The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-07-25
(Continued.)

"Of my protection! You, now?"
Il, now. Through you, if you lend
your name to their use, my enemies
can make the task | have set my
self difficult beyond description"
The kindling fire had caught, at
last; with the first boyish impuls-
iveness of the interview Adrian's
response flashed to meet the ap
peal
You need not fear that! You
need not fear me"
Thank you, sire" Stanief an
swered, simply and gravely.
There was pause. Allard Won
dered, as he discreetly observed the
two, just what would have been the
result If Stanief had brought less
convincing seriousness to answer
his cousins sensitive pride and in.
oredulity.
Il have come alone" Adrian
unused, with half sigh, with Gre
gor. He does what l wish because
he knows Dalmorov hates him and
he is afraid to stand alone. So
when l bade him bring me here Sc.
cretly tonight, after l had presum-
ably retired, he obeyed. l like to be
obeyed." The expression of several
moments before returned tran
silently.
A playfully earnest warning of
the other cousins required to the
listener; it appeared that both had
1.-The habit of domination"
And SO l must return at once,
or they may discover l have gone.
But | am glad / came, cousin; it
seems easier now"
Sire" Stanief said, and some
how his tone made Allard feel sud
denly aDashed, as one who stands
before thing not for his eyes,
there will come day when you
will stand in the great cathedral to
receive the oaths of allegiance of
your mobiles. There will be all cere-
mony, all solemnity, but-take mine
now. The one shall give you then
can mean no more. You have been
taught to have no faith in such
promises; when you receive mine
for the second time, l hope it will
have gained some value in your
sight,
Il wish it had now; l almost think
it has," he answered, with a bitter
ness and energy singularly strange
from his boyish lips. IT want to
have faith in you, cousin"
He rose, and Stanief with him.
Il care for nothing" he added,
reverting to the previous invitation.
Il have already stayed too long.
Monsieur" his eyes went to Allard
for the first time, monsieur is the
American gentleman who sailed
with you from New York;"
Allard came forward in response
to a glance from Stanief.
Sire, l have the honor to present
Monsieur John Allard, whom l have
persuaded to come with me because
! also have need of one friend whom
l can trust"
He was after all so pathetic in
his lonely and sophisticated youth
this child. Saluting him, Allard's
clear gray eyes involuntarily ex-
pressed all their sympathy and
warm kindness. And. meeting the
regard, Adrian gave him his only
smile of the evening.
ut is easy to trust you others,
Monsieur Allard," he said visit
fully. II wish you were my friend
instead of Feodor's."
as it noh the same thing, sire?"
Allard questioned.
'Is it,"
81 sincerely believe so, SIRE"
Bring Monsieur Allard with you
tomorrow, cousin" Adrian d.
rected, lifting his gaze to Stanief.
And good night"
lou Will dllOW NE u dCCOIl-
pany your return, sire?"
Certainly MOTTO attract all the
capital"
Pardon, l meant as secretly as
Gregor attends you; who-again
pardon me-is scarcely attendance
enough
Adrian shook his head decisively.
your people on the yacht"
"They are not already aware that
your imperial majesty is here?"
"YOu can order them to he ST.