The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-02-07

We left the dance together" Jer-
myn said. could see that he wanted
to get rid of me, but I offered to take
him in my motor-car. told the man
to choose some back streets. and while
we were passing through onA Of them,
took Won Kern by the throet We
had a struggle, of course, but got
the paper"
What did you do with Won Hern? "
she asked.
" ] left him on his doorstep" the
young American answered. He wasn't
really hurt. but he was only half con-
scious. don't think he'll bother any
one. tonight"
You dear, brave mani" she muir
INJURED. Paul. what am to say to
you?"
He laughed.
That's what I'm here to ask" he
declared. You wouldn't give me any
answer at the ball. Perhaps you'll
give 1t me now?"
They sprang apart. Ruff felt his
nerves stiffen-felt himself constrained
to hold even his breath as he widened
a little crack in the curtains, This
was no stealthy entrance The door
had been flung open. Won Hern, his
dress in wild disorder. pale as a ghost,
| and with a great bloodstain upon his
cheek, stood confronting them.
When you have done with your
| love-making," he called out, III trou-
BILE you to restore my property. .
The electric light cleaned upon a
small revolver which flashed out to-
ward the young American. Paul Jer.
myn never hesitated for a moment
He seized the chair by his side and
flung 1t at Won Hern. There was a
shot, the crash Of the falling chair, a
cry from Jermyn, who never hesitated
closed. A second shot went harmlessly
to the ceiling. The little lady stole
away-stole softly across the room to
ward the table. She opened ths
drawer. Suddenly the blood In hel
veins was frozen into fear. From no
where, 1t seemed to her, came a hant
which held her wrists like iron.
Madam Peter Ruff Whispered
from behind the curtain, am sorr,
to deprive you of 1t, but this is stolel
property"
Her screams rang through the room
Even the two men released one an
other.
1t is gone! 1t is gone! !" she cried
Some one was hiding In the room
Quick!"
She sprang into the hall The tw
men followed her. The front door wa
slammed. They heard flying footstep
outside. Won Hern was out first, clear
ing the little flight Of steps in on
bound. Across the road he saw a fl,
ing figure. A level stream of fir
poured from his hand-twice, thre
times. But Peter Ruff never falteret
Round the corner he tore The ma
had kept his word---the brougham wa
already moving slowly
Jump In. sir" the man cried
Throw yourself in. Never min
about the door"
They heard the shouts behind Pete
Ruff did as he was bid, and sat upo
the floor. raising himself gradually I
the seat when they had turned anothe
corner. Then he put his head out {
the window.
Back to the Duchess of Mon
ford's! he ordered.
The latest of the guests had cease
to arriye-a few were already depar
Ing. 1t was an idle time, howeye
with the servants who loitered in til
vestibules Of Montford House, an
they looked with curiosity upon TIL
strange guest who arrived at five mil
utes to two, limping little, and hol
Ing his left arm in his right han
One footman on the threshold nearl
addressed him, but the words wei
taken out of his mouth when he sa
Lady Mary and her brother--the Hol
orable Maurice sotherst-hasten TO
ward to greet him.
Peter Ruff smiled upon them BIZ
nignly.
You can take the paper out Of m
breast-coat pocket" he said.
The young mans fingers gripped
Through Lady Mary's great Thankful
ness, however. the sudden fear can
shivering.
You are hurt! (" she whispere
There is blood on your sleeve"
Just a craze, peter Ruff answere