The Washington times., 1911-07-23
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
THE GRAY WOLF
By r. K SCRLBNER
copyrieht 1911. The Frank A Munsey Company.

you." and he explained how the fool
dragon had fired at random and plowed
a furrow In my skull.
And the old Wolf?'
Under the ground alongside his son,
a good week back: Won Holleun's
replied he.
He died that night; the people gave
him a funeral to be proud OF"
"Why else? The baron ruled only
through force and the fear he inspired
in the breasts of his subjects. That
night showed how the wind blew;
few officers and handful OF dragons
showed their teeth, but old Shulhof and
Haupmann quickly brought them to
their senses. i don't think there are
a hundred persons in all Brescia who
are sorry the Won Seldorfs have been
wiped out"
HAS the countess come into her own
in spite of what we did not accom-
yes and no. She has nothing more
to fear from any one, but as to collect
ing on the papers. that Is another mat
ter. The treasury Of Brescia Is empty
and the state heavily In debt-the Wolf
took care of that, and one cannot wiring
water from a dry sponge. II she pre-
sents the documents, who Is to pay?
Shulhof has agreed to do what ne can,
and she may receive something, but
this Brescia is s-bankrupt, and her chief
debtor in his grave" he explained.
And Shulhof?" l asked.
He is at present the acting governor.
for there must be some head to Affairs
here. Later, another ruler may be
elected, but l fancy 1t will end by
Austria gobbling up this little corner OF
the Balkans; already an army corps Is
lowering on the frontier"
He paused for q moment, then con-
tinued: And Shulhof Is decidedly
friendly, both to the countess and our
selves; he understands he suspected us
unjustly. and we should receive honor
did we elect to remain in Brescia."
I shook my head. Il do not know
what is in your mind, my friend, but
at the first moment l am able to travel
1 shall hit the trail for the frontier;
to spare" l declared emphatically.
A peculiar expression crossed his face
I'VE are only waiting for that-your
recovery" he answered.
"We?' queried, 81 presume McGre-
gor. also, is longing once more for civil
lization?''
For several moments he appeared to
be gazing out of the window, then look
ed at me with a little smile playing
about the corners of his mouth.
II was not referring to McGregor,
excellent person though he is," said he
Then who?"
The countess" he replied. "She il to
accompany US back to Paris!'
Delighted" l answered, but 1 fan
cied she is practically penniless; un-
less this bankrupt Brescia can pay her
something"
Il do not fancy she need worry on
that account, and-and-Brescta can go
to the deuce; we can get on comfortably
we'll without it," he burst out.
For the third time raised myself
upon my elbow; great light was
gradually sitting into my muddled brain.
You mean?" said l, and stopped alb
ruptly.
THAT the countess has consented to
accompany-us, farther than Paris; to
New York." he answered, and looked
at me after the manner of schoolboy
who expected to receive a reprimand.
For several moments 1 made no re-
ply. 1t had not entered my head to
ask the little Brescian TO marry me,
but now that Morgan had done so, and
been accepted, / felt l had lost an ex-
cellent opportunity.
'It will probably be IN Paris he con-
tinued, and upon you, my friend, we
are counting. She is your greatest ad-
mirer: you are a hero, worthy to wear
the highest order OF Brescia. At the
end of a week, when you are able to
travel, we will cross the frontier-not
as we had planned. pursued by enemies,
but in peace and safety"
l closed my eyes. for the sensation or
dizziness was returning. Across the
frontier-Paris. London-New York;!
l answered family.
1 felt the firm pressure of his hand
upon my fevertsh forehead: something
of his powerful individuality seemed to
pass to me- 1 heard his voice as though
from a great distance. There was a
world of meaning in his words.
Yes" we Will leave Brescia, having
accomplished something. You will re-
place the brother she has lost and who
died a hero In the hearts of his country
men. And L
His voice trailed off and was lost in
immeasurable distance. l was weaker
than had supposed. I heard him cross
the room and draw down the curtain
over the window. Then l fell into the
most peaceful sleep l had experienced
since crossing the Austrian frontier in
to the turbulent Balkans.
CTHE END)