The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-09-11
THE FATAL
BLY, |
BY CHARLES oARvlcE.
Copyright. 1909, by George n. Doran
Company)
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Giant Ruby.
CHAPTER XVIII.

tage hospital At Port Dale, Whlcn was
as quickly reached as the Hall would
have been. A doctor and a capable
local nurse were in instant attend
ance; and the four gentlemen waited
for some kind of a report. 1t was
some time before the doctor came out
to them.
The man is badly injured he
said, addressing Sir Reginald, who
had told him how the accident had
occurred; 1T is a wonder that he has
not broken every bone in his body
that he is still alive, At present he
is unconscious. 1t was the act OF
a madman."
Il think he is mad, said Sir Regi-
nald grayely.
Judging by certain indications, I'm
inclined to agree with you, Sir Regi-
maid. have sent to Shelford for as
sistance, and directly the man comes
to- We will see what can be done for
him. OF course will send up to the
Hall and let you know The result of
our examination; but | fear He
shook his head as he left them.
The four men drove back TO the
Hall Sir Reginald and Mr.. LeXhlm
discussed the extraordinary fact OF
] name nragnnD, NJ tho mill au1
his more than possible identity with
the murderer OF Sir Mortimer. Nane
did not join in the discussion, but
leant back, apparently lost in thought,
and gancing every now and then at
Reece, who sat opposite him, as silent
as himself. and with his arms tiehtly
folded
Dexter Reece's acute brain was
very hard at work. The discovery of
| Raven. his appearance on the scene
at this juncture, considerably upset
Recess plans He saw that the soon
er he exchanged the ruby for a
cheque, and put few thousand miles
between himself and the Hall, the
ven might die before he recovered the
power of speech, but if Raven re-
covered sufficiently to reveal DeX.er
Reece's complicity-he shuddered at
/ the thought After all, he told him
self if me should get the money, he
would not have done so badly for him
self: five-and-twenty thousand pounds
go a long way in, say Mexico. But
/ he might not even have to take flight;
there was no evidence against him
and the Desboroughs and all concern
ed would cdrtainly be DESTROYS of
keeping the who'e business to them
selves, of hushing it up.
! He was quite calm as he followed
the her three into the library; and
he was not at all embarrassed when
Mr.. LeXham inquired grayely;
May we ask YOU to give us some
| explanation, To throw some light on
this tragic occurrence, Mr. Reece?'
I'm afraid | cannot he replied,
with an air of reluctance AS 1 said,
my lips are scaled. Indeed. can take
no further part in this sad business.
am not concerned in it; my share in
it disappears the moment | have con
signed the ruby to Sir Reginalds
care"
lie took the box from his pocket
and placed it on the table Mr.. Lex
ham lifted out the stone, looked at
it, and handed i, to Sir Reginald, who
merely glanced at it with an eXpr, s.
sion of distaste, and was replacing j.
in the box when Vane said
May he permitted to look a, it,
Sir Reginald
Il beg your pardon" said Sir Regi- |
nald, and he handed him the box
Vane held the stone in the palm of
his hand and looked at it for quite a |
minute. then he laid it in its cotton
wool again. and restored the box TO .
Sir Reginald.
Il wonder whether might ask you
gentlemen to delay this business for,
say, half an hour? He said. Il am
quite aware | ought to offer you some
explanation for my request; but Will
beg YOU to permit me to defer it until
| return"
Sir Reginald looked su prised, but
inclined his head and waved his hand.
Certainly We will wait" he said
Il will order some refreshments.
Please do not be away longer than
YOU can help"
Vane nodded and went out. Steele
got an impromptu meal, and the three
men Went into the dining-room; but.
tired a. they We're, they We're too eX-
cited. too agitated, TO avail themselves