The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1913-03-06

"Mr. Wadsworth," replied George,
IF you do not be still and let me run
this affair, I'll throw the pistols to the
floor. and your brother and his friends
may do as they bally please. Now,
step back and be quiet. Stop!" to Ry.
anne, whose hand was reaching out
toward the table.
Don't shoot, Percival; l want only
final glass Of wine" Ryanne calmly
took the slender stem Of the glass be-
tween his fingers, lifted 1t and drank.
He set 1t down empty. From his out
side pocket he drew a handkerchief
and delicately dried his lips. He
alone Of his confederates had life. 1t
was because he alone understood.
Prison wasn't staring him in the face
Just yet. We'll, Arthur, old top, how
goes It? Nearly got your money-bags.
didn't we? And We surely would have
but for this delicious vintage"
Damn you and your wine!" roared
the Major, shaking with rage. This
adventure had been no joke to him, no
craving for excitement. He wanted
the gold, the gold. With what would
have been his share he could have
gambled at Monte Carlo and Ostend
till the end Of his days. For the first
time he saw long, black bars Of iron
running up and down a window. And
all for bottle of wine!
Damn away, old SPORT" Ryanne
reached for the bottle and filed his
glass again. "Percival, I'm blamed
sorry about that olive-tree Of yours"
He waved his hand toward the bags.
you can see that, my intentions in
regard. to refunding that hundred
pounds were strictly honorable. Now,
what's on the ticket?"
II suppose your luggage is outside
in the automobiles"
"Right-O!"
We'll, need not explain my rea-
sons; you will understand them; but
am going to give you all two hours
time. Then I shall notify the police.
You will have to take your chance
after that time"
The circling faces frightened per
ceptibly. Two hours-that would car
ry them far into Jersey.
Accepted with thanks" said Ry-
anne.
II refuse to permit it'll" yelled the
brother "Mr Jones, you will rue this
nights work. I shall see that the law
looks into your actions. This is fel-
ony. l demand to be allowed to tele-
phone"
"Percival. for heavens sake. let
him!" cried Ryanne wearily. LET
him shout: 1t will soften his voice.
He will hurt nobody. The wires were
cut hours ago."
Mortimer felt the tense muscles in
his grasp relax. Arthr~ Wadsworth
grew limp and reeled against the iamb
of the door.
'"You had better start at once"
George advised. "You three first"
with a nod toward Wallace (his bull
bous nose now lavender in hue), the
butler and the frst-man. Forward
march, front door. Go on!"
What about me?" asked Ryanne.
"In a moment" George could not
but admire the man, rascal though he |
was. There was a pang Of regret In
his heart as the thought came and
went swiftly: what comrade this |
man would have made under different
circumstances! Too late! Halt" he /
cried. The trio marching toward the
door came to stop, their heads |
turned inquiringly. Here, Mr.. Nor
timer; take one Of these guns and
cover the Major. He's the one
doubt" Then George followed the
others into the hall and ironically
bade them God-speed as he opened
the door for them. They went out
stupidity; the wine had dulled them
George Immediately returned to the
library.
Neither Fortune nor her mother had
stirred in all this time. A quality of
1ypnotism held them in bondage. The
mother could not lower her glance
md the daughter would not. If there
was light Of triumph in Fortunes
eyes, it was unconsciously there. And
no one will know the full bitterness
hat shone from the mothers. She
could have screamed with fury; she
could have rent her clothes, torn her
'kin, pulled her hair; and yet she sat
here without physical sign of the
.empestt.
On her side. Fortune knew, that, had
here been single gesture inviting
'ity, she must have flown to her moth
,r's side. But there was no sign.
Finally, Fortune stepped back, chilled.
I was all too late.
Fortune" said George, terribly en-
oarrassed, "do you wish to speak to
'our mother, alone?"
No" 1t was a little word, spoken
n little, hushed tone.
Mrs Chedsoye rose and proceeded
o put on her furs, which she had
lung across the back of her chair.
"Mother!" This came in gasp
rom the elder Wadsworth. An under
tanding Of this strange proceeding
'egan to filter through his mind. The
oung girls mother!
Mrs. Chedsoye drew on her gloves
lowly. She offered them to the Ma
or to button. He flung the hands
side. He was not nice under the We
eer. But Ryanne was instantly at
er service. And curiously she
Watched his agile fingers at work over
he buttons; they were perfectly
teady. Then. followed by the Major
nd Ryanne. she walked easily toward
be hall. Ryanne paused. /,
Good night, Arthur. I'm sure You
I'LL not sleep well. That handsome I,
afe is irreparably damaged. dare