The Washington times., 1911-07-12
40 THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
THE GRAY WOLF
Er K. SCRLRNER


I IL they open the closet, he can't do US
| any harm tonight"
For the moment I could not answer
him. The tragic horror Of the thing
| gr1pped me. II required but glance at
| the little stand to tell me what had
happened For beside the carafe stood
| the thick glass vial-and II was empty:
McGregor turned the glass in his hand.
I mixed the powder with a nttie
| water. but 1t wasn't so easy to get 1t
| down his throat; his teeth were clench-
| ed so tight. But guess not much was
wasted, and he'll be like dead man
| for hours" he concluded.
l had not the heart to tell the honest
fellow what he had done After all was
i IT not grim justice which had taken a
hand in our game? I remembered the
man in Paris. Fate had wtlled his
murderer should in turn feel the poison
creeping through his veins.
Yet shuddered as l helped McGregor
carry the inert form into the closet. He
believed the man must be discovered
after certain number of hours, and in
that time he would regain his faculties.
But l knew. did the scearchers delay
too long, the closet would become a
tomb.
After our task was accomplished l
told the little Scotchman the real rea-
son for our coming into Brescla, and
why the man in the closet had wired
from Paris to arrest US at the frontier.
He listened in silence. When 1 conclu-
ded, his face was very grave.
The danger is greater than I sup
posed, SIR" said he. i have heard
something of this governor and how he
crushes every one who stands in his
way. Were you and Mr.. Morgan ar
rested on the charge or conspiracy
against the government the result would
be serious, but you might at least be
given opportunity of defending your
self But now ! see it is different.
What is done will be done secretly and
without mercy They are not certain
whether you really know OF the exls-
tence of the papers. but the governor
is not the man to take chances. Par
don me, sir. but is the game worth the
danger? If 1t would not be presumption
l might even suggest
What would you suggest?" I asked.
That we find Mr.. Morgan and re-
sible Tonight the way may be open.
but in twenty-four hours 1t may be TOO
late"
shook my head
And do you think Mr.. Morgan will
consent to retreat through fear of dan
ger?" l Queried.
God help me, It will only strengthen
his determinati tion to remain in Brescia
until he has spoken to the woman he
answered.
And this conspiracy; may 1t not help
u.s. l suggested.
"Conspiracies are slow things. sir,
he replied. II can hardly believe any
thing will be accomplished In that d.
rection. And we do not even know who
in this wretched country is a consipra-
tor: therefore, even did we so wish. we
cannot look for assistance IN lhat quar-
ter"
l dropped my hand into my pocket and
touched the match-safe; in another mo-
ment ! would have put the slip or pa
per in his hand, but there came sud
den Interruption. Some one raped
smartly upon the door. There was
moments silence; then voice spoke
sharply: ~,I
THE Brescian officer Whispered NC
stepped to the door, and laid my
hand upon the key. The Scotchman's
fingers closed upon my shoulder. :,
''Are you mad. sir? 1t is the Brescian,
he whispered hoarsely.
Where are you, HalfensteinF de-
manded the voice impatiently.
Gently. / have plan in mind re
garding this fellow" I whispered back
TO McGregor., who 1t was PLAIN was
beginning to believe was taxing IeaFe
of my wits. ,
The Scotchman dropped back. but l
fancy he would have been better pleased
had I repeated the disappearance act
The Brescian muttered impatently'
and raped again.
The devil take you, Halfenstein- Do
YOU think have nothing to do but fool
away my time. And he shook the door
violently.
/ was convinced he was alone, or ne
must have addressed remark TO
COMPANION I half turned the key-then
paused suddenly.
You appear to be excited. my friend;
perhaps I can assist you said quiet
voice beyond the panel.
1t was Morgan.
For the moment stood motionless;
scarcely knowing what to do; then dld
the only thing possible under the cir
l turned the key and open
ed the door.
The Brescian officer and Morgan were
facing each other. but the former turned
LAS YOU appear to be anxious to gain
admission to this room, and l have the
same purpose in view, will you kindly
enter?'' suggested Morgan dryly.
A Continuation of This Story VIII
Be Found In Tomorrow