The Mena weekly star., 1913-05-01
"Whose?" shot the major

easy; there's no likeness between that ana the original one I wear now"
 You never told me "ba. gan Mrs. Chedsoye.
 There was never any need till now Hisht years ago. Certain powers that oe worked toward my escape. But was never to return. You will recol. feet that l have always remained tbis slde. Enough. What I did does not matter. l will say this much: mv crime was in being found out One venture into New York and out to sea agaln; they will not have a chance ooubt II any could recall the circum- stances of my meteoric career Won VIII observe that am keyed for any tnlng. Let us get to work. It doesn't matter, anyhow"
 You did not " Mrs cbad. soye hesitated.
 Blood? reading her thought "No Gioconda; my hands are guiltIess at least they were till his Bagdad affair: ana am not sure there. I was A trusted clerk; l gambled; I took money that did not belong to me. And here am, room number 20S."
 It doesn't matter Come. Kate. don't stare at Hoddy as if he were a new species" The major smoothed the ends of his moustache. This con- fession will be good for his soul"
 Yes, Gioconda; I feel easier now. am heart and soul in this affair. I need excitement, too. Lord. yes. When l went to Bagdad, I had no idea that l should ever lay eyes upon that rug. But I did. And there's the emeralds, too, major"
 The major rubbed his hands pleas- urably. Yes, yes; the emeralds. had not forgotten them. One hundred lovely green stones, worth not a penny under thirty thousand. A fine collec- tion. But another idea has taken DOS session of this teeming brain of mine. Have you noticed how this fellow Jones hovers about Fortune? He's worth million, if he's worth a cent. l am sure, in pure gratitude. she would see to 1t that her loved ones were well taken care of in their old age"
 "I am going to marry Fortune my self" said Ryanne blandly.
 "You?" The major was nonplussed.
 Wallace shuffled his feet uneasily. This blond companion of his was al. ways showing kinks in lis nature, kinks that rarely ever strengthened out.
 Yes. And why not? What is she to either you or her mother? Noth- ing. Affection you have never given her, being unable. It surprises you; but, nevertheless, love her, and I am going to marry her" ~ "Really?" said Mrs. Chedsoye.
 Even SO"
 You are a fool Horace" with ris- ing fury. So then, the child had not jibed her in a moment of pique?
 "Men in love generally are fools. I've never spoken before, because you never absolutely needed me till now. There's my cards. pat"
 Mrs Chedsoyes fury deepened, but not visibly. You are welcome to her, if she will have you"
 Yes, supplemented the major; If she will have you, my friend, take her, and our benedictions."
 Ryanne's shoulders stirred sugges. lively.
 "Of course, l expect to have tho final word to say on the subject. She is my daughter" said Mrs. Chedsoye.
 "A trifing accident, my dear Gio- conda," smiled Ryanne! merely that"
 Just a little oil, just little oil," the major pleaded anxiously. Dash it all, this Is no time fir row of this silly order But it's always the way" irritably. "A big enterprise, demand lrg single purpose, and a trile like this to upset 1t all"
 q am ready for business at any mo ment"
 And you, Kate?"
 Wen say no more about 1t till the affair is over. After that Q"
 Those who live will see. eh?" Ryanne rolled q cigarette.
 ITO business, then. In the first place. MT Jones must not reach the Ludwig"
 He will not" Ryanne spoke with quiet assurance.
 He will not even see that boat, added Wallace, glad to hear the sound of his voice again.
 Good But, mind, no rough work
 Leave it all to me" said Ryanne. "The United Romance and Adventure Company will give him an adventure on approval, as it were"
 ITO you, then. The report from New York reads encouragingly. Our friends there are busy. They are merely waiting for us From now on Percival Algernon must receive no more mail, telegrams or cables"
 "Tll take care of that also" Ryanne looked at Mrs. Chedsoye musingly.
 His real estate agent will wire him. possibly tomorrow"
 Tn that event, he will receive a cable signifying that the transaction is perfectly correct"
 "He may also inquire as to what to do with the valuables in the wall safe.'
 .He will be instructed to touch nothing, as the people who will occupy the house are old friends Ryanne smoked calmly.
 "Wallace, you will return to New York at once.
 q thought I was wanted here?
 "No longer"