Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-20
CHAPTER XIV.
I Am Forced Into Being a Hero


to make inquiries concerning Bangs the
lawyer, there came to my ears the sound of
tapping on the back of Red Ludwig's por-
trait
l rushed over and raped resoundngly
upon Ludwig's pudgy knee The next in
slant there was click, and then the secret
door swung open, revealing the eager, con-
cerned face of my neighbor.
What has happened?' she cried.
/ held up my swollen hand rather proudly.
1t smelled Wiley of arnica. Il had the ex-
quisite pleasure pain-of knocking
your former husband down"
ooh, splendid" she cried, her eyes gleam-
ing with excitement. "Mr. Bangs was rather
hay about it, and he would not let me risk
telephoning. | think it is the first time it
has ever happened to Maris. | am glad you
did it, Mr.. Smart. Now, tell me everything
that happened, she said, seating herself in
my big armchair.
When l came to that part of the story
where l accused Tarnowsy of duplicity in
connection with the frescos she betrayed in
tense excitement.
"Count Hohendahl sold the originals over
three years ago. she said II was here with
Maris at the time of the transaction and
when the paintings were removed. Maris
acted as intermediary in the deal. Hohen-
dahl received two hundred thousand dollars
for the paintings; but they were worth it.
| have reason to believe that Maris had
fourth of the amount for his commission.
So, you see, you were right in your surmise."
"The internal rascal! Where are the origi-
mails, Countess?'
"They are in my fathers villa at New
port she said. Il intended speaking of this
to you before: but | was afraid your pride
would be hurt
| could see that the dark associations filled
her mind, and abruptly finished my tale
without further reference to the paintings.
"He will challenge you, she said nervous
ly. Il am SO sorry to have placed you in this
dreadful position, Mr.. Smart! | shall never
forgive myself for"
l hesitated. would you be vitality in
tereSted in the outcome of such an AFFAIR."" l
asked. My voice was strangely husky.
"Oh, how can you ask?'
g mean, on RoSemarvS account, | SIAM
mered "He-he is her father, you see. 1t
would mean"
Il was not thinking of the danger to him,
Mr.. Smart" she said simply.
"But can't you see how dreadful it would
be if | were to kill Rosemary's father?" /
cried, completely forgetting myself. Cant
you see?'
A flush slowly mounted to her brow "That
is precisely what l was thinking, Mr.. Smart.
1t would be-unspeakablv dreadful
stood over her. My heart was pounding
heavily. She must have seen the peril that
lay in my eyes; for she suddenly slipped out
of the chair and faced me, the flush dying in
her cheek, leaving it as pale as ivory.
"You must not say anything more, Mr..
Smart" she said gently.
A bitter smile came to my lips, and drew
back with sickening sense of realization.
There was nothing more to be said But
now thoroughly understood one thing: /
was in love with her!
7 AM something of philosopher, and quite
before l knew it was myself again,-a
steady, self-reliant person who could take
his medicine like man. Luckily, the medi-
cine was not so bitter as it might have been
if had made vulgar, imprisoned display
of my emotions. Thank Heaven l had that
to be thankful for!
She was speaking of the buttonless lawyer,
Bangs. "He is waiting to see youxhis even
ing, Mr. Smart to discuss ways and means
of getting nv mother and brothers into the
castle without discovery by the spies who
are undoubtedly watching their every move"
7 drew II, another 1Ono deem breath off