall be announced" he whisper
ed. 1T is a splendid day for this
Center that the Illustrious Head shall
be with us in person. 1t Will aud
dignity to the drawing"
Garnold was about to ask what the
drawing might be, but they We're
called to the larger rooE. and. hastily
adjusting his own and Garnold
masks. VASTLY followed the vice pres
ident into the hall.
A score of black robed figures were
grouped about table in the center
of the room. All made profound
obeisance as Garnold entered and he
was conducted by the two officers to
a place at the head of the table.
AS soon as he had taken his place
the president turned to him.
Does your excellency--desire that
we speak in the tongue of holy Rus
STA or shall we adhere to the rule of
speaking in the language of the coun-
try we adopt?'' he asked courteously.
I'm the language of this country"
decreed Garnold with sigh of relief.
That they might speak in Russian
was a contingency he had not fore
seen.
Thus assured the president launch
ed himself into a long speech of well
come and each of those about the
table in turn made brief greeting.
References had been made to the
last man upon whom choice had
fallen, and it was apparent that his
ardor growing cold, he had suffered
the death penalty for the renuncia-
ton of his vows.
With great solemnity funeral urn
was brought forward a~d laid upon
the table. The crepe which covered
il was withdrawn and the men all
rose. The president turned to Gar
mold.
1T is your privilege to draw first,
he said You will pardon me if | ap-
plv the oath. You solemnly swear IN
the name of Holy Russia and the
! brotherhood of the Triangle that youl
will abide the result of Fate and suf-
fer the punishment of the foresworn
should you fail in your purpose if to
Won the joyful fortune falls"
With parched lips Garnold whis-
nered an AFFIRMATIVE. This was more
serious than he had suspected, but it
was too late to escape. He could only
hone that the lot would not fall to
him.
and drew out a folded paper. He was
about to open it when the presidents
hand closed over him.
wait until all have drawn" he
admonished.
first person, the president drew bal
lot then each man in turn was sworn
and drew out folded slip.
AS the last man emptied the urn,
he spread open upon the table a
HANK slim OF paper. One by one, in
reverse order, the others followed his
example. and as blink after blank
was laid upon the table, Garnold's
agitation increased.
At last there remained only the
president and himself, and with due
solemnity the former unfolded his pa
ner and showed nothing upon the
white surface. With trembling hands
Carold upfolded his, and brought into
view a skull and crossbones in red.
Forgetful of ceremony, the others
crowdco about him to congratulate
him upon his luc' and envy him his
GOOD fortune. With desperate effort
GarnoId pretended to accept their
congratulations and rejoice in his
fate hut he was sick at heart.
He knew that it vas almost i'm.
nossible to escape the revenge of the
reds" should he endeavor to disap-
near. His business interests required
his continued presence in New York
for year at least 1t would be i'm
nossible to hide, and should he de-
nounce the Center to the police. other
Centers would avenge their comrades.
even should he be able to secure the
conviction of the conspirators.
His mind was still busy with plans
for escape when Vastly burst into
the circle.
I'VE have been betrayed" he cried.
This is not the Prince Sergius. He Is
one of the Sd section. doubtless. trav-.
cling as Rial Garnoid. Look at these,