The Ordway new era., 1914-11-20
THE TREY O'HEARTS
Continued from Page ~

chuckled-but cut his laugh in two as
something futtered from the pack of
envelopes which Digby had disturbed
and fell to the floor between the two
men.
Face up, it grinned sardonic mock.
cry of Alan's condolences: 1t was a trey
of hearts. .
With an ashen face and trembling
hand. Digby stopped to pick the
damned thing up; but Alan was be-
forehand with him. and got his fingers
first upon the card.
Nov will you believer" Digby de-
manded huskily.
"In what? A simple coincidence?"
Alan nouted. mot l! Who knows I'm
in New York-or that the Arthur Law
renee for whom your agent engaged
these rooms was Alan Law. No, my
friend: it's a bit too thick for me. Take
my word for It,, this is nothing more
nor less than a souvenir of poker
party held by yesterdays. tenant of
this suite,''
"Perhaps-perhaps!" Digby assent
cd, stroking tremulous lips. But I'm
afraid for you. my boy. Who knows
that Trine's spies were not watching
my man when he made this reserva-
ton? Who knows but that Arthur
Lawrence was too thin disguise for
Alan Law7 l tell you, I'm frightened
to the marrow of my old bones! Do
me this favor ut least, my boy: now
that you've been warned, whether by
accident or design-we won't argue
that-do leave town-So incognito to
some quiet place near by and wait
there for the sailing of the next trans
atlantic steamer. Oh. surely you can't
deny me this one wish of my fond old
heart, my boy!"
With a gesture OF unfeigned affec-
tion Alan dropped hand on Digby's
shoulder.
There's nothing on earth would
not do for you." he said: you've been
a father and mother to me ever since
l can remember. even II we were sepa-
rated, most Of the time. by three thou
sand miles of salt water. But this
thing-I can't do 1t, even for you. I
can't do It even for myself. Rose
Trine IL here in New York. In the
hands and at the mercy of her father
and sister: and you may Judge what
their mercy will be when you learn
all that she has done for me. l won't
go and can't 90 until find her and
take her with me, And that is final"
'Then." Digby struck in. srasping
wildly at . straw of hope. Il have your
word you'll 90. providing hnd and re-
store Rose to your
'You have my word to that, unques-
tionably. Bring Rose TO me. and Ill
gladly shake the dust OF New York
from my shoes. and never return till
Trine il put away comfortably in his
grave" ~
1T shall be DONE" Disby promised.
ut must!" g.
"You believe that?"
I'm twelve houN Rose shall be re-
stored to you" s,t.., .
"Will you make q book on II? I'll
bet you something happens-and hope
lose into the bargain. II you believe
you can carry out your promise, wire
the White Star line to reserve the
best available suite on the Oceanic.
sailing tomorrow morning at ten
and make Arrangements for a mar.
riage before the boat sails"
'I1l 60 you." Digby agreed: "and II
I fail. I forfeit the cost Of the reser.
walton. But about this marriage"
He hesitated.
you'll have to have license in
this state-and can't get one except
oy applying IN person with your Drioe
to-be. There won't be time"
"Then we'll marry In Jersey" Alan
insisted. dig up some clergyman over
there. II you don't know one your.
self"
"Oh. I'm we'll acquainted with the
very mani"
CHAPTER XIV.