The Washington herald., 1912-06-02

get rid of me- but offered to take
MN IN my motor car. / told the man
to choose some back streets, and while
we were passing through one Of them,
| took Won Hern by the throat We
had a struggle, of course, but I got
the paper
What did you do with Won Hern?'''
she asked.
Il left him on his doorstep" the
young American answered "He wasn't
really hurt, but he was only half con
scious. don't think he'll bother any
one tonight"
you dear, brave mani" abe mur-
INJURED. Paul, what am to say to
you"
He laughed.
That's what I'm here to ask" he de-
elared. you wouldn't give me my an
swer at the ball Perhaps you'll give
it me noW?"
They sprsng apart. Ruff felt his
nerves stiffen-felt himself constrained
to hold even his breath as he Widened
a little the crack in the curtains. This
was no stealtiIy entrance. The door
had been flung open. Won Hem, his
dress in wild disorder, pale aS a ghost,
and with a great blood stain upon his
cheek, stood confronting them.
When you have done with your
lovemaking," he called out, "Pll trou-
bic YOU to restore my propertyP
The electric light cleaned upon a
small revolver which flashed out toward
the young American Paul Jermyn,
never hesitated for a moment. He
seized the chair by his side and flung
it at Won Hern. There was a shot the
crash of the falling chair, a cry from
Jermyn, who never hesitated, however,
in his rush. The two men closed A
second shot went harmlessly to the
ceiling The little lady stole away
stole softly across the room toward the
table. She opened the drawer. Sud
denly the blood in her veins was froZ- /
en- with fear. From nowhere, it seemed
TO her, came a hand which held her
wrists like ironl
Madam" Peter Ruff whispered
from behind the curtain, Il am sorry
to deprive you Of it. but this is stolen
Her screams rang through the room.
Even the two men released one anoth-
er.
at is gonel 1t is goneF" she cried.
Some one was hiding in the rooml
Quiek"
She sprang into the hall The two
men followed her The front door was
slammed. They heard flying footsteps
outside. Won Hern was out first clear
ing the little flight of steps in one
bound. Across the road he saw a fly
ing figure A level stream Of FIRE pour
ed from his hand-twice, three times
Round the corner he tore The man
had kept his word-the brougham was
already moving slowly
lump in, sir" the man cried. Throw
yourself in. Never mind about the
door"
They heard the shouts behind. Peter
Ruff did as he was bid, and sat upon
the floor, raising himself gradually to
the seat when they had turned another
corner. Then he put his head out Of
the window.
Back to the Duchess of Mont
ford'sP he ordered.
The latest of the guests had ceased
10 arrive-a few were already depart
ing. Il was an idle time, however,
with the servants who lOitered IN the
vestibules Of the Montford House, and
they looked with curiosity upon this
strange guest who arrived at FIVE min
uteS TO two, limping a little and hold
ing his left arm in his right hand One
footman on the threshold nearly ad-
dressed him, but the words were taken
out Of his mouth when he saw Lady
Mary and her brother-the Honorable
Maurice .Sotherst-hasten forward to
greet him.
Peter Ruff smiled upon them benign
.y
You can take the paper out of my
breast coat pocket" he said
The Young mans fingers gripped it.
Lady AIary's thankfulness.
the sudden fear came shiver-
ing.
you are hurtT she whispered.
There is blood on your sleeve"
:JuSt a Craze" Peter Ruff answered.
Won Hern wasn't much good az a run
ming target Back to the ballroom,
Young man." he added Don't you
Zee who's eoming?"
The prime minister came up the
ented way into Montford House. He.
90, wondered little at the man whom
le met on his way out, holding his left
lrm, and looking more as though he
rad emerged from a street fight than
rom the Duchess of Montford's ball
Peter Ruff went home smiling.
Copyright 1914 By The AsodIted LitsrIry PTsAJ
Title Of next Sundays adventureI
The IndiscretIOn OF Lefty shaw"