The Detroit times., 1910-04-22


lstory You might say that the drown
ing OF Ronald Braybrooke was an acct,
dent. on the Other hand. we could
prove that II was either manslaughter
OF murder. Now, perhaps you see the
drift OF my remarks? IL am TO sur.
Ter, you shall suffer. too. II | go 10
jail. you accompany me. Perhaps yon
may be hanged. Al any rate, your pun
!shment ID likely to be heavier than
NINE. And that Is why can stand be.
Tore you and cyDically admit posses
sion OF your mothers jewels, and AZ
the same time defy you TO do your
worst. Have you anything more 20
Gay?"
The last words rang out in strain
OF triumph. But IL they were intended
It0-bring Wanless TO his knees they
singularly failed in their effect.
II am not afraid" the young man re,
phed, with quiet smile. Let us figh.
u out 10 the bitter end, seeing that W.
nave gone SO far. I'll tell my story n
one police court, and you can tell yours
In another. And as this painful inter
view has already lasted long enough,
propose for II 10 come To an end
shall have the pleasure of seeing you
IN another place in the course OF few
hours, unless you like TO comply with
my request and give back my mothers
property"
The woman was moved at last She
was obviously frightened and Ill at
case. Here was a quiet determination
that nothing could break down. And
after her laCf Aanlarutin uha
quite expected to see Waness grovel-
ing on his knees before her On the
contrary, there was a quiet smile on
his face that looked as II he were
amused about something
You had better take care" Lady
Altamont said between her teeth. II
is evident TO me that you do not realize
The Seriousness OF your position. A
word from me-"
AS many words as you like, dear
madam. Really you are not at all as
clever as had imagined Let 1t be
duel to the death between us. Good
night"
With bow Wanlese turned towards
the door Lady Altamont changed her
demeanor altogether. What did this
young man know, she wondered? And
only little time ago he had professed
himself ready to do her every bidding.
She must find out at all hazards.
Stop" she cried. Let us see II
there lis not some way out Of;
what was that"
A loud ringing OF the front door
bell followed by the noise OF hoarse
laughter, and then the rattle OF a latch
key In the front door. moment later
two or three men were in the matt.
There was the noise OF a falling body
and more laughter.
Il know what II is" Lady Altamout
said in deep contempt 1T is my nus
band comes home with few OF his
dissolute friends Ii frequently hap
pens like this If he is very intoxicat-
ed he will give us no trouble; If not.
why
The woman shrugged her shoulders.
The babel downstairs increased
He's all right now" strange voice
said thickly. He is talking q lot or
silly nonsense, but he Is quite capable
OF looking after himself. Pity to
arouse her ladyship."
Wont hurt II he sleeps on the door
mat another voice said. It's very
warm tonight. Come along, jim: no
need TO keep the cab waiting any
longer.
The door banged noisily, there was
silence downstairs for "A moment, and
then the dissipated master OF the
house began to yell and shout in tones
OF fear. He came Gathering and stumb
ling up the stairs, yelling miserably
for his wife. Braybrooke stepped aside
into the doorway of bedroom. for he
had naturally no wish TO be seen.
Sir Charles Numbered into the bou
doir. and swayed backward and for
wards. looking into space. as If re
saw some frozen horror there. He
pointed to the wall opposite; so far "a
he was concerned. Cecil Wanless did
not exist at all.
Ito Be Conttnued.D