The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-04-01

wv 5 3f aaa5 a aSs9a to on ass' more
his stre-"a! doubts returned
and he said to himself that ne must
have become an Internal idiot 20 expose
his life and liberty in this manner-he,
William Grayman. with mis- billions "a
walk into the jaws of q. tiger, with his
eyes open 10 the danger. But then the
thought Of his daughters peril occur
red, and nerved him TO go on. Every
thing must be ventured for her saxei
He had not time 10 fan into dubiety
again, ior suddenly a voice sounded
over his head. Glancing inward Mr.
Grayman was almost startled out of his
senses by seeing right above him an
aero, which was swiftly descendinE In
another minute IL swept gracefully "a
the ground, and an elegantly atfired
gentleman calmly stepped down from
its nat deck, and, politely removing his
hat, advanced with outstretched hand
and winning smile, toward ,he billion
aiTe-
Good morning. Mr.. Gsayman.' he
said IN voice Of wonderful sweetness.
I'm delighted 10 see you here. 1 an
Capt Alfonso PayJOn, with whom Won
had a distant conversation the day he
fore yesterday l am happy TO observe
how riSidly you keep your appointments,
although that does not surprise me, for.
Of course. like all the world I Know
your business reputation. But Won do
me great honor, sir"
Nj. Grayman, like ever person who
had ever come into contact with Paw
ton felt instantly the magnetism ~
his presence and manner IL was an an
but irresistible charm that this man
spread around him. Not thinking Of
what he did, but simply Influenced .,y
the atmosphere OF EOOd-fCIlOWghip and
Eenulty. Mr.. Grayman unCOusciOusly
took the offered hand, and PaEIOn gave
him a cordial pressure Of the fingers,
and smiled with an Increase Of anability,
showing his beautiful teeth.
What a delightful morning we have, 20
he remarked with the easy grace Of a
man used TO the worlds pest things,
and glazing around him with looks OF
admiration so cool. so fragrant with
the breath Of the fields. But 1 think IL
will turn out hot day"
Yes, l think So" Mr.. Grayman TO
piled, 30 completely surprised that he
hardly knew what he was saying
All. doubtless YOU would wish 10
hear from your daughter Payton went
on, still smiling L am happy 10 tell
you that she is enjoying excellent health
and spirits, IN a most charming locality
left her only this morning. and know
ing that I was 70 meet YOU she sent her
love 70 her 'qther. whom she hopes 20
see soon-as she viii e ne remains rea-
soma BILE"
These last words Payton spoke with
a sharp emphasis.
Mr.. Grayman was completely nom
plussed- Pevton's change OF manner
also started MIN. His fear for his per
sonal safety began 20 return, and once
more he inwardly called himself an
idiot
we must come 70 business. Mr..
Graymdn,' Fayton continued. I'm an in
creasinEly icy tone. You are used to
plain, quick talk. so am ]. You have
promised me ten million dollars Your
promise is as good as Government
bond. When will you have the moue :
ready2 When I get u YOU get Helen.
But YOU made me another promise. at
least by implication, and implied prom
ises. when the parties understand one
another, are as good as any. You prom
ised not 20 try 70 betray me- That
promise YOU have not kept-and you
know what 7 told YOU"
Mr. Graynan, between surprise, anger
and anxiety. lost his self-commaud.
Then the thought of the commiss ioner
ana the aeros al hand, flashed across
his mind, and restored his confidence.
He must carry out the pian NV; he was
In for II.
- did not" he began. bur Pavto,
interrupted him, laundering:
who Is your friend under the tree
there? What is he waving his handker-
Mr.. Grayman glanced toward the
place whore the commissioner stood.
and saw p fash Of white All, the Sig
nal at last All his habitual GOODNESS
came back The aerOs would be here
.n a minute He must simplv detain
Paytou A little longer.
He had been greatly relieved at the
moment Of Payton's arrival to see hin,
send his aero of TO q considerable dis
lance. where Il remained lowering Ike
a soaring hawk. He now felt that he
must distract the pirates attention, and
keep him from calling the aero hack
But while he was casting about for