The newspaper., 1909-03-19


nor greatly cared; but. with an in
stinctive desire to postpone the newt
able moment of trial. she simulated
deadly languor for some moments aft
er becoming conscious of her position;
and lay passive, long lashes all but
touching her cheeks-in which now a
faint color was growing-gaze wander
ing at random out over dreary will
derness of fiat rectangular roofs, hvid
in the moonlight. broken by long.
straight clefts of darkness in whose
depths lights cleaned family. Far in
the south the sky came down purple
and black to the horizon, where a sill
yer spark glittered like low-hung
star-the torch of Liberty.
Il think" Anisty's clear-cut tones,
incisive as razor edge, crossed the
listless trend of her thoughts. Il think
we will now get down to business, my
LADY," I
She lifted her lashes. meeting his
masterful stare with n look of calD in
quiry "Well?"
so you're better now? Possibly II
was a mistake to give you that rest.
my lady. Still, when ones a gentle
man-cracksman-," He chuckled an-
pleasantly. not troubling 10 finish his
sentence.
"well?" he Knocked, seating himself
easily upon an adjacent table. We're
here at last. where we1l suffer no in
terruptions to our little council OF war.
Beyond the watchman. there's prob
ably not another soul in the building;
and from that window there IT is a
straight drop of - stories to Broad
way. while I'm between you and the
door So you may be resigned TO stay
here until | get ready to let you go.
II you scream for help. no one will
hear you"
Very we'll" she assented mechanic
ally. turning her head away with a
shiver OF disgust. What is II You
want?'
THE Jewels" he said. bluntly. You
might have guessed that"
Il did"
"And have saved yourself and me
considerable trouble by speaking ten
minutes ago"
Yes" she agreed. abstractediy.
Now" he continued. with a hint OF
anger in his voice. you are going to
tell"
She shook her head slightly.
''oh. hut you are. my lady" And
his tone rasped. qulckened with the
latent brutality OF the natural Grim
Inal. And I know that you'll not {. rcc
me TO extreme measures. II wouldn't
be pleasant for you. you know: and
promise you / shall stop at nothing
whatever to make you speak
No answer; in absolute Indifference.
she felt lay her strongest weapon. She
must keep calm and self-possessed. re-
fusing TO be terrified into n quick and
tboughtless answer.
This afternoon" he said. harshiy.
you stole from me the Maitland
jewels Where are they"
Il shall not tell"
He bent swiftly forward and took
one OF her hands In his. Instinctively
she clenched Il: and he wrapped his
strong hard fingers around the small
white fist. then deliberately inserted
n hard finger joint between her sec
ond and third knuckles. slowly in
crensing the pressure. And watched
with absolute indifference the lines OF
agony grave themselves upon ber
smooth unwrinkied forehead. and the
color leave her cheeks. as the pain
grew too exquisite. Then. suddenly dis
continuing the pressure. but retain
Ing hsr hand. he laughed shortly.
VIII you speak. my lady. or will
you have more7"
Don't" she gasped. please"
Where are the jewels? VIII your
80"
Have you given them to Maitland.''
no"
"where are they,"
'T don't know"
stop that nonsense unless Where
did you leave them2"
Il won't tell won't All. please.
please,"
Tell met"
'Neyer. Ah.h,"
An abrupt and rosounding hammer
ing at the outer door forced him to
leave on. He dropped her hand with
an oath and springing TO his feet drew
his revolver: then. with glance at
the girl. who was silently weeping.
| tears OF pain rolling down her cheeks,
mouth set in a thin pale line OF de-
termination. strobe out and shut the
| door after him.
| fContinued next wecL1