Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-04
CHAPTET XVII.-Continued.

Tired out by excitement and strain,
bearing the constant aching regret for
Stanief's setting star, Allard had been
gradually lulled into mesmer1c quies-
cence by the shifting lights. and shadows.
And by q freak of exhausted nerves, it
was old things thrust out Of sight for
years which took shape out Of the dark
and dragged their ugliness before him In
strange waking nightmare. He for
got the risk of accident, the danger Of
the return through the city. but he saw
Desmond's rugged face framed In the
doorway of the cottage above the Hud-
son and felt the anguish of the abandon
ment to worse than death. Pictures OF
his trial rose persistently. details of the
intolerably bitter months Of prison dashed
his pride.
''You spoke!' Adrian's cool voice broke
BREATH
Unnoticed by one Of its passengers. the
automobile increased its speed. rocking
softly from side to side. leaping with
catlike lightness the inequalities Of the
road. One might have imagined that the
driver also Ned from his own thoughts
through the empty parkways. Allard
saw nothing: here in the heart Of Eu.
gray walls had closed around him and
he relived the unlivable. He was sitting.
suffocating. with the sweet spring air
singing past like strong wind.
whining purr Of the motor. q shouted
command. Allard started up. bewildered,
and the black mood fell from him as q
mufhtng garment cast aside. They had
emerged again into the city, at the same
gait:
THE police. sire" he warned. reproach-
II will not. Let them try to catch US !"
'"They will know the car"
Then we viii pay the fine. tomorrow.
you"
The irony of that might have brought
Allard's laugh II he had not been dis
tracted by the view ahead.
mot possible, sire; there IL q regiment
crossing at the head Of the square. II
we are examined
Adrian sullenly shut of the power and
came to a standstill. He had no desire
an anecdote all over the empire.
Tell them you are on my affairs" he
directed. as the two pursuing officers gal
Hoped toward them. "Or anything you
station farce tonight. do you under
stand?
Allard did laugh that time. the relief
of waking to reality still tngling In his
veins.
''Then must go alone. If they insist.
May ask to take the drivers seat and
claim his responsibility?
For what? They would take the ma
chine. Do you expect me to walk alone
Good heavens, nor AIlard exclaimed,
vehemently.
The two riders came painting up az
Adrian replied with an expressive shrug.
You are under arrest messieurs," was
the crisp announcement.
Allard leaned out into the light of the
street lamp, taking OF his mask and
shaking his coat unbuttoned from top to
bottom. Perhaps a memory of Rosafs
For overspeeding?' he inquired.
sweetly.
Certainly; monsieur was going at least
forty miles an hour
"Ah, but my errand was important.
am Monsieur Allard of the household Of
his imperial majesty"
John Allard's name was linked with
Staniefs on every tongue in the capital
that night. Moreover. he stood up as he
spoke and his coat fell apart, revealing
the confirming luster OF jewels and his
deliberately careful dress.
I'VE are desolated. excellency." the
man stammered.
''Oh, you were quite right, but I as
sure you that 1t would be a mistake to
carry this further. / am on an errand
for-some one not to be questioned. Just
fail to remember that you saw me and
there will be no trouble"
He held out a hand IN which a yellow
coin cleaned alluringly. The officer
coughed and stopped.
Eyes, excellency. Graciously excuse
our stupidity; 1t IL true that the light
misled US as to the speed OF your ex-
cellency's car"
Exactly. Good night"
Good night, excellency."
"Allard. Allard,' drawled Adrian.
throwing his levers. bribery and decep-
ton! And under my seyes''
II obeyed orders SIRE" he retorted, de-
murely. May I driver
la belle excuse! However, I admit
the coercion. No. you may not drive: I