Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-18
The Most Exciting Serial
of the Year.
SERIALIzED
By J. w. McCONAUGHY
Copyright. 1913. by Star Coz
TO-DAY'S INSTALLMENT.


lifeline means a moment when you
stood elbow to-elbow with death" de-
clared the girl solemnly And yet
see those little squares Of protection
around each break Senior American"
| she looked up ~ him soberly, There is
one break that you have not yet reached
| and the protecting square is not per
feet like the others"
Warren burst into his silent laugh.
Il reckon that square will do when
the time comes"
But the time is now. senori" ex-
claimed the girl. her lips less than a
foot from his ear.
He drew back a little and eyed her
through narrowed lids.
Danger Near.
She bore the keen scrutiny without a
hutter. but her great round eyes and
quick breathing told Of some sure emo
ton.
Are your eyes so sharp that you
can tell the day and hour" ne asked
slowly.
Not my eyes, Senior American" She
looked fun at him with unmistakable
meaning. But my ears" She caught
the sound Of footsteps in the passage
Duke entered.
In all my experience I have seen but
one hand like yours, and that hand be
longs to Don Robledo."
"Well, Mr. Warren. looking into the
future" inquired the Duke
Pardon. senior" Dolores swiftly
withdrew and Warren called after her
cheerfully:
Good bye. senorita, and many thanks
for your occult wisdom. I'll take good
care Of that square. Yes, Duke" he
added with a bautering smile. and the
immediate tutWe promises to he very
interesting = dark man is to cross my
path"
'IDo you believe in such foolery?"
II like ton this occasion. For
nope it means some one / very much
want to meet"
If the Duke guessed who this some
one might be he gave No sign. He
| twirled his mustache and studied the
door. evidently in much perplexity, a
situation that seemed TO amuse the
young man immeasurshly.
by the way" he went on. us that
| specter a blond or a brunette?"
The exalted kinsman made an impa
tient gesture, as # in no mood for rail-
lery. and with every appearance of grave
concern said;
Mr. Warren, since the Prince is no
more, I feel a certain responsibility for
Her Highness' actions; and the prospect
of your destruction tonight on her ac-
count is most uncomfortable"
The young man looked equally grave.
You think | won't come back2"
The Duke looked at him with the air
Of man who is frankly doing his
duty.
~ think II you 90 into that castle to
night you take your life In your hands, &"
he declared
The old whimsical smile returned to
| Warren's lips.
I've got a good grip"
The Duke looked for moment as II
he would retire-that having done his
duty there was nothing for him to say
Then, as II a sudden thought had struck
him:
Look here! You Americans are
shrewd traders You get a dollar for q
dollar when you bargain. You are not
giving away your life for nothing Now
what is the price?'
Not very much" Warren assured
him easily The deal was made on a
bargain day. My life happened to be a
little below par. you see. and l couldn't
kick much over the terms"
The exalted cousin seemed relieved.
I ~
were, l will assume the responsibility OF
settling with you and at the same time
release you from your unfair and out
rageous bargain"
Jarvis bowed
Your EXcellency l am overwhelmed
by your anxiety, 1t touches not only
the heart but the pockethook. But" he
added regretfully. the price is paid and
am on the job"
Il suppose that means you are going
through with it2'
Yes"
The Duke shrugged his shoulders
We'll. ! never saw a man 80 anxious
10 be killed. But, as your English poet
SAYS. Fools rush in where angels fear
to tread
B I
with soft tongued irony. yet. an ener
getic fool may be OF more use than ar
angel with cold feet"
wen. am sorry for you" concluded
the Duke,
} Jarvis walked up to him. for the first
time in their acquaintance dead Sc
| rious
'Nour EKcelleney," ne said crlsply, 81
decline your offer and your advice anc
your sympathy-and IN tell you why.
saw gambler lay down four aces once
because, as he said, The play amt nat
ural.' You tried to have me arrested on
the steamer-you have tried TO block
me in every move I have made. Now
suddenly-you are deeply concerned lest
something should happen 10 precious 1T
tie me In that castle. You advise me to
stay out. You even offer 10 buy me off
Shall take your adVice2 NO! The
play sin't natural"
On Guard.
! His ENCelency Of Alva trembled with
a cold fury. but held himself in.
You have lntruGed into a matter
which YOU neither understand nor APP
preCiate, he said rapidly If, as YOU
say. the play seems unnatural pray do
as your gambling friend-put down your
cards and stay cut Of the game
F4WF tod