The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-30
THE FATAL RUBY
BY CHARLES GARVICE
Author of "Just Girl,'' sDiana and
 Destiny" "In Wolf's Clothing" etc.
Copyright, 1909 By George H. Doran Company
(Continued.)

CContinued)
 "You observer" he said '"The bird has flown. The maid who had charge of her betrayed me; no doubt you bribed her; but that is of little con- sequence What is of conseouence- at least to her-is that I may meet her again. I discovered their flight Il am an early riser. They chloro- capped me-for the time. It is some slight satisfaction to me that they have also escaped you. Doubtless there was some flaw in your arrange ments. Now, having satisfied your self that the girl, to gain whom you have broken into my house like a common thief and bully-I say that now having seen for yourself that my precious daughter is not here, may I ask you to take your departure?"
 Ronald nodded.
 "I am going to find her." he said 'I have done with you-for the pres ent. There is another matter, Count as you call yourself-the matter of the treasure at Tricania; but that will wait
 Raven regarded him with a stare of defiance.
 "You speak in riddles he said. "I don't understand you conclude that you are mad as we'll as insol- ent"
 Ronald ignored the taunt, and was hurrying from the room, when Raven said:
 "One moment! There is a question should like to ask you. You will admit that it is reasonable one under the circumstances" He laugh ed sardonica1ly. "A host is warrant ed in asking the name of his visitor ?'' My name is Ronald Desborough," {" said Ronald, over his shoulder.
 The smile fled from Ravens face, which grew red; his eyes started, his lips twitched, as if he were going to have fit
 "Desborough!" he hissed. "Des- borough!"
 Smithers, who was in the corridor, heard the cry, the snarl, and sprang round. But Raven had darted on Ronald, had raised an arm; some was descending, when Smithers flung himself upon the pair. The stiletto pierced Smithers' shoulder; the Count. with an oath, thrust him aside and raised the deadly weapon again; but Ronald gripped the upraised arm, gave it the old school-boy's twist, and the stiletto fell from Ravens hand. Ronald closed with him, and there ensued a terrible struggle. Ronald was younger man, the stronger; but Raven was fighting for his life, and he fought with the unnatural, super human strength of the insane. Smith CTS, leaning against the wall, the blood pouring from his wound, mist thickening before his eyes, dared not fire, even if he had had the strength; for the two men were locked in a close embrace, and the bullet was as likely to hit Ronald as Raven. Smith CTS felt that he was going to faint, might and main to suppress a cry, a groan burst from him-it was more on Ronald's account than his own, but it was unfortunate, for Ronald seized the momentary advantage, slipped from Ronalds grasp, and sprang to the window.
 As his head was disappearing be- low the sill Ronald raised his revolv- CT, which he had snatched from the ground; but to shoot flying adver- sary is not cricket; besides, villain as the man was, he was Cara's father. He flung the revolver aside, and knelt beside Snithers, who, swooning at last, had slid in heap to the floor. The mortified servants burst into the room. Ronald laid Smithers ,n the bed, tore away his clothes, and tried to staunch the wound At that moment-let it be placed to his cred | it-he forgot even Cara; and was half maddened with grief and rage as he bent over the faithful fellow who had not only risked his life, but had prob- ably given it, to save the master, the l friend, he loved. And it moved him almost to tears when, on Smithers' re- turn to consciousness, he panted:
 "Oh, go, MT. Ronald. For 'eaven's | sake, don't waste no time on me. I'm of no account; it's the young lady the poor young lady,