The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-09-03
A WOMAN'S ENCHANTMENT
BY WILLIAM LIE oUDUx Copyright. 1909, by William Le Queux
 (continued from Page 12.>


 Copyright. 1909, by William Le Queux
 (Contfnued from Page 12.)
 Stapleton started. looking straight at me in surprise.
 <sYes.' went on. "I mean what I've said. MT. Stapleton. He has lied to you concerning Granny Cough. And I threatened to expose his calumnies to you if he did not leave the Grange tonight. Already you have seen the effect of my words!"
 ''But is this true. Philip?' the old gentleman asked bending toward me. At that moment the butler entered. but. turning quickly to the man. he remarked that we wanted nothing. The servant understood. and. bowling. withdrew. closing the door after him. .Ts this really true?" he repeated.
 Look here. MT. Stapleton.' said. firmly. placing my cigarette end in the ash tray. ''that man. who poses as ' your friend. came here with a dis tinct purpose-to malign Cough. He has told Myra. and probably yourself, some very wonderful tales. declaring that my friend Granny is not only an adventurer. but also an assassin. Now I have known Cough for many years. and a straighter and more honorable fellow never breathed. Therefore the fellow is a liar. This morning met him aiones down by the river. and spoke out straight. I demanded that he should withdraw all his vile calum- nies and leave the Grange. Otherwise should expose him."
 Expose what?" interrupted my host
 Should I reveal the truth of what had passed in Bucharest? I hesitated. Next second. however. I saw that for the present it was judicious policy to remain silent. had no desire that Garshore should be aware of the exact extent of my knowledge.
 That he was telling you untruths." was my rather lame reply.
 Stapleton grunted in dissatisfaction. "H,m! You don't seem to like Gar shore, Philip he said.
 NO. don't. and that's the plain truth. He's dangerous man."
 Tn what manner?"
 Believe in him and you will soon discover-to your cost.''
 You speak in enigmas.'
 q speak in your interests and in Myra's."
 She's madly in love with your friend Cough
 We'll. Her love is reciprocated. and that very warmly assured him.
 ..But if half what Garshore has said is correct he is surely not a fitting companion for herI'
 q admit that. But Garshore. for some mysterious purpose of his own. came here to lie'' said. Again. for what reason has he so suddenly left you. without even returning for his traps. if not because he feared to again face me?'
 He received telegram at the York post office.''
 Was not that curious coincid- ence?" I asked. ''Why was the wire not addressed here?"
 He may have ordered it to be sent to York. as he knew last night we were going over there.''
 I smiled incredulously. saying:
 q think, MT. Stapleton that my theory is the correct one. Did you see him off?''
 
 We were due at the flower show"
 That was exactly what I had ex- pected. The telegram was a mere ex- cuse to leave them. and he had gone straight to the York police and given information of Granny's whereabouts. Had my warning reached my friend in time? Where was he now? I won dered. If my wire had not reached him before the arrival of the police 4 in tthe little village of Colsterworth-a place. must have passed more than once on the Great North road-ther he. would no doubt be already under aries
 Our ron ,ersation was ended abrupt Iy D, Myra opening the door and in quiring how much longer we intended eo-.iping, as she and Miss Chamber were impatient to play bridge. There fore we arose and joined the ladies.
 The greater part of that night laJ awake thinking. To remain longer there was to remain inactive. So decided to leave.
 The life of a man is a short bios sofning and a long whitening. Womel carry their logic in their hearts. mel in their heads.
 The long night hours passed. ant sobn after dawn I arose. dressed ant went for walk by the river. bank past the spot where I had stood witt Gafshore.
 II was waiting for half-past 8. whel might receive a reassuring messag from Granny
 The morning was perfect. wit bright sunshine reflecting upon tn water and a blue cloudless sky above Far an hour sat upon a gate pond ering deeply. Then returned to tn house.
 There was. alasi no message. M heart sank If he had received m. wire. which would have reached hin