The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1912-06-03

this uniform"
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine. then dropped idemurely.
Il rather like the colors you are
wearing n>w, and arm sure this dress
is most becoming. III have a pas
sion for masquerade"
Il recognize that, but have already
discovered where I can read the truth
beyond the masque-what Is occurring
now?"
She turned to look, attracted as T
had been by the change and bustle
about us. A few feet from where we
stood conversing. large folding doors,
previously concealed by draperies.
were suddenly flung wide open, re-
vealing a magnificent dining hall,
Daz2led by the magnificent spectacle,
/ turned to my companion, unable to
resist temptation. She must have in.
stantly read the purpose In my face.
for she grasped my sleeve.
mo; you must not think of remain
ing moment lorSer. There will be
seat reserved for me, and Captain
Grant is coming this way now. Some
thing is wrong, am sure: l have no
time to explain, but promise me you
will leave here at once-at once"
Her eyes. her words, were 80 In.
sistent | could not refuse, although as
| glanced about felt convinced
there was no danger In this assem-
blage, not familiar face meeting
mine. At the instant Grant came up,
elbowing his way through the press.
and staring insolently into my eyes.
even as he bowed politely to the lady
beside me.
AT least this Is my privilege" he
insisted, unless there be another pre-
vious engagement Of which am igno-
rant" A-
ooh, no." and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve. smiling from his
face into mine. Eve were waiting for
you to come. Goodnight. Lieutenant
Fortesque.'
They had taken step or two, when
Grant halted holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where l stood.
SWould Lieutenant Fortesque spare
me moment after | have found the
lady seat?" he questioned politely
GLADLY, IL you do not keep me
waiting too long"
Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor below"
moved. conscious Of the mute ap-
peal in the lady's face, yet with no
excuse for refusal.
las well there as anywhere, sir"
Once again we bowed with all the
punctilious ceremony Of mutual dis
like, and he whispered something into
her ear as they disappeared in the
stream OF people. My cheeks burned
with indignation at his cool insolence.
What could 1t mean? Was he merely
seeking quarrel? or was there some
thing else concealed behind this re-
quest? In either case knew not how
to act. and yet felt no inclination to
avoid the meeting. Studying over the
situation | pushed my way through
the crowd across the floor of the BALI
room. There We're a few people still
lingering on the stairs. but, except for
the servants. the parlors below were
deserted. walked the length Of one
OF the great rooms, and halted in
front OF fireplace to await Grant's
coming. | was eager to have this af-
fair settled, and be off. l compre-
hended now the risk had assumed
by remaining so long. and began to
feel the cords OF ENHANCEMENT draw
ing about me. There was a door OPP
posite where | stood. and, staring
toward It. saw 1t open slightly, and,
back In the darkness, the beckoning
Of hand. Startled. yet realizing that
it must mean me, / stepped closer.
gripping the hilt OF my sword, half
suspecting treachery.
Quick" and recognized the deep
contralto of the voice. Don't stop to
question; there Ia not moment to
lose"