The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-12-25

and ball, and Fastening out to the
semaphore.
had set the signal for the Fer-de-
Lance to land in force and wipe Buck
hurst and his grotesque crew from the
face of the earth.
ROLAND" | said. here is another
hundred francs. Watch that halyard
and guard it. Tonight you will string
seven OF those little lamps on this
other halyard, light them, hoist them,
and then go up that tower and light
the three red lamps on the left. That
lady will never come here again,
think. If she does, she must not touch
those halyards. DO you hear? II she
offers you money, remember l will
double it. But, ROLAND. If you lie to
me will have you killed as the Bre-
tons kill pigs; you understand how
that is done?"
Walking fast over the springy heath.
l told Speed briefly what had done
that the treasure-train would not now
leave Lorient, that as soon as the Fer
defiance came in sight Of the soma.
phore Buckhursts game must come to
an end.
Far ahead of US we saw the futter
of light dress on the moor; Sylvia
Elven was going home
"A spy!" muttered Speed.
Il think" said l, that she had bet
ter leave Paradise at once. Mornac
knows her record. Buckhurst would
| betray her in moment if he thought
it might save his own skin. She ought
to leave before the Fer-de-Lance sights
the semaphore and reads the signal to
land in force"
Then you'll have to tell her." he
said gloomily.
Il suppose So" replied, not at all
pleased.
When we entered the court, Jacque-
line, her big, furry cat in her arms.
came to the door and greeted Speed
with:
You have been away a very long
time, and the thorns are all out of my
arms and my legs, and have been de-
string to see you. Come into the house
and read-shall WEI"
Speed turned to me with an explain
atory smile. I've been reading the
Idyls' aloud to her in English" he
said, rather shyly. She seems to like
them; it's the noble music that at
tracts her"
She turned away into the house,
saying that she would get the book.
went into the house, leaving them
seated on the porch, heads together
while in a low monotone Speed read
the deathless "Morte d'Athur."
Daylight was waning. Sylvia sat
reading in the Lutheran Bible by the
failing light.
May l speak to you alone a mo-
ment, after dinner?" l asked.
IF you wish" she replied.
l bowed and started on, but she
called me back.
Did you know that Monsieur Eyre
is here?"
was astonished, and asked where
Eyre had gone.
He is in your room" she said. load
ing your revolver. | hope you will not
permit him to go alone to Paradise"
"I'll see about that" l muttered, and
hurried up the stairs and down the
hallway to my bedchamber.
He sprang to the door as I entered
giving me both hands in boyish greet
ing. l looked at him keenly but pleas
antly
You are going to load my revolver,
and go over to Paradise and take that
balloon from these bandts?" | asked
smiling.
He shrugged his shoulders with a
reckless laugh.
Give me my revolver" said, cold
ly.
His face fell Let me take it, Mr..
! Scarlet" he pleaded; but refused.
and made him hand me the weapon.
Now" l said, sternly, Il want to
know what the devil you mean by at
tempting suicide? Kelly, what's the
matter with you? Is life as unattrac-
tive as all that?"
His flushed and sullen face dark
| ened.
You appear here" l said, after the
others have sailed from Lorient. Why?
To do yourself the pleasure of ending
an embittered life under the eyes of
the woman who ruined you. Kelly, |
must tell you the-well, something Of
the truth-as much as you need know
now. My friend, she is not
worth It,"
DO you think that makes any diff
ference?" ne said, harshly. Let me
alone, Scarlet I know!
know, I tell you!"
DO you mean to tell me that you
know she deliberately betrayed your"
/ ! demanded.
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