The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1913-05-24

u cuDIOcC Sos 4 duIiitttu EtfutlAIl~
ly. though | hardly relish our rush
Ing off to the ends Of the earth in this
way"
st. Hilary had given me a letter of
Introduction to the director of the Inn
perial library. Heaven knows where
he had met him. but he seemed to
know half the celebrities in Europe.
presented ii in person. The director
himself made inquiries for the pre-
cious volume. He returned i'm half an
hour with apologies. The book WAS
In use. Tomorrow no doubt 1t would
be at my disposal.
The mere fact that the volume was
in $ made me uneasy. Automaton
clocks are not a particularly popular
subject. At nee ! thought of the
duke. Was it possible that already he
had seen the book st. Hilary had just
been speaking to me about? Tb :
seemed unlikely. But the next mv
ing when | was crossing the DwGr-
zowy bridge. once more on my way to
the library. | met him face TO face.
1t is difficult to say who was the
surprised. Though my curiosity
was unbounded to know IL he were
the person who had been studying up
automaton clocks yesterday. | should
have passed without speaking. But he
advanced to me with open palm and
greeted me with unnecessary cordiali-
ty in French.
And what brings Mr.. Hume to st.
Petersburg?'
murmured something about studies
in the Imperial library.
At that he looked even more star
tied than when he first saw me.
Il. too. have been in the Imperial IL
brary!' he cried. Il have been read
ing a rare book there-one of the rarest
in the world"
Indeed. The book | wish TO consult
is also one of the rarest in the world"
At this bold challenge-it was moth
ing less-he started perceptibly. 1t
was impossible to doubt further. But
in an instant the mask had fallen over
his face. He bowed with mock respect.
"Ah. Mr.. Hume is a scholar:' he
asked m~ockingly. For me, find the
streets-its life and pleasures and peo-
ples-more instructive than any books.
especially here in this strange frozen
north. Is there not an English poet
who has said that the proper study of
mankind is man? If he had said wom-
an he would have spoken the absolute
truth. Yes, a beautiful woman is the
apotheosis of fascination and interest
for the man of fashion and heart.
Leave the dull books for the priests
and the dotards, my friend"
had nothing t4say to this essential
~ Italian summing up of the interests
of life. We walked on Il few steps in
silence. We had crossed the bridge
now. He took my arm.
'Yes. yes" he continued, woman is
the proper study of mankind. But
when one meets Il woman as lovely as
tile exquisite Miss Quintard-ah, know
ing her, one knows all there IS for one
in life, Is it not so:'' and lie pinched
my arm Familiarity.
| withdrew my arm angrily. | re-
scented his tone and his reference to
Jacqueline. But said nothing, only
walked faster toward the library.
Il have met many beautiful women
in my life. but now | know there are
no more worth seeing"
We reached the Imperial library.
The clock ON a neighboring tower was
striking 10 when the doors of the Ii
brary opened and the director came
out. | raised my hat. He returned my
greeting c%ourteously and informed me
that the book was at last at my dis
posal. Unfortunately he mentioned it
by name.
And what interest has Mr.. Hume in
automaton clocks?' demanded the
duke when the director had turned his
back.
bowed and went swiftly up the
steps. He called me-.
"By the way, Mrs. Gordon tells me.
Mr.. Hume. that she has ~intrusted the
old clock to you"
THAT is quite true"
lie looked at me keenly.
An. tuct, NOW L uuutISldHu tVui III
terest in automaton clocks. Your in
terest awakens mine. | myself am
anxious TO see the clock again. When
will you be in Nenice?'
I'm a month or two / answered
airily.
"a month or two. my dear friendI"
he expostulated. Il must see my clock
before that. | am thinking of having
it repaired for Mrs. Gordon
He emphasized the my.
Il have thought of the same thing"
| said evasively.
but. Mr.. Hume. | beg You TO un-
derstand that it is with Airs. Gordon's
permission that | do so. Have you
asked it,"
"Not yet" | replied eoolly. going up
a couple of steps.
His face darkened.