Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-12

should be in the hands of the Baron than
caught in the tolls of consplrators wholly
unknown, she grew impatient to demand
all the Baron knew. Yet still she smiled.
"Your next inquiry?' she said. "Directed
also to me?"
at is perhaps just as we'll directed to you.
He leaned little nearer "ln the event OF
our States desire in the matter would it
be too much to request Miss Thurley to re-
him finally, once and for all, dismiss him
| w;tn friendship at most, bidding him return
forthwith to Hertzegotha, there to resume
| the obligations of his life?"
Alice gazed at him blankly, amazed at
such a question, on the heels of what had
preceded.
The Baron gave her no time to reply. IL
perceive have too far presumed upon your
relationship with Miss Thurley," he has
tened to add. MAY l beg the privilege of
an interview with Miss Thurley herself?"
A Ices final hope was gone, and with it
= her wish or need for further conceal
ment. She rose abruptly. "But, Baron
She has disappeared. l have the most terri
BILE fears for her safety-her life! l hoped
that you had abducted her-caused her alb
duction anything but this horrible uncer-
tainty and dread!"
The Baron too had risen. His face be-
trayed his complete establishment and shock.
@Gone?" he repeated. Abduction? You
do not mean to say"
"She went this morning to assist an ailing
| friend-or so she thought. The letter that
summoned her was evidently forgery, a
blind. l am fearfully distraught. Mr.. Stuy
verant has been the only one to help me.
He has just come in from fruitless search
of the house where she went this morning"
| The Baron's distress was more than mere
compassion; it was grave concern. He had
| feared for some such development. He had
known of the dangers impending and sur
rounding the putative Princess when re-
questing Thurley to continue the role. He
| had even made efforts toward the discovery
| and apprehension of Zagorsky and her fol-
lowing; but had felt the discovery of the
genuine Princess and the protection of Duke
Karl to be a more immediate pressure upon
himself and his men. Now that this out
come had established the menace to Princess
and Duke, he was startled, as well as af-
, f1icted with sense of guilt. Yet he dared
not betray his convictions as to what had
happened to Alice Van Kinks protegee.
II am shocked at this intelligence" he
said in all sincerity. believe me, | shall
make every possible endeavor to assist you
| in discovering and recovering your COM
panion. Excluding myself, you have no sus-
picions as to who might commit such an
| outrage?"
"How could l have?" said Alice 3She
hadn't an enemy in the world! l was certain
it must be something political, something |
may have brought upon her by permitting
silly world to believe her your Princess
| Thirvinia!"
The Baron took quick, impatient turn
down the length of the rug and back. His
perturbation was obvious. His rage against
Zagorsky was consuming. "That such a
thing could happen, in daylight, here in
your ethyl" he said. "The punishment
should be so swift and terrible for crimes of
this dastardly nature! You shall have my
help! Did you say Mr.. Stuyverant has
come? l esteem him my friend. l may see
him -now?"
Il wish you to see him, please, said Alice
aBut he is not aware that Miss Thurley is
not Princess Thirvinia, matter which |
prefer to leave undisturbed, if possible"
3The suggestion meets my entire approval
and desire, said the Baron and Stuyverant
was summoned to the ROOM
THE meeting between himself and the
Baron was cordial. Then in the briefest
time he was made acquainted with the
| Do = 10 1o