The Washington herald., 1912-07-14

the same time, ! am uneasy
She understood in a moment
"The Clenarvon diamonds p she whis-
pered
1T is Just the sort of affair which
would appeal to the Double Four" hs
said violet, if were not sure that he
had seen me, should leave the hous,
this minute"
"Why?" she asked wonderingly.
Don't you understand that l myself
am still what they call corresponding
member of the Double Four and they
have right to appeal to me for help ir
this country, as have right to ap-
peal to them for help or information
in France? We have both made use oi
one another. to some extent. No doubt
if the Marquis has any scheme in his
mind, he would look upon me as val
liable ally"
She turned slowly pale
Peter" she said, you wouldn',
| dream to be so foolish?"
He shook his head firmly.
What would happen if you refused
to help?" she asked, tremulously.
Il do not know" Peter Ruff an
swered. "The conditions are little Sc
we're But, after all, there are no hard
and fast rules. 1t rests with the marquis
himself to shrug his shoulders and ap-
preciate my position. Perhaps he may
not even exchange word with me.
| Here is Lord Sotherst coming to talk
to you Remember, don't recognize So
grange
Dinner that night was an unusually
cheerful meal. Peter Ruff, who was an
excellent raconteur, told many stories.
The Marquis de Sogrange was perhaps
the nsxt successful in his efforts to en-
tertain his neighbors. Violet found him
upon her left hand, and although he
showed not the slightest signs of having
ever seen her before, they were very
soon excellent friends. After dinner,
Sogrange and Peter Ruff drifted to-
gether on their way to the billiard room.
Sogrange continued TO talk courteously
of trifes until, having decided to watch
the first game, they found themselves
alone on the leather divan surrounding
the room.
This is an unexpected pleasure, my
friend" Sogrange said Professional" ?"
Not in the least" Peter Ruff an
swered. Il have: had the good fortune
to render Lady Mary and Lord Soth-
erst, her BROTH, al different times,
services which they are pleased to
value highly We are here as ordinary
guests-my wife and l."
The marquis smiled.
"Mr. Ruff" he said. what do you
suppose the income from my estate
amounts to-"
Peter Ruff shook his head.
Somewhere about seven millions of
francs" Sogrange declared. There are
few men in Paris more extravagant
than |, but | cannot spend my income.
Do you think that it is for the sake of
gain that l have come across the Chan
mel to add the Clenarvon diamonds to
our coffers?"
Peter Ruff sat very still.
You mean that" he said.
"Of coursew Sogrange answered.
Didn't you realize it directly you saw
me? Don't you understand that it is
the gamblers instinct-the restless de-
sire to be playing pitch-and-toss with
fate, with honor, with life and death. if
you will-that brings such as myself
into the ranks of the Double Four"
Marquis" Peter Ruff answered. the
confidence with which you have honored
me- inspires me to make you one re-
quest am here, indeed. as a friend
of the family. You will not ask me TO
help in any design you may have against
the Clenarvon jewels?"
Sogrange leaned back in his chair and
laughed softly.
@Oh. Peter Ruff" he said, "we will
see l make no promises. Ali that /
insist upon, for the present. is that you
do not leave this house party without
advising me- Come. must play bridge
with the countess"
The following night. being the last
but one before the wedding itself, a
large dinner party had been arranged
for The meal was about half way
through when those who were not too
entirely engrossed in conversation were
startled by hearing a dull, runbling
sound. Peter Ruff and the Marquis de
Sogrange were among the first to spring
to their feet
IFS an explosion somewhere" the
latter cried. Sounds close at hand,
too"
They made their way out into the
hall Exactly opposite was the room
in which the wedding presents had been
placed, and where for days nothing had
been seen but closed door and man
on duty outside. The door now stood
wide open and in place of the single
electric light which was left burning
through the evening, the place seemed
almost aaame
Ruff, Sogrange, and Lord Sotherst
were the first three to cross the thresh-
old. They were met by rush of cold
wind. Opposite TO them. two of the
windows. with their boardings,
been blown away Sergeant Saunders
was still sitting in his usual place at
the end of the table. his head bent upon
his folded arms. The man who had
been on duty outside was standing over
him, white with horror. Far away in
the distance, down the park, one could
family hear the throbbing of an en-
CINE. The room itself-the whole gilt |
tering array of presents-seemed un-
touched. Only the great centerpiece-
the Clenarvon diamonds-had gone
Even as they stood there. the rest of |
the guests crowding into the open door,
John Dory tore through. Peter Ruff's |
calm voice penetrated the din Of
tongues.
Lord Sotherst," he said, you have
telephones to the keepers lodges. There |
is a motor car being driven southward |
at full speed. Telephone down, and |
have your gates secured. Dory, / |
should keep every one out of the room.
Some one must telephone for doctor. |
/ suppose your man has been hurt"
7 IL l.. 4 4