The Detroit times., 1910-04-30

them"
Why, then II confirms my susptc-
IONS" Lady Altamont cried triumph
antly. MY visitor has been spirited
away here. believe that you must
have known all about that secret pas
sage for some time past"
oh, have Ailsa said coolly. Il
have known all about Ii for some
little time now. And more than uuce
have availed myself OF your hospt-
tally, as you are doing now. That
is one OF the reasons why am not
in the least afraid OF you, Lady A.
When the time comes, you will ind y
that ! have not lost anything by my
visits To you"
She was speaking quietly and cool
ly. and every word told. In a sudden N
TIT OF passion. Lady Altamont reached
out and grasped Ailsa by the arm.
But she was not in the least afraid;
her clear blue eyes met those of the
Older woman fearlessly.
IL would not be violent IL | were
you she said Don't let your pas
sion carry you anyway again"
Again. | don't quite understand
what you mean"
Il fancy you do" Ailsa went on III
the same quiet way. Il should think
that your passion has got you into
trouble more than once. l am par
ticularly abiding TO the evening when
the mysterious woman came for the
first time"
Il did not see her." Lady Altamont
protested. Il did not see her till
found her lying on the floor, almost
done 10 death in some inexplicable
way"
And that you ask me sincerely to
believe? You did not know that
she was in your boudoir? You did
not know that she was shown into the
room beyond, the green room with
the brick walls, that changes its as
pect by pressing the spring? You
did not know that she was in that
room with a man, or that they shared
bottle OF champagne together? You
know nothing about the curious fan
and the peculiar comb your guest
wore? oh, indeed"
Plucky as she was. Lady Altamont
was conscious Of a sinking feeling at
her heart now. She did not dare try
TO bully and browbeat Ailsa any long
er. The girl knew too much and, be-
sides. she was utterly fearless, she
was so certain of her ground
You are talking enigmas so far
as am concerned Lady Altamons
| said thickly. Il challenge you 10
prove a single one of your state
| ments'
Your challenge is certainly bold
zone Ailsa retorted. "Al the same.
| am quite ready and willing TO meet
II in police court, when my friend,
| Inspector Burles-"
! Ailsa paused conscious that she was
going too far. She had all the impet-
uosity and impulse Of youth. and she
was eXulting in the fact that she was
getting the better of this woman. The
knowledge caused her tongue TO go Il
bit too far II was quite evident from
the expression of Lady Altamont's face
that the name OF Inspector Burles was
not strange to her
Go on she said. with the sugges.
ton OF smile. Why stop so sud-
denly?"
Because | am saying too much"
Ailsa replied quite frankly I'm facc,
| | have said a great deal too much al
ready"
"Or you have not said enough"
! Lady AltamOnt took up the thread.
You must see that after your hints
and insinuations things cannot rest
here. In my turn | accuse you OF
! having stolen from my house the
! body of a woman for some reasons OF
your own. Unless you comply with
my moderate request Immediately l
shall place the matter in the hands
OF the police.
! Really" Ailsa also laughed. THAT
is very kind and considerable OF you.
Perhaps you will be so good as to tell
me what you need?'
II was just coming to that. l de-
nand to see your patient"
II was some little time before Ailsa
replied II locked on the face OF IL
as If Lady Atamont had played al
exceedingly clever game. She was
getting exactly what she desired with
out any risk to herself But Ailsa be-
gan 10 see the other side OF the
model She was strong in the knowl
edge that she also possessed hand
TO play.
! Very well. - she said. ct shall be-
as YOU suggest. Come this way
Lady Altamonts eyes fairly blazed
with triumph. After all she had over
rated the strength and ability Of this
/ bit of a girl. The victory was going
to be quite easy. She followed Ailsa
mp a second fight OF stairs, and ce-
fore bedroom door the girl paused.
wait here a minute she whisper
ed II must see If the patient Is
asleep If she is awake then must
ask Won TO postpone your curiosity
Not that I have any fear on that
score. as the doctor administers
strong narcotics az intervals. Stay
There a moment