Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-06-24
CHAPTER xvI.--continued.

AT last II came. A Stealtny step, a
ssubdued rustic of skirts, a whispered
word of caution, and we were aware
that some one had entered the din
ing room and stood so near the shell
fering portiere that 1t moved slightly.
We could hear a low voice command
some one to go to the foot of the stairs
and listen for movements above. Then
silence again, and a whisper from
Mary Anne that everything was quiet.
A faint light appeared through the
opening of the portiere, and, parting it
still further, W. saw two figures: One
"a man, on his knees at the door of the
safe, while the other, a woman, held
the lantern.
The man sprang to his feet with an
aoath, but his arms were seized by
two men in uniform, who in terms
more forceful than polite admonished
him to keep quiet and make no trouble.
And the woman-Lady Edith? She
stood erect, with head flung back and
blazing eyes. A scarlet spot famed
i'm her cheeks, glowing brilliantly at
first, then fading to marble whiteness
as she looked at the array against
her. For a moment she said nothing;
then, turning to Mr.. Blake, she spoke
in an even, mechanical voice.
II congratulate you upon the sue
scess of your coup"
He came nearer and held out his
mand authoritatively.
81 will relieve you of that box" he
ssaid.
Il will not give it to you"
Il should regret to use force with
"a woman"
But we could bear no more, and
with one accord pushed aside the cur
stain and entered the room
ut isn't true!" cried Elizabeth, rush.
ding to her side. "Say it isn't true, and
we will believe you"
Even now, in the face of everything,
would you believe mel"
EYES," I said; 1--WE would indeed. 1t
ds your word against theirs-why
SHOULD we not believe you? Only say
dit is not true. The box is yours, but
why did you get it this way? You
had only to tell us you wanted it."
"You hear?" she said, standing tall
and erect, her eyes on a level with
Mr.. Blake's as she looked at him,
ignoring his ~outstretched hand. my
word against yours, and they believe
me-me!"
q should regret to use force" he re.
tpeated. "The box, If you please"
"Stop!" said Gabrielle quickls.
-'Lady Edith, may / take the box?
Thank you. Surely it is a simple mat
ter for you to satisfy this man. Let
us open it and prove him wrong once.
for all, and then neither you nor I
need ever see him again"
She unwrapped the first layer of
paper, then paused uncertainty.
Tell me they are yours" she said
In a queer, choked voice-"your moth
aer's pearls-and I will believe you.
Only look at me and tell me So"
The great brown eyes looked into
eGabrielle's clear hazel mes steadily
for a minute perhaps, then faltered;
the long lashes dropped upon her
cheek, and she turned aside, speech
less-self-confessed a thief.
Gabrielle, with a sigh which was al
most a sob, handed the box to Mr..
Blake. He bowed grayely, removed
the cover, and Mrs. Bundy's famous
.emeralds glittered in their bed of Jew
-eler's cotton. AS long as / five ! shall
hate emeralds, for they can but re-
call that most painful scene, bringing
WILDLY before me the averted face,
and bent golden head, Of our once
loved friend.
Surely said Gordon Bennett,
there is no use in prolonging this
scene"
None whatever" agreed Mr.. Blake,
making a sign to the officers who held
the man I even now think Of as Lord
Wllfrid.
Il arrest YOU" said the officer, for
the murder Of Harry Graham"
Something flashed IN the light, and
we heard q sharp click, accompanied
by a suppressed scream from Mary
Anne.
mot that she cried. "Oh, good
Lord! not that Don't put the 'and-
cuffs on Inn
"Be quiet her som said. Don't
you see the game is up2"
She did not heed him, but stood be-
fore the officers with raised hand and