Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1913-08-14
CHAPTER XIX.
The Danger Moment.

Va q Qdy oW6GLWdtGI dChHOWl-
edged himself to be mentally crush
ed, disillusioned and defeated. Then
his spirits regained their poise.
His opinion was not changed in re-
gard to his neighbours secret guilt.
But he saw, very plainly by this
time, that he would have to employ
more subtle methods yet ere his hand
would touch the goal which so tantai-
izingly eluded him.
His work at the bench suffered that
week; he made two mistakes But by
Saturday night he had satisfied him.
self that he had reached the point
where he would be justified in making
use of Miss Challoner's letters. So
he telephoned his wishes to New
York, and awaited the promised de-
velopments with an anxiety we can
only understand by realizing how
much greater were his chances of fail
ure than of success. To ensure the
latter, every factor in his scheme must
work to perfection. The medium Of
communication "a young, untried gfrD
must do her part with all the skill of
artist and author combined. Would
she disappoint them? He did not think
so. Women possess a marvellous
adaptability for this kind of work
and this one was French, which made
the case still more hopeful
But Brotherson! In what spirit
would he meet the proposed adj
Vances? Would he even admit the
girl, and, If he did, would the inter-
view bear any such fruit as Sweet
water hoped for? The man who could
mock the terrors of the night by a
careless repetition of a strain instinct
with the most sacred memories, was
not to be depended upon to show
much feeling at sight of a departed
woman's writing
But no other hope remained, and
heroic determination.
The day was Sunday, which en-
sured Brotherson's being at home.
Nothing would have lured Sweetwa-
ter out for moment, though he had
no reason to expect that the affair
he was anticipating would come of
till early evening.
But it did. Late in the afternoon
he heard the expected steps go by his
door-a woman's steps But they
were not alone. A mans accompanied
them. What man? Sweetwater
fastened to satisfy himself on this
point by laying his ear to the parti-
ton.
Instantly the whole conversation
became audible.
IAN errand? Oh, yees, I have an
errand" explained the evidently un-
welcome intruder. in her broken Eng
llsh. This is my brother Pierre. My
name is Celeste; Celeste Ledru. l
understand English YER well. / have
worked much in families. But he I'M
derstands nothing. He Is all French.
He accompanies me for-for the
what you call 1t? les convenances
He knows nothing of the beesiness"
Sweetwater In the darkness of his
closet laughed In his gleeful apprecia-
ton.
Great" was his comment. Just
great She has thought of everything
or Mr.. Gryce has"
Meanwhile, the girl was proceed
ing with increased yolubility.
What is this beesiness, monsieur?
have something to sell-so you
Americans speak Something you will
want much-ver sacred. yer precious
A souvenir from the tomb, monsieur.
Will you give ten-no, that is too
leetle-fifteen dollars for it? 1t is
worth-Oh. more, much more to the
true lover Pierre, tn es bette. Teins-
tn droit sur ia chaise. M Brotherson
est I'm monsieur CONNIE IL faut"
This adjuration, uttered In sharp
reDrimand and with but little of the
French grace, may or may not have
been understood by the unsympathetic
man they were meant to impress. But
the name which accompanied them
his own name, never heard but once
before in this house, undoubtedly
caused the silence which almost
reached the point OF embarrassment.
before he broke it with the harsh re-
mark:
Your French may be good, but 1t
does not go with me. Yet is It more
Ineligible than your English What
do you want here? What have you in
that bag you wish to open; and what
do you mean by the sentimental trash
with which you offer it?"
"Ah, monsieur has not memory Of
me" came in the sweetest tones of a
really seductive voice. You astonish
Eoa, monsieur thought you knew