The Washington herald., 1911-01-02
THE DEPUTY AVENGER
By HEDLEY RICHARDS

where the master Of the house was writ
ing q letter.
He looked up as the door opeued, saying
in his usual tone:
Good morning. Clelland"
Paul did not reply. He went close up
to the other man before he spoke. Then
he said:
do you know Judge Shenstone is dead;
that he was shot while I was talking
to you last night?'
Clifford rose and faced him.
Il was told this morning. the butler
had heard. and I am very sorry"
You. are sorry! Don't be a hypocrite.
I didn't know you added that to your
other SINS
You should have let me finish. am
sorry, because his death now, without
my plans being carried out, ruins my
| scheme Of revenge"
"Your enemy is dead. What more can
you want? l tell you. man. that IL
had not been with you at the very time
it happened 1 should have denounced
you as the murderer: even now I don't
feel sure that one Of your emissaries
didn't do it. Perhaps you intend laying
it on me and putting in that confess
; sion?"
Clifford shook his head
II have no such intention. and I am
telling you the truth when l say I know
nothing of the murder. Had 1 known 1t
was going to happen. 1t would have en-
| abled me to obtain my revenge: as it
is I feel as though I had been thwarted
at the last moment Yet / said neither
heaven nor earth should balk me Of my
revenge
Paul looked at him. wondering whether
Clifford was in his right mind.
II am quite sane" said Clifford drily.
ION whom do you want to be re-
! venged?' asked Paul
THAT is my secret. And, remember. !
am the only one who can prove that you
were not at the Hall at the time Of the
murder" said Clifford.
Il see you mean mischief"
You are mistaken. Unless you reveal
our compact you have nothing to fear"
1T would not do any good to make
it public I believe you had no hand in
| the judges death: but I have something
| to say about our compact. 1t must be
broken"
VERY we'll. But bargain that you do
not marry Miss Shenstone, or I shall put
| in the confession
Paul's face grew dark and angry.
II will never give her up. Why do you
hate the Shenstones so bitterly?" he
| asked.
II never told you I hated them. but ]
stipulate that If We break the bargain
| you do not marry Miss Shenstone. They
| are an unlucky race. and 1 tell you no
good would come of such a marriage
| Finally, understand that you remain
bound to me. unless you consent to break
| your engagement to Margaret Shenstone
| and within six months marry another
woman
Il think few women would have a ma n
| who could desert a girl in such trouble. -
Clifford smiled grimly.
"Women's hearts easily mend. She
| would soon replace you. and I know one
! woman-she is pearl among women
who loves you. and would feel assured
| you had good reason for your action.
Il suppose you mean Lady Iascelles 2
said Paul
No. / should not advise you to marry
the cute American; she Is tribe too
sharp. Hagar Herries loves you. Make
her your wife. and you will find happi-
| ness, and all 1 have will be yours
! Never! l love Margaret. and Hagar
| is too good to be the wife of a man who
has not any love to offer her." and Paul
turned toward the door. Clifford followed
him, and laid his hand on his arm, say
| ing in a low tone:
Remember. you are still bound to me.
| body and soul"
To RE coNrJHJrED TO MORROW