Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1910-05-05

there than in French and Italian
ports, and he thought 1t very probable
that the Erinna would do the same;
he also made some deductions which
need not be explained yet. The only
one worth mentioning here was that
Logotheti would be likely to hear in
Gibraltar that the ruby had been
found and was on its way back to
England, and that as he would know
that Margaret would be anxious about
it, since he had already given 1t to
her, he would hardly let the occasion
of communicating with her go by. AS
for writing from Gibraltar to any
place whatsoever in the hope that a
letter will arrive in less than week,
it is sheer folly. Mr.. Van Torp had
never tried 1t, and supposed 1t pos
sible, as 1t looks, but he was tolerably
sure that Logotheti would telegraph
first, and had. perhaps done so al
ready, for the news Of his passing
Cape Saint Vincent was already "a
hours old.
This was precisely what had hap
pened. When MIR. Van Torp opened
his door, he came upon Margaret and
Mrs. Rushmore on the landing, on the
point of going out for a walk, and a
servant had just brought the prima
donna a telegram which she was read
ing aloud, so that the American could
not help hearing her.
Cruising till wanted" she read
,1,,ta
yacht Erinna, Naples"
She heard Van Torp close his door,
though she had not heard him open it,
and turning round she found herself
face to face with him. Her eyes were
sparkling with anger.
Very sorry" he said. II couldn't
help hearing"
IT'S of no consequence, for l should
have told YOU" Margaret answered
briefly.
He argued we'll for himself from her
tone and manner, but he chose to
show that he would not force HE COM
pany upon her just then, when she
was in visible rage, and instead OF
stopping to exchange more words he
passed the two ladies hat in hand, and
bowling rather low, after his manner,
he went quietly downstairs.
Margaret watched him till he disap
peared.
II like that man." she said, as If to
to herself, but audibly. II cannot
help it."
Mrs. Rushmore was more than de
lighted, but had tact enough not tc
make any answer to a speech which
had probably not been meant for heI
ears.
Perhaps" she said, you would
rather not go out just yet, my dear"
Margaret was grateful for the sug
gestion, and they turned back into
their rooms.
Meanwhile Van Torp had reached
the door of the hotel, and found Lady
Maud standing there with her paraso
up, for the sun was streaming in.
81 was waiting for you," she sale
simply. as soon as he reached hel
side, and she stepped out into th'
street. II thought you would come
down, and wanted to speak to you
for did not get chance last night
They were both watching me, prob
ably because they thought was i'll
and had to chatter like a magpie II
keep UP appearances"
You did it very WELL" Van TORI
said. "If 1 had not seen your fac,
at the window when / got out Of tn,
automobile yesterday shouldn't hav,
guessed there was anything wrong.
"But there is-something yer,
wrong-something I can hardly bea
to think Of, though I must, until
know the truth"
They turned into the first desertet
street they came to.
'T dare say can give guess q
what it Is" Van Torp answered grave
ly. II went to see him alone yesteI
day on purpose. before he started, an
must say, If ID wasn't for. the bear
I'd feel pretty sure"
''He had a beard when 1 Marie
him, and it was like that--just Xix
thatl"
Lady Maud's voice shook audibly
for she felt cold, even in the SUI
shine.
II didn't know" Van Torp answered
THAT alters the case. If we're nc
mistaken, what can do to help you
Let's see. You only had that on
look at him. through the window, 1
that so?"
Eyes. But the window was opeI
and it's not high above the grounC
and my eyes are good. He took O
his hat when he said good-by to you
and saw his face as distinctly as
see yours. When you've been MAJ
ried to a man"--she laughed harshl
you cannot be easily mistake
about him, when you're as near q
thatl That is the man married. II
intimately convinced of It, but / mus
be quite sure. DO you understand?
"of course. If he's really Lever