The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1911-03-02

the ground that it deceives many per.
sons into happiness.
He struck another match and looked
again at the ghostly paraphernalia
about him. Near him hung a black
robe with a large hood. He crushed
one of the folds in his hands and was
surprised to discover how thin 1t was
and into how small space it could be
compressed. Not far away stood sew
eral pairs of large slippers of soft
black felt. The white robes were also
of thinnest gossamer-flimsy stuff that
swayed like smoke when he breathed
toward it.
BY the light of third match he
looked more carefully at the other ap-
paratus. There was a large pair of
angel-wings, of the conventional shape.
The assortment Of masks was sufi-
ciently varied for the representation of
many types Of men and women Of
different ages.
The match burned down to his fin
gers, and again he sat in darkness,
wondering at the elaborateness Of the
mediums outfit She was fraud, but
he liked her-yes, pitied her-and he
felt inclined to excuse her in so far as
he could. For the kiss which he had
given her he felt no regret; it was
hers, in all innocence, for what OF
good she might have found in 1t.
The minutes dragged by. He thought
of the precious documents, safe in the
inside pocket of his coat. What they
were, he did not try to determine, but
It was plain that they must be Of in
ternational Importance. The talk Of
ships and Alcatrante's references to
commissions had puzzled him. But
suddenly came to his mind the news
paper rumors that Japan was secretly
adding vessels to her navy through the
agency Of South American republic
which was having cruisers and battle
ships built in Europe, to turn them
over at their completion, to the Japa-
nese. There was, as yet, no interna-
tional proof Of this policy, for none Of
the ships had been completed, but the
| South American country was certainly
adopting policy Of naval construction
quite out Of proportion to her position
among the powers.
How came the girl to be involved in
| this mix-up of nations? Through her
father of course-but who was he? A
concessionaire? Her courage and de-
termination, employed against shrewd
men, was as notable as the beauty OF
her face and mind, for she was like a
queen In her assured comprehension.
How it quickened his heart to think
Of her! The poor, faded medium, with
the smolder of old flames in her eyes,
with the records of hard experience
written on her face, was child IN
stature beside the girl-a child with
yearnings that could never be salts
| fed.
Well, the girl had doubted him. He
could not wonder at that, for the facts
were all against him, and she had
known him only few hours. Yet he
had hoped-he had believed--that she
would know the truth and the devotion
In him without further evidence. Per-
haps he had expected too much from
her noble insight. After all-and that
was part of the loveliness of her-she
was very human girl.
The panel swung open, and Madam
Ala stood looking down at him. She
spoke in an undertone.
1.-The Japs are still wf&ching. Arlma
Is sitting on the fire escape by his
window, and l can hear the other fel-
low moving around in the hall outside
my door. think they're on to your
being here"
Orme thought for minute. 1--WE got
to get away soon," he said. 81 don't
mind telling you that there are papers
that must be delivered before twelve
o'clock tonight"
Can take them for you"
Il don't know where to tell you to
take them"
She sighed. 81 guess you don't trust
me-"
Trust you? OF course, do But the
truth is, Madam Ala, that it is going
to need hard work on my part to find
the person to whom the papers belong
don't even know his name" Secretly
he condemned himself now, because he
had not overcome his scruples and
looked at the address on the envelope
while he had the chance.
Again she sighed. WELL" she said
"of course, it's beyond me. Do you
do you mind my knowing your name?'
Pardon me-" he said. II didn't rea
lize that you didn't know 1t already
Ny name is Robert Orme."
She looked at him with a smile
well, Mr.. Orme, I'll get you out o.
this. l think know way. Bu
you'll have to do Just what tell you.
Il depend on you," he said.
She laid her hand on his shoulder
with friendly pressure. You'll have
to wait here while longer-and you'll
have to keep mighty quiet. I've got {
circle at three o'clock-a seance
They come once a week, and can
well put them off. You see, worl
alone. It's small circle, and neveI
liked the idea Of helpers-they're like
ly to give you away sooner or later.
stretch a curtain across this corner fo
cabinet. and they tie me to chair
and then things happen" She smiled
family. Il know you won't hurt my
game"
"All your secrets are safe with me.
He glanced at the dark interior of th'
closet
Il didn't know any other place t.
put you." she said simply. "They'C