The Washington times., 1911-12-15
CHAPTER III (continued).

was kxtne TO scream, but scream
ing would have done no good; and.
i besides. EiiA vas not that sort. In
stead. she frowned imperiousiy, her
eyes demanding to know why she was
interfered with.
The man bowed servilely. as II to
prove his pacific intention. and pointed
up the street, She gathered that they
wanted her to go In that direction, and,
as that seemed as good as any other
In her state of confusion, she decided
to comply.
II they attempted to touch her or
take her into the house. 1t was time
enough to think of resistance. The
main thing was to get speech with
somebody who could understand her
Keeping the blackthorn tight in her
hand, determined to use 1t IL worst
came to worst, she started in the direc.
ton indicated.
The men moved at her side courte.
ously enough, and when on turning the
next corner they stopped at shop, she
OWNED from their motions that they
were seeking an interpreter.
1t was the shop Of a merchant who
sold greasy fritters-a shallow cup In
the wall with a door leading somewhere
to the rear The customers perched or
stools or squattedvoutside; over small
fire at the back the man spread spoon
hour the place seemed unfrequented.
After volley OF words from hei
guides, the greasy fritter man turned
to the American girl with a word Of
It was like seeing a man from home
Elise Immediately loosed her questions
What Is It they want? Is this the
way you treat foreigners? What have
they done with my friend? am ar
you'll regret it the longest day 20,
The greasy fritter man paid no at
tention to the outburst.
THE ring" he said. "They want th'
ring you buy"
Light broke in on Elise.
IT haven't It." she answered. .
Two pairs OF eyebrows went up II
instant skepticism when this was utter
You had IT," said the interpreter
Il gave it to the gentleman who wa.
appeared. DO you know where he Is?
There was a whispered conference.
Where Is he?" was the next question
ignoring her own.
what have you done with him?"
One Of the men indicated the bag, ant
the fritter man said: Perhaps the rint
nsHss the SsE open no,s sss ais
fountain pen and a small coin purse.
II tell you / haven't the ring"
Where Is the man that Is with your
they again insisted susPiciousiy: .,.,
were somehow connected with Bur
roughs' disappearance, but their eviden
sincerity and their persistency In ASK
ing for him made her feel that perhaps
So little by little she told her story
her words, like shuttlecocks, going Il
the' interpreter and back again to tn
imperturbable Moors.
They listened patiently, If doubtfully
till she came to the wall-eyed French
man. of whom Burroughs had asked tn
way. Then a quick glow of understand
ing and suspicion came into their faces
There was another conference 49, 49,
What was this man like? the!
Elise's description was full and accu
rate. Everything and everybody ha'
made a marked impression on her orail
all the characters Of the East as the
4 went in procession across her path.
Did you know what the ring wasI"
II supposed 1t was an ordinary rinl
| I bought 1t in good faith"
| More whispers.
Some bad men have your friend.
was the result.
| Then help me to find him. 1t will
|
, old ring. II 1t was stolen, why didn
somebody say 30 and I would hav
given 1t up?"
About one-third of this got to til
men. The greasy trit:er mans Englis
was small.
Can you find him?" Elsie persisted.
"They know the house where the ma
with the bad eye lives. Maybe he Their
They will see"
| Good" said elsie, with a note {
relief. IF they find him, they Will b
rewarded. I will go with them"
The man shook his head In answer
her movement.
| "They must go quiet. Maybe theI
will be fight. You must stay here"
| Again the headshake.
They find the ring first. You mu!
| wait"
| 81 will not wait"
perhaps what you say true. but the
must be sure. They think 1t look Yer
queer"
fiance, but before she could put 1t I'M
words the small door at the back OF IT
place was opened, she was pushed I'M
a rear room and a key turned.
The panic in her heart instantly r.