The gold leaf., 1909-06-24

''He has betrayed me himself"
God, I've got it for your He stepped
to the door of the inner chamber and
threw it open.
came into the room. At the sight Of
him Hawcastle fell back against the
mantel, and the countess collapsed in
q heap on the floor. Ivanof saw none
but her and, striding to her, lift
ed both clinched hands above bel
head.
,"Ivan-oh, mother of God!-Ivan!
Don't kill me-" she gasped.
For a moment he stood over her,
then collapsed into a chair, where he
wilted, sobbing violently.
CHAPTER XVII.
FACE TO FACE.
F the roof Of the building had col
lapsed and had left the persons
there assembled in the room con.
fronting death itself, there could
have been no more complete astonish-
ment.
1t was Horace who first appreciated
the somberness Of the crouching, ter
ror stricken woman upon the floor.
''Helenev' he whispered, but Pike
stepped forward and waved him back.
You stand backw said the lawyer.
''She's his wife," And at the words
Horace fairly staggered. Daniel went
on. pointing to the cringing Hawcas-
tie, And there's his best friend"
The words seemed to rouse some of
the fighting st. Aubyn instinct in the
earl, and his eyes flashed.
Its a lie!' he cried hoarsely. II new
er saw the man in all my life before"
'The lady seemed to recognize him"
said Pike grimly. II guess you won't
have to 5ab your memory too hard.
It's only ten years to st. Petersburg,
Mr.. Glenwood!
"Almeric. go for the policew ordered
the earl.
mo. nor cried the countess. ST
can't stand itr'
Pike laid his hand upon Ivano6's 8
shoulder and spoke loudly:
Call 'em in! We're readyw
Almeric. with q frightened glance
around. stepped to the doors and threw
them wide. calling as he reached the
passage:
"Tell that officer to bring his men
here"'
He turned and again entered the
room. and Pixies face lit up unpleas-
antly as he looked at him, then soften
ed as he turned to Ethel.
Il want you always to remember
that l consider it cheap at the price, -
be said.
There was quick step without. and
Won Grollerhagen entered, followed by
Ribiere. For an instant he glanced
about the circle and then spoke in q
clear. ringing voice.
There will be no arrests tonight, my
friends" he said. and at the words
Hawcastle sneered openly.
This man goes, toov' he declared
violently. Call those carabinieriv' he
reiterated to Almeric.
Won Grollerhagen smiled sweetly
and raised his hand deprecatingly.
The officer is not there. You see,
the carabinieri have been withdrawn -
He turned to Daniel. "For YOU. nv
friend. / have relinquished my incog-
nito." Pike stared at him uncompro-
m1sfngly, and the German turned to
Lord Hawcastle.
This man Ivanof," he said, els in
my custody"
For moment the two men measur-
ed each other, and then HaWcastle
burst out violently:
by whose authority? Do you know
you are speaking to the Earl of Haw.
castle?"
Won Groi1erhagen smiled. Ribiere
stepped forward and addressed Haw.
castle directly.
More respect, sir" he cried. aYou
are addressing the Grand Duke vasflj
Of Russiaw
Hawcastle paled and fairly stagger
ed into the arms Of his son, who
reeled from the shock. The others
stared uncomprehendingly, and Pike
looked up with a curious frightened
look upon his lean face. Quite slowly
he moved to the table and rested q
hand upon it and with the other ca.
ressed his chin. His eyes were look.
ing straight ahead. and he murmured
In awestruck tones:
Good Lord! And think what-why
Eve been calling him-docw
The grand duke perceived the agi.
tation on Pixies face and came for.
ward to take his hand.
MY friend" he said gently, cit has
been refreshing" He spoke to Ribiere,
Il shall take the man Ivanof's state.
ment in writing. Bring him to me
with you"
BE turned on his heel quickly and