Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-12-10
A Story Of Love, Adventure
and Mystery By REX BEACH

to you that I'm not dangerous" When
the light flared up once more NorVin
selected a card from the case and hand
ed it to the Waterman. I'm Norvin
Blake, president of the cotton exchange"
But this information failed Of the de-
sired effect
ooh, / know you but this amt ex-
actly the right time to be calling on
lady" -.
vittoria felt her companions muscles
stiffen.
~ will explain my presence later"
he said, stiffiy; then, turning to Vittoria,
Il am sorry 1 disturbed this estimehle
man. Good night"
Just minute" the Waterman broke
in. You needn't say good night"
What do you mean?"
This house is quarantined for small
pox."
Nobody can come or go without the
Doctors permission"
II understand that"
Now that you're here 1 reckon you'll
stay"
Miss Fabrizi uttered a smothered ex-'
clamation.
You're crazyl" said Blake, angrily.
Yes? Well. that's my instructions"
81 haven't been inside"
That don't make any difference; the
lady has"
ITS absurd. You can't force
"Sh-hi" breathed Vittoria.
Some one had entered the kitchen at
their back A light flashed through the
window, the door opened and Mr., La
Branche, clad in a rusty satin dressing
gown and carpet slippers, stood reveal
ed, lamp in his hand.
81 thought 1 heard voices" he said.
What is the troubleg
There's no trouble at all, sir" Blake
protested, and found himself absurdly
embarrassed.
Vittoria and the guard both began to
speak at once, and at length she broke
into laughter, saying:
Poor Mr. Blake I fear he has been
exposed to contagion. 1t was necessary
for him to talk with me on matter Of
Importance, and now this man tells him
he cannot leave"
But from Papa La Branches express
sion It was evident that he saw nothing
humorous in the situation.
ITO talk with you! At this hour!"
I'm working for the board Of health
and those are my orders" declared out
ragged authority
at was imperative that I see Miss
Fabrizi, the blame for this complication
is entirely mine," Norvin assured the
OEcOAc-
The representative of the board of
health inquired loudly, Didn't the doc
tors tell you that nobody could come or
go. Mr.. La Branche?"
They did"
But, my dear man, this is no ordin-
airy case. Now that I have explained
shall go, first apologizing to Mr.. La
Branche for disturbing him."
mo, you won't"
The master of the house stepped aside
holding his light on high:
Miss Fabrizi is my guest" he said
quietly, $50 no explanations are neces-
sary. This man is but doing his duty
and therefore, Mr.. Blake, fear shall
have to offer you the poor hospitality
of my roof until the law permits you to
leave" kt. .-.-
Impossible sir, r., s,o~
81. regret that we have never met be-
fore, but you are welcome, and shall
do my best to make you comfortable.
He waved his hand commandingly to-
wards the open door.
THANK you, but I can't accept, real
ly.' ,- .rl,
81 fear you have no choice"
But the idea is ridiculous, prepos-
terousi I'm a busy man. can't shut
myself up this way for a week or more.
Besides. I couldn't allow myself to be
forced upon strangers in this manner"
eff you are a good citizen, you viii
respect the law" said La Branche,
coldly. t,.es.
Bother the law! 1 have obligations.
why--the very idea is absurd. I'll see
the health officers and explain at once
CONTINUED in Next Issue.)