The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1912-11-11

come out, so y will, and you'll be I'D up
for bigsmy, ike as not7''
Nonsense. As soon as the young
lady RECEIVERS she will join her friends,
Peter shook his head increduiousiy.
"Well, my lord, let's 'ope SO. But
what answer am l to send to this tele-
gram? You can't leave the castle now
1T would certainly be inconvenient,"
agreed his master.
''If you did. you'd be followed. my
lord"
What do you mean? The police can't
be such fools as all that"
:" Tisn't the police, my lord; It's those
men from the newspapers. The castle
Is full of them: they're nosing about
heverywhere; there's not one of us as
hasn't been pestered with the fellows.
It's what you are like. what are you
doing. what have you done. and lot
more foolish questions hever since we
wen pay you WE'LL they say. OF
course, I've not opened my mouth to
them, but they're that persistent they'll
follow you to the end of the earth II
you leave the castle Unexpectedly"
This was complication that had not
ought to have foreseen II. what was to
be done? He couldn't abandon the girl.
Suddenly Stuart Smiths stern face
and incorporating upper lip rose
wildly before him. Even II he wished
to do so. the doctor would never allow
him to ignore his supposed wife.
II he did not answer his summons In
person, Smith would certainly put tho
worst Interpretation on his absence.
He would argue that only brute
would neglect wife who was lying
seriously Ill. and the fact that the girl
mad been logged would also be remem-
Dered against him. DIR. Smith was
capable OF taking drastic measures to
force him into performing what he con-
sidered the latter's obvious duty.
Cyril did not know what to do. He
had only choice OF evils. II he went
ne would surely be followed. and the
girls existence and hiding place dis
covered. That would be fatal not ONLY
to him, but to her, for she had feared
ae,eSuon above all things: why. he
cven cared; but he had promised to
protect her, and he meant to do 40,
On the other hand IL he did not 70.
ne ran the risk of the doctors pub
rsnins the girls whereabouts Stiil. It
was oy no means certain he would do
SO ana II he wrote Smith a diplomatic
ietter ne might succeed in persuadIng
MIN that 1t was best for the girl IL he
stayed away day longer
res: that was the thing to do. Has
tily throwing on a dressing gown. he
sat down at the desk. 1t was a dificult
letter to write. and he destroyed many
sheets before he was finally satisfied.
lbs mhls was the result OF his efforts:
Dear DR.. Stuart Smith:
am Infinitely relieved that your pa
tient Is better. AS you addressed your
wire here, l gather that you know OF
the tragic occurrence which has kept
me from your side. II is impossible for
me to leave before the funeral without
explaining my mission. and this am
loath to do. as | am more than ever
anxious to keep her malady a secret.
DR.. Monet has always believed in the
possibility Of cure. and as long as
there is a chance OF that. am sure you
VIII agree with me that ought to
make every sacrifice to protect her
from gossip, II she did recover, and
her illness became known. II would
greatly handicap her In her new life
Having to stay away from her would be
even more distressing to me than Il Is
II / could fatter myself that my pres
ence would have good effect upon
her. am sure. however. that such
would not be the case.
Il shall return to London late tomor-
row afternoon. and will telephone you
Immediately upon my arrival
II am sending this by a trustworthy
servant who will bring me your answer.
think Of your patients condition mental
ly. as well as physically. I am sure she
could not be In better hands"
Then Cyril hesitated What should he
sign himself? Thompkins? No. he wish
ed to inspire CONFERENCE.-The own name
would be better. So he wrote will
mersley."
1t was the first time he had used his
new signature. and he heartily wished
It had not been appended to such u
document.
Now. Peter" he said. you must take
the next train to London and carry this
to DR.. Stuart Smith. II he Is not at the
nursing home. telephone to his house
and find out where he Is. The letter
must be delivered as soon as possible.
and you are to wait for a reply. II the
doctor asks you any questions, answer
as briefly 8 possible. In order to avoid
comment, you had better let II be known
that you are going up to town to do
some shopping or me. Buy something
anything-1 want you also to call at the
lodgings. and tell them we shall return
tomorrow. II you are followed. which
can't believe you will be, this will allay
suspicion. Take a taxi. and get back as
soon as possible. Don't drive directly to
the home. You NAV mention to the doc