Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-08-31

lvanon covered his face with MS
hands, and his breath came chokingly
ut Is impossible! You wish to play
with me" he gasped.
"Do look playful" demanded Dan
lei. And as he spoke bugle sounded
sharply outside the window of to the
right. At the sound Ivanoff shranl
into himself, and his fingers trembled
In the others grasp.
"The carabinieri-for mer' he cried.
Both men turned quickly to the win
dow. and Pike thrust Ivanoff behind
him as he drew aside the heavy cur
tain.
Don't show yourself!' he command
ed. But there was smothered ex.
clamation from the fugitive, and he
pointed over Pixies shoulder.
Look! Near the lamp yonder-
there by the gates-the carabinferiw
His arm trembled as 1t rested for an
instant on the Americans shoulder,
and Pike returned quietly:
"Pouf! They've been there since we
hid you beneath the machine" He
stopped and shaded his eyes with his
hand from the glare Of the lamps in
side the room. then started. "Why-
who on earth-who's that they've got
with 'em? Why, good Lord, it's doe"
Ivanoff strained over his shoulder to
look and then replied bitterly:
ut is Herr Won Grollerhagen! Did ]
not tell you he was Russian? He
has betrayed me himself! He was not
satisfied that others should. All.
knew | was In the VOLTS throat herew'
Pike swore emphatlcally and ex-
haustively.
Don't you believe it, he snarIed.
They've arrested poor old doc! Got
him as he went QUIT!
"Now cried Ivanoff. They speak
respectfully to him! They bow to
him
They'll be bowling to us in minute.
That's probably the way these colonels
run you in!' snarled Daniel
AS he spoke there was sharp knock
on the outer door. and he seized Ivan
of by the arm.
Back Into the room with you! Wait
until call. and remember it's my
fight"
He was about to add more when the
door opened and Mariana appeared.
Instantly the American changed his
tone to one Of severe command.
"And don't you forget what I've been
telling you. You get the sand out OF
that gear box first thing tomorrow
morning, or I'll see that you draw your
last pay Saturday night!'
Ivanoff caught the idea and bowed
silently and then turned and entered
the door to the inner chamber Mari
ano came forward and bowed.
"Mees Granger-Seempsone," said he
and went out. standing to one side to
make room for Ethel as she entered
with a look Of complete astonishment
on her face. Pike approached her.
"Pm much obliged to you for taking
my note the right way" he said. "Pve
got some pretty good reasons for not
leaving this ROOM"
She inclined her head icily and fidg-
eted with the note she held.
Your note seemed so extraordinarily
urgent" she began. but he interrupt
ed
1T had to be-" he said Some folks
who want to see me are coming here
and want you to see them-here.
They'd stopped you from coming If
they could"
She flashed a look Of disbelief at
him.
"There was no effort to prevent me. "
she said cOldly.
81 didn't give 'em time," he smiled
"May ask to whom you referT' she
inquired
Certainly. The whole kit and Doodle
Of EN-" he replied. Excuse me. !
haven't time to be elegant, even If !
knew how"
DO you mean my chaperon would
disapprove" she asked hastll.' rising.
~ shouldn't be surprised | reckon
the whole fine flower Of Europe would
disapprove. 'Disapprove" They'd sand.
bag you to keep you away"
"Then can't stay" she cried and
started for the door He stepped be-
tween her and the exit and raised his
hand with a gesture Of command.
"Yes. you can. and you will. and
you've got to-" he said. I'm your
guardian. and you'll do as say. You'll
obey me this once If you never do
again. You'll stay here while talk to
these people. and you'll stay I'm spite Of
everything they say or do to make you
gow She looked startled and stepped
back from him, and he went on:
God knows | hate to talk rough to
you. | wouldn't hurt your feelings for
A. A,,t 20 nnint