The Huttig news., 1911-09-23


 with the reverberations of the shot and the screaming of the woman on the charpoy The pistol exploded again as he grappled with the would be mur- deress; the bullet. passing up his sleeve, creased his left arm as with a te-hot iron. and tore out through the cloth on his shoulder He twisted brutally the wrist that held the weap. on. and the woman dropped it with 8 cry of pain.
 You wouldi" he cried and threw her from him, putting foot upon the pistol.
 She reeled back against the wall and crouched there, trembling. her cheeks on fire, her eyes aeame with rage. You dogl" she sbrilled in Hindi-snd spst at him like maddened cat Then he recognized her.
 "Narsini!" He stepped back in his surprise, his right hand seeking in stinetivelv the wrist of his left, which was numb with pain.
 His change of position left the pistol ungusrded. and the woman swooped 
 before she could get her fingers on It's grip, Lshertouche stepped between them, tended her of, and quietly pos ,essed himself of the weapon.
 Your pardon. madam" he said. ,ravely.
 Naraini retreated. shaking with fury, and Amber employed the respite to 'ecognize Sophia Farrell in the woman the charpoy. She was still seated, prevented from rising by bonds about CT wrists and ankles. and though un- naturally pale. her anguish of fear and tespair had set its marks upon her face without one whit detracting from +ae appeal of her beauty He went to her Immediately, and as their eyes eet, hers famed with joy, relief and he dared believe=a stronger emotion.
 'You-you're not hurt, Mir Amber?"
 Not at all. The bullet went out trough my sleeve And you?" He dropped on his knees, with his pocket inife severing the ends of rope that bound her
 Ns helping herself to rise. Thank you" she said, her eyes shining, flush of color suffusing her face with glory.
 Did you cut those ropes, Amber?. Labert rtouche interposed curtly
 "Yes. Why?"
 The Englishman explained without turning from his sombre and morose nrA of gx.I have to tie this woman up. somehow She's complication hadn't foreseen Here: you'd better leave me to attend to her-you and Miss Farrell Go on down the gallery-to the left. I'll catch mp with you"
 The pistol which he still held lent to his demand a sinister significance If which he was. perhaps. thoughtless. But Sophia Farrell heard, saw and sur. lnised.
 'No!" she cried. going swiftly to the secret agent. "Noi" She put a hand upon his arm. but he shook it of.
 Did you hear me, Amber?" said La. bertoncbe. still watching the queen
 What do you mean to do?" insist ed Sophia You cant-you mustn't-'
 This is no time for half-measures Miss Farrell" Labertouche told her brusquely Our lives hang in the bal ance-Mr. Amber's. yours, mine Please go''
 You promise not to harm herr"
 "Amber!" cried the Englishman, im- patiently will you
 "ploaco Mice Eorroufv hor1oJ ,,, her. irving to take the girls hand and draw her away.
 T won't," she declared. ''ill not move step until he promises. You dent understand No matter what the Hanger shes-''
 She's a fiend iucarnate," I.aber- touche broke in. Amber. get that girl"
 She's my sister," cried Sophia Now will you understand"
 "What?" The two men exclaimed as one
 She's my sister" the girl repeated, holding up her head defiantly. her 'heeks burning-"my sister by adop- ton. We were brought up together oHc Was tHe daughter Ul all O1u irfenu If my fathers-an Indian prince. A few years ago she ran away"
 Thank God!" said Amber from the bottom of his soul; and. "Ah, you would," cried Labertouche tensely. as
 araini seized the opportunity, when his attention was momentarily divert d. to break for freedom Amber saw the flash of steel blade n the woman's hand as she struck at he secret agent. and the latte step ing back. defected the blow with a ruardsng forearm. Then. with the | quickness of a snake. Naraini stopped. 1 ,lided beneath his arms. and slipped l rom the cell.
 With smothered oath Lsbertouche | faped to the doorway. lifting hts pis- 1 tol: but he was no quicker than So.
 sia. who caught hts arm and held him back. .'No." she panted; mot even for l our lives-not at that price!"
 He yielded unexpectedly. 'Of course you are perfectly right, Miss Farrell. said re. with little bow. I'm sorry that circumstances But come! l She'll have this hornets nest about 1 our ears in a brace of seconds. Hark