Evening star., 1912-11-24
CHAPTER XXXIII.
"Her Promise True -

mezzanine chamber, Hester Storm. with.
a Sigh Of relief, had sat down to the tray
OF food that Betty had left for her. At
any rate, the worst was over She had
confessed her sin and had renounced all
interest In the stolen money except to
give it back. Miss Thompson would in
tercede for her with the bishop, and he,
having the funds once more, would see
that the police investigation was drop
ped. So she need not worry about
Grimes. He would be taken off the case
within twenty-four hours, and What
was that?
Above the tumult of the storm she had
heard distinctly the click of latch, and,
glancing up from her place. Hester fixed
her eyes on the green door at the other
end OF the room, and, presently, she saw
this open slowly and noiselessly, as she
had seen it open once before. \ moment
later Anton entered, his eyes cruel, his
face set with wicked determination.
The chauffeur closed the door behind
him and locked 1t. Then, without a word,
ne went to the other door that opened on
the library stairs. and, putting this an
inch or two ajar, he stood listening. Hes
Ter listened alSo and could hear Bob
Baxter speaking tenderly to Betty
Spooning" nodded the intruder. Good
business! He'll hold her for a while,
but he turned the key in the lock,
I'll make sure just the same.
Hester started to her feet
why do you lock that door?' Her
bent shoulders and staring eyes betrayed
her sudden terror
You'll find out he whispered, hoarsely.
She covered away as the man strobe
toward her.
Worked your little game all right this
morning. eh. KIDD he sneered Got the
cablegram out of my pocket?''
She half shut her eyes, watching him
keenly.
Yes. I got it,"
.'Whatd'ye do with it?'' he demanded.
She tossed her head with a flash of i'm
pudence.
That's my business. See here, you
keep your hands off me Or
'Or what?'
With scowl Of anger he caught her
IN his powerful arms and held her help
less. Little fool, I had you this morn
lng-in the library and I-let you 60"
HIS voice was thick with passion. "But
that!
He turned to the window as the shrek
ing tempest made the whole house
tremble.
Like a desperate. hunted thing. Hester
drew back stealthily. 1t was in her mind
to make dash for one of the doors and
escape before Anton could seize her gain.
He had left the keys in the locks, and
the room was almost dark, but
The chauffeur turned as if anticipating
her thoughts.
Come here he ordered, and slowly
she obeyed why should 1 keep my
hands off your
She stood white faced before him,
searching vainly for some way of escape
You're a crook-wanted by the police.
There's a man in this house from Scot
land Yard. Did you know that?'
Yes, l know it,
Anton caught her by the wrist and
drew her to him roughly
You're hurting me- she cried
He'll hurt you more than that, if he
gets you-he'll hurt you with irons
The chauffeur leaned closer, leering hor-
strength was going out of her body
Let me Co." she painted.
Ha! Let You go!'
Again he caught her in his arms and
pressed her fiercely against him. She
felt his hot breath She saw the veins
swelling in his red neck. She struggled
and turned her head from side to side.
but he buried his face in her neck, in
her hair. with little snorts and cries like
an animal. then he kissed her furiously
on the cheeks. on the forehead and at
last full and long on the mouth.
''Ha! Let You go!' he breathed. with
smothered violence. "I'n let you go
when-stop that!' he cried. You will.
You'll bite me?''
With twinge Of pain he drew back
for second. but instantly rushed after
her as she sprang away.
And now, in her extreme and imminent
peril. Hester took the last chance that
remained. Before the madman could get
his hands on her again, she screamed
with all the power of her lungs then
screamed again.
Anton stood still. his eyes filled with
sudden fear, his nostrils dilated. That
wild cry had stirred the coward within
the beast. And while he waited, stunned
and stupid, Hester's quick wits took con-
troll Of the situation.
Listen! / hear a STEP" she warned
him. but. in her sinking heart. she knew
that there was no step. No one had
heard her. The shrieking of the storm
had covered everything. She was as help
less as before.
And while Anton listened in alarm. not
yet realizing his advantage, the Storm
next move In the desperate game she was
playing In moment he would see that
there was no danger-no one was coming.
no one would come And then. in gloat-
ing reaction. he would come back to his
internal purpose. and-God! she must turn
him from that before the beast was
reused again.
Anton she said, with swift decision.
"1-l did take the money out of the
purse"
He stared at her doubtfully.
You did,"
"Yes-I-I hid it,"
"Where?"
In the conservatory. Don't look at me
like that. I'm not lying. You've played
me to standstill and-I quit"
You mean you'll give me my share Of
the money!"
YES"
Five thousand pounds? 1 get half of
it,"
Yes
Anton moistened his red lips with the
tip Of his tongue He ran his fingers
back through his thick hair. This was a
new problem.
You little devil.' he said. almost ad-
miringly Then. with suspicion. You
say you hid this money in the conserya-
tory. Where in the conservatory?
Where? And no more funny business
1 won't stand for it, he threatened, as
he saw her hesitate.
IF l tell you where. it is will you let
me get it?' she asked
Let you get it? And then get awav
with it? | should say not I'll get it
myself
She shook her head stubbornly
NO. Well get ii together You can
stand over me, you can watch every
move I make, but / take the bills out
and divide 'em. Don't make any mistake
about that
He frowned at this ultimatum. but she