The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-01-15
when he found that Janet was go


the act of guilty conscience" l
urged. HE must have suspected
that Miss Chilmark had been to my
mothers old home and had there
discovered the name of Danvers
Crane, which would eventually
bring her on his TRAIL
labored the point advisedly, for
was aware that Marshes abrupt
and inadequately explained depart
ure had been noticed, If not re-
sented, by Lord. Alphington.
"Humph!" he muttered, taking
snuff again. "All this sounds
mighty like mere title tattle.
Still" He broke off suddenly
and strobe to the window where,
after a minutes reflection, his at
tention was diverted to what he
saw. ~
II knew it. There'll be wreck"
he cried. That steamer is almost
in the breakers. The, clumsy beg
gars are trying to put back to Var
mouth without proper searoorn."
could not work up any enthu-
siasm about a vessel in distress
just then, and l respectfully but
firmly brought him back to the
subject.
my lord, l should be greatly
obliged If you would ease my sus-
pense by informing me how you
propose to deal with me-" I said.
He cast another glance on the
struggling steamer, and then
turned upon me with such impetu-
osity that took it for anger. And
so, in a sense, it was, though not
for me. 1t was the irritation of the
official mind brought into conflict
with private influences.
Look here" he clustered, taking
snuff furiously, there is one thing
in your favor which iinclines me
toward you in spite of my better
judgment. You saved my daugh-
ter's life, and have not once re-
ferred to it."
81 have been convicted of MUIR
der my lord, but that is no reason
why, being innocent, I should not
endeavor to remain a gentleman"
l replied.
1t was pompous speech, which
l should have laughed at myself in
happier days, but it struck home.
1t made his lordship swear.
d you." he cried, his gray
mustache bristling. You have put
me in fine hole. sir. Now listen
to me. l cannot be mixed up in
shielding an escaped convict, and l
shall see to it that information of
your whereabouts is duly furnished
to the authorities. But In consider
alton Of your, having saved Lady
Muriel Crawshay's life, shall stay
my hand for "a hours-on the
chance that Miss Chilmark may re-
turn with news that may be Of
service to you"
1t was a concession, and I was
about to thank him for it, when my
eyes, facing the window, saw what
was for the moment hidden from
him. The steamer had grounded
on the Shingles, and the great
white seas were engulfing her. An
unconscious gesture on my part
caused Lord Alphington to turn
seward, He caught my meaning
at once, and hurried to the window,
following.
The prime minister on his holi-
day was as smaller men; he had
provided himself with a pair. of
field glasses, and, having unslung
them, he was proceeding to focus
the wreck, when round the corner
of the house, into his field of vision,
walked Roger Marske. My enemy's
eyes glanced eagerly over Lord
Alphington's shoulder at me.
my lord, l have been inquiring
everywhere, he painted. Il rejoice
W udNC LOuuu yOu-to pun yOu Oh
your guard. You do not know who
that fellow is, whom you have ad-
mitted to your table and you in
timacy."
Before any reply could be made,
a sharp report, heard above the
strife of the elements, assailed our
ears-the sound of the signal NOR
tar at the coast guard station, fred
to call the lifeboat crew together.
With exasperating interest in the
event toward. the premier pulled
out his watch. Now I wonder how
long the rascals will take to man
the boat?" he reflected aloud.
What was that you were saying.
Marske? The wind and sea were
making such a noise didn't quite
catch it."
Heavens, how / exulted In that
diplomatic fiction-sign that the
great statesman meant to abide by
his promise. For there was no
doubt that he had heard every
word Of the incipient accusation,
and was merely sparring for time.
Marske repeated his words with re-
doubled venom.