The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1912-04-12
CHAPTER xi.-(continued.)

And ye have to propose!
"A plan after your own heart; do
your courage the credit to believe H.
monsieur. With another man, whom
had studied less exhaustlvey.
should propose combination OF
forces. a division OF profits" O'Rourke
made an impatient gesture. But with
you. Colonel O'Rourke, no. ! esteem
your address and determination too
highly and-pardon me II speak
plainly despise and hate you TOO
utterly to become willingly your part
uer."
Go on--I begin TO like ye better.
Ye grow iurrestingI. -''e'.--
.That does not ~, st me. d.
The situation. then. bfmplified. Es-
sentially 1t involves two propositions:
first. we cannot combine; second. d.
yided we both fail. While both OF us
live. mon colonel. the Pool OF Flame
will never earn its value"
-'Tis meself takes exception to
that. Let me once get me hands on
the stone. monsieur. and I'll back me-
self against a dozen vicomtes-and
honorables."
while live" the Frenchman stat
ed, unruffied: you will not touch the
Pool of Flame: while you live, ! can.
not dispose OF II to the best ad-
vantage. 1t would seem that one or
the other OF us must die"
Il am armed" remarked ORourke
slowly. IF ye mean we've brought me
here to murder me"
Monsieur eaks-pardon-crude-
ly. | asked you, you came of your
own will-to fight for the Pool OF
Flame" ORourke started: a CLINT OF
understanding danced in his eager
eyes. Il see you catch my meaning
What ] have to propose Is this: you
will take pen and paper and write
the name Of the person who offers the
reward. with his address. This you
will enclose In an envelope. seal, and
place In your pocket. The Pool OF
F1ame-you see trust you--is here"
O'Rourke got upon his feet with an
exclamation; the vicomte was play
ing a bold hand. Before the Irishman
had grasped his Intention be had
thrown upon the ia BILE ruby as large.
or larger. than an egg; an exquisite
Jewel, superbly cut and polished.
Fascinated. o'Rourke remembered
himself and sat down
You see," The vicomte's cold In.
cisive tones cut the silence. Slowly
he extended a hand and took up the
great ruby. replacing II in his pocket.
There is" he said evenly. a level
stretch OF grass beyond the veranda.
The night. ! admit, is dark. but the
light from these long windows should
be sufficient for US. II you slay me.
take the ruby and go In peace: this
sot"-with a contcmptuous glance at
the unconscious honorable-"will new.
er hinder you. II you die, take the
note from your pocket The issue Is
fair VIII you fight. Irishman3"
ORourke's fist crashed upon the
fable as he rose. Fight" he cried.
r'ta. I did not think ye had this In
fistols. shall II her"
Sbank you." said the vicomte. with
Irtly bow, but ] am an indlfrer.
mot Had you chosen rapiers at
Ie Carlo one OF us would never
left the field alive"
Ae went TO side table. returning
nth a sheet Of paper. an envelope.
pen and ink. And when O'Rourke had
Slipped the paper into his pocket ne
Saw the vicomte waiting for him by
Z one OF the windows. two naked ra-
piers. slender and cleaning and long.
\ Nth his arm. AS the Irishman
up. with bow. the Frenchman
Ned the hits OF both weapons
\ choice.
Ether and In silence they left
/ning room strobe across the YER