The Southern herald., 1910-12-16

1T win be lonely for few days, be
heard Marie Laska say to Cyril.
After bidding Cyril good night,
Nichols took the car BACK to Pasar
dena. Later he walked toward Nine.
Laska's house. and then. hearing
Cyrirs name. stopped.
A man was talking in English. pre-
sumably that the servants might net
understand.
twenty-five thousand dollars Win
see our project through and help Po.
land to her own again. Young
Thornton win have the money and
you must get it-somehow. You are
beautiful and still young. and can
make boy like that do anything
Nichols knew he was listening 70
an unscrupulous fanatic. As for
Marie. II a tool. she was a willing
one.
Even as lightning fash reveals
In an instant miles OF country and
throws into relief the most prorni.
nent features until they are seen
more clearly than ever before, 80
things revealed themselves to Nichols
at this moment. Cyril should not
marry Nine. Laska, or give up his
money. One word from Nichols
could fix all that. But II he spoke
that word Just now. while the boy
was still dreaming dreams. would
that nature ever be the same agaln7
A sudden rude awakening has been
the making of many a man. but Il
was borne in upon Nichols that It
would not do for Cyril.
Nichols had deliberately listened.
He now as deliberately went up the
steps Of the porch and faced the man
and the woman sitting there.
Il have heard everything" he said
quietly.
Marie's companion put his hand to
his hip pocket.
Don't do that" Nichols said with
a little deprecating gesture. Il am
worth more to you Just now alive"
Then he went to the end Of the porch
and picked up his coat.
Il came back for this" he said.
1T has papers in the pockets which
l shall want in San Francisco to.
morrow"
The man and woman watched him
curiously. He put on his coat; then
he turned to the Pole.
Il will give you $5.OOO." he said.
for what in return know you wiz
do. My lawyer, Mr.. Henry stanton,
in Los Angeles will arrange all mat
ters. In consideration of this money
you will both leave Pasadena within
two days-and the country in the
shortest possible time. l viii write
this down." taking a pen and paper
from his pocket, so there can be no
misunderstanding. II there should
be ! might feel bound to inform the.
Polish government that have
knowledge of suspect"
Nichols stepped inside and drew up
the document in legal form. The
man and woman both signed. Then
he turned to Marie.
Write he said, what tell you"
She obeyed silently.
He then told them that this note
should be mailed the following night
to Cyril at the hotel In Los Angeles.
He turned to CO. You believe that
will keep my end Of the contract"
he said, "and l that you will keep
yours. Good-by" He raised his hat
to Marie Laska.
On their return to Los Angeles they
went first to Cyril's rooms. There
was note in Nine. Laska's hand
writing.
Nichols walked toward the window.
He was feeling keenly for the boy
as he went over in memory each
word he had dictated.
When you return" It ran, Il shall
have left California. l have only
time to write you few lines, for
word has come which takes me i'm
mediately to Poland. My country has
need of me, and still more a man Of
whom you have often made me think.
| duu Will WuOb6 ldbo ~ INV bCoAna
best should unite my own. For my
fathers sake shall travel under an
assumed name. shall always think
of you, and Mr.. Nichols with the
greatest kindness and gratitude.
Farewell. MARIE LASKA."
Cyril read the letter twice and then,
after a moments silence, handed It
to Nichols.
Nichols saw there had been no
shock that would be serious.
Jack" he said, ''it's all over-my
dream. She was a star too high for
me to hope to reach, but | want you
to see this letter, for you never right
ly understood her She was 20 fine
and noble and would risk even her
life for her country and for her lore.
had thought at times she cared for
me, but It was Just that ] reminded
her Of that other man"
! Cyril's eyes had the trusting look
Of Eleanor's--his dead sister at that
moment and John Nichols turned
away his head.