The Somerset reporter., 1909-07-29

He has betrayed me htmSelfi"
God. I've got it for your He stepped
to the door Of the inner chamber and
threw 1t open.
"Ivanoff!' he called. and the Russian
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 her
head.
"Ivan-oh. mother of God!-Ivan!
Don't kill mer' she gasped.
For moment he stood over her,
then collapsed into chair. where he
wilted. sobbing violently.
CHAPTER XVII.
FACE TO FACE
" r 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.
"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 liev he cried hoarsely. II new
er saw the man in all my life before"
1.-THE lady seemed to recognize him."
said Pike grimly. II guess you won't
have to jab your memory too hard.
It's only ten years to st. Petersburg,
Mr.. Glenwood"
"Almeric. go for the policer' ordered
the earl.
mo, nor cried the countess 81
can't stand itr'
Pike laid his hand upon Ivanoff's
shoulder and spoke loudly:
Call 'em In. We're readyr'
Almeric, with frightened glance
around. stepped to the doors and threw
them wide, calling as he reached the
passage:
"Tell that officer to bring his men
herev'
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.
II want you always to remember
that consider 1t cheap at the price,"
be said
There was a quick step without, and
Won Grolerhagen 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" be said and at the words
Hawcastle sneered openly.
This man goes. toow he declared
violently. "Call those carabinierir' he
reiterated to Almeric.
Won Grollerhagen smiled sweetly
and raised his hand deprecatingly.
"'rhe officer is not there. You see,
the carablnieri have been withdrawn"
He turned to Daniel FOR you. my
friend, / have relinquished my incog-
nito." Pike stared at him uncompro-
mislngly, and the German turned to
Lord Hawcastle.
This man Ivanoff." he said. ''is in
my custody"
For a moment the two men measur-
ed each other, and then Hawcastle
burst out violently:
"By whose authority? Do you know
you are speaking 70 the Earl of Haw'
CASTLE"
Won Grollerhagen smiled. Ribiere
stepped forward and addressed Haw-
castle directly.
More respect. sirv' he cried. You
are addressing the Grand Duke vasili
Of Russia"
Hawcastle paled and fairly stagger-
ed into the arms Of his son. who
reeled from the shock. The others
stared uncomprehendlngly. and Pike
looked up with curious frightened
look upon his lean face. Quite slowly
he moved to the table and rested
hand upon 1t 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,
I've been calling him-docv
The grand duke perceived the agi-
tation on Pixies face and came for
ward to take his hand.
my friend" he said gently, ut has
been refreshing" He spoke to Ribiere.