Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-14
CHAPTER XXVI.-Continued.

Il do not claim Them he replied. They
are In my safe at this moment, untouched.
They are there ready to be returned TO
their proper owner
why do you not find him." with a
note Of Incredibly in her tone.
How am I to do that Laverick de-
manded
I'VE waste words" she continued. cold
~. Il think that IL leave you with the
contents of your safe. it will be wise for
you to hand me that document
II am inclined to do so." Laverick ad-
mitted THE very fact that you knew
of its existence would seem TO give yon a
sort of claim to 1t. But, Mile. Idiale, will
you answer me a few questions
II think" she said. that 1t would be
better If you asked me none.
But listen.'' he begged. You are the
orly person with whom l have come mo
touch who seems to know anything abou.
You exactly how ! stumbled I'm upon it.
Why can we not exchange confidence for
confidence? I want neither the twenty
thousand pounds nor the document
want. to be frank with you, nothing but
to escape from the position | am now In
of being half a thief and half a criminal.
Show me some claim to that document
and you shall have It. Tell me to whom
that money belongs and II shall be re-
stored"
You are incomprehensible,' she de-
clared. Are you. by any chance. playing
part with me? Do you think that 1t is
worth while:'
Mile Idiale." Laverick protested. ear
nestly. nothing in the word is further
from my thoughts. There is very little
of the conspirator about me. I am plain
man Of business who stumbled In upon
this affair at a critical momert and dared
to make temporary use OF his discovery.
You can put 1t, II you like. that | am
afraid. l want to get out Nothing wouii
give me greater pleasure, IL such thing
were possible. than to send this pocket
book and its contents anonymously TO
Scotland Yard and never hear about them
again."
She listened to him with unchanged
face. Yet for some moments after he had
finished speaking she was thoughtful.
You may be speaking the truth" she
said. IF so. l have been deceived. You
are not quite the sort Of man did believe
you were. What you tell me is amazing.
but ii may be true.
1T is the TRUTH Laverick repeated.
calmly.
Listen" she said. after a brief pause.
You were at school, were you not. with
Mr.. David Beliamy? You know well who
Perfectly WE'LL" Laverick admitted.
"You would consider him a person to be
trusted?"
Absolutely"
Every well, then" she declared. You
shall come to my fiat at o'clock this
Is possible. David Bellamy shall be there
himself We will try then and prove to
you that you do no harm In parting with
that document to u.s.
Il will come" Lavenck promised. lat
o'clock: but you must tell me where"
You will put it down. please" she said.
There must not be any mistake. You
must come and you must come today.
am staying at No. Is Dover street. I viii
leave orders that you are shown In al
once
She rose to her feet and he walked te
the door with her. On the way she hest
tated.
Take care of yourself today. Mr.. Law
erick,' she begged. There are others be-
side myself who are interested in that
sent to them things beside which life and
death are trivial happenings
Iaverick laughed shortly. He was a
matter-of-fact man and there seemed
something little absurd in such warn
ing.
81 do not think" he declared. that you
need have any fear. London Is. as you
doubtless fird it. dull old city. but it is
remarkably safe one to live In"
Nevertheless. Mr.. Laverick." she re-
dav for all our sakee."
He bowed and changed the subject.
Your investments" he remarked. you
will be content, perhaps. to leave as they
are. 1t is, no doubt. Of some interest 10
you to know that they are showing al
ready profit Of considerably over a
thousand hounds
She shrugged her shoulders.
1T was an excuse-that investment.
she declared. "Yet money is always good
Keep it for me, Mr. Laverick. and do
what yOu will. / will trust YOUR judo
ment. Buy OF sell as you please. You
will let nothing prevent your coming this
afternoon
Nothing" he promised her
From tire window Of her beautifully an
pointed little electric hrougham she held
out her hand in farewell.
You think me foolish. I know. that
pe-sist" she said. hut do be~ that you
will remember what I saw. Do not ne
a,ore today more than YOU can heln.
Snspect every one who comes near to YOU
There NAV he tran before YOUR feet at
anv moment. Be wary ALWAYS AID do
not fOrget-at = o'clock I exrect you.''
averick smiled as he howad his adieux
1T is promise, mademoiselle.' he as
sured her.
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