The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-01-15
MILLIONS OF MISCHIEF
CHAPTER XXXVII.
By HEADON HILL

CHAPTER XXXVII.
THE PREMIER TAKES SNUFF
spent the morning of the mex
day In waiting and listening. Il
anything were wanting to depress
me the weather was enough to d.
1t. BY 10 o'clock ID was eviden,
that Mr.. Peter Croal's meterolog
ical prediction was to be fulfilled
A sudden darkening of the room
caused me to 60 to peep from the
attic window, and l saw that the
western sky. was heavily banked
with advancing clouds. Then a
stiff breeze sprang up, and before
noon the storm king was abroad in
full majesty. A furious gale was
tearing in past the Needles, driving
straight up the Solent, and raising
such seas as is seldom seen on
that protected coast. A mile OF
more off shore ION the Single
Bank the breakers were surgine
and leaping like savage beasts hun
cry for prey. The laundering crash
of them reached me plainly be
tween the gusts of wind.
l went downstairs again, fearful
even of the sound Of my. own foot
steps, and / was wondering how
soon Garden would bring me news
when sharp double tap at the
window caused me to hold my
breath. Garden had come In
stealthier fashion last night, and II
was improbable that he would re
lax his precautions today. Mr.
Peter Croals tap had been more
humble and insinuating. A thrill
shot through me as l thought that
1t might be Herzog, returned with
Janet and the proofs Of my limo
cence, and therefore careless Of be-
ing overheard. On the other hand
that bold summons might mean the
end of all things-the arrival Of the
police or prison wardens.
wrenched aside the blind-to meet
the gaze of neither Herzog nor the
officers of the law.
He who demanded admission was
Lord Alphington, the man whom
had been released to STAY. His
stately figure was drawn up to its
full height, and his fine face wore a
sternly expectant expression that
filled me with dismay. l knew what
had happened. Lady Muriel had
thrown me on her fathers mercy
which, as Herzog had said, would
be equivalent to throwing me to q
wolk chained with red tape. BY
virtue of his office he would have
to fall on me and rend me.
drew up the blind, and, unfas
tening the window, gave him ad
mission. Now that the dies was
cast, and there was to be no more
hole and corner work, l felt a man
once more.
Am l to- address you as Mr.. Mar
tin or Captain Rivington?' said the
premier, as he stepped over the
threshold, gazing curiously around
him.
you have been told that l am
Rivington, the escaped convict?'
"By my daughter, who told me a
lot of other incredible things"
>"If l can convince your lordship
Of the truth of the other incredible
things by. admitting Lady Muriel's
first statement l shall be forum
ate," said l. Yes, | am Arthur
Rivington, and was practically re.
leased-escape is not the word for
ito kill you."
He produced a gold snuff box,
took a pinch and glanced out of the
window. Cad, how it blows" he
said. THAT steamer will be on the
Shingles II she doesn't take care
Well" he added, turning his mock.
ing gaze on me. why don't you kill
me now? You will never get bet
ter CHANGER"
II never intended to kill you, my
lord" began holly. "If you think
that"
But he stopped me with quick;
imperious gesture. do not trouble
to plead on that count of the indict.
ment," he laughed harshly. What.
ever your character. you have but a
poor wit, Captain Rivington, or you
would have known that l should
not have come here alone and un.
armed If l had credited that story
What l am concerned with is your
guilt in that baser crime of which
you were convicted"
81 am the victim of miscarriage
of Justice" replied, sullenly, land
I can assure your lordship that the
plot against your life was no myth
so far as the principals in the back
ground were concerned. Whether
the man who called himself DR.
Barrables was in earnest I am not
competent to judge"
1T strikes me as more like a plo,
on the part OF that man against Sill
Gideon Marshes reputation thar
against my life." the premier re