The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-10-09
CHAPTER III.

The princess did not remain long
after the departure of the pslice with
the bogus detectives. 1t had been a
very difficult corner to wriggle out of,
all because Braine had added to his
plans after she had left the apart
ment But for the advent of the med
ding reporter the coup would have
succeeded, herself apparently perfect
ly innocent of completely. That must
be the keynote of all her plans: to ap-
pear quite innocent and leave no trail
behind her. She had gained the con-
fidence of Florence and her compan-
ion. And she was rather certain that
she had impressed this lazy-eyed re-
porter and the stolid butler She had
told nothing but the truth regarding
her relationship. They would find that
out. She was Katrina Pushkin's cousin.
But blood with her counted as naught.
She had room in her heart but for two
things, Braine and money to spend on
her caprices.
How long has your highness known
Mr.. Braine?" asked the reporter idly,
as he smoothed away all signs of his
recent conflict.
20, the better part Of a year Mr..
Hargreave did not recognize me the
other night. That was quite excus-
able, for when he last saw me / was
not more than twelve. My child" she
said to Florence, build no hopes re-
garding your mother. She is doubt
less dead. Upon some trivial matter
/ do not know what it was-she was
confined to the fortress. That was
seventeen years ago. When you enter
the fortress at ST. Petersburg, you
cease to be-"
THAT is true enough"
Il did not recall myself to your IA
Their. did not care at that moment
to shock him with the remembrance of
the past. Is not Mr.. Braine a re-
markable MANI" ALL this in her charm
ing broken English.
He is, indeed" affirmed Norton.
He's superb lnguist, knows every
body and has travelled everywhere.
No matter what subject you bring up
he seems well informed"
Come often" urged Florence.
I shall, my child. And any time
you need me, call for me. After all,
am nearly your aunt. You will find
life in the city far different from that
which you have been accustomed to-"
She limped down to her limousine.
In tripping up Norton he had stepped
upon her foot heavily.
She is lovely!" cried Florence.
Well, must be on my way, ALSO"
said Norton. 81 am a worldly-wise
man, Miss Florence So is Jones here.
Never go any place without letting
him know; not even to the corner
drug store. / am going to find your
father. Some one was rescued. I'm
going to find out whether it was the
aviator or Mr.. Hargreave." .
Jones drew in deep breath and his
eyes closed for a moment. At the
door he spoke to the reporter.
What do you think Of that wom-
am"
I believe that she told the truth.
She is charming"
she Is. But for all her charm ana
truth cannot help distrusting her.
nave an idea. shall call up your of
nee at the end of each day. If day
comes without call, you will know
mat something is wrong"
A very good idea" Norton shook
hands with everyone and departed.
What a brave, pleasant young
mani" murmured Susan.
like him, too; and I'd like him
ior friend" said the guileless girl.
1t is very good to have a friend
nke Mr.. Norton" added Jones; and
passed out into the kitchen. All the
nelp had been discharged and upon
MS shoulders lay the burden of the
cooking till such time when he could
aslnstate the cook
mere was a stormy scene between
Draine and the princess that night
Are you in your dotage?" she asked
Sehemently.
There, there; bring your voice
uoWn bit. Where's the girl?"
IN her home. Where did you sup
80 NC, dllSA IndI OONSN
"ork OF letting me go to do one thing
"nile You had in mind another? And
an ordinary pair of cutthroats, at
fhatin
me thought came to me after you
's.. | knew you'd recognize the men
auu understand. see no reason why
y didn't work"
!. would have been all right if you
AaU consulted clairvoyant."
!. "nat the deuce do you mean by
eAa.s Braine demanded roughly.
mean that then you would have
sasned your friend the reporter was
s = arrive upon the scene at its most
vital moment"
What, Norton?"
ies. The trouble is with you, you
sns 49, been SO successful all these years
t fan you have grown overconfident. l
- you that fhoro 10 a darrarot olv