The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1914-11-12

r was part OF q plot--and a splendid
Can you explain tina to me, too7' J
queried q little ironically, for I con-
TESS II seemed to me that Godfrey was
permitting his imagination to run away
with him.
He smiled good naturediy at my tone.
"Of course. this is all mere roman
cin.' he admitted. II am the first tc
lowing out u theory to what seemed
Its logical conclusion. But perhaps we
are on the wrong track altogether. Per-
haps d'Aurelle, or whatever his name
Is, just ~blundered In. like a moth into
q candle flame. AS for the plot-well,
I had pulled off some big robbery"
He stopped suddenly, and his face
went white and then red.
What Is 1t, Godfrey" I cried, for
his look frightened me.
He lay back in his chair, his hands
pressed over his eyes. L could see how
they were trembiing-how his whole
body was trembling.
Waltz" he said hoarsely. "Wait!"
Then he sat upright, his face tense with
anxiety. LESTER" he cried. his voice
shrill with fear. The cabinet-it isn't
guarded"
"Yes, i IS" 1 said. "At ieassI thought
OF thati"
And I told him Of the precautions I
had taken to keep It safe. He heard
me out with a sigh Of relief.
That's better" he said. Parks would
not stand much show, I'm afraid, IL
worst came to worst: but / think the
cabinet Is safe-for tonight. And before
another night, Lester, we will have q
look for ourselves"
"a look?"
Yes; for the secret drawer!"
/ stared at him fascinated, shrinking.
And we shall find It'll" he added.
"D'Aurelle and Vantine found it." !
muttered thickly.
'TWell?" T..
And they're both dead!"
1T won't kill US. We will go about
1t armored, Lester. That poisoned fang
may strike
"Don'tl" I cried, and covered back
frey. God knows, I'm no c~oward-but
not thati"
You shall watch me do itI" he said.
THAT would be even worse!"
but III be ready, Lester. There will
be no danger. Come, mani Why, it's
the chance Of q lifetime--to rifle the
secret drawer OF Madame de Monte
spani Yes!" he added, his yes glow
Ing, and to match ourselves against
the greatest criminal OF modern, times!"
His shrill laugh told how excited he
was.
And do you know what we shall find
in that drawer, LESTER Blu not Is
only a guess-the widest sort of q
guess-but IL 1t Is right--if II Is right"
He sprang from his chair, biting his
lips, his whole frame quivering. But he
was calmer in a moment.
And, you will help me, Lester? You
will conner"
There was a wizardry In his manner
not to be resisted. Besides-to rife the
secret drawer of Madame de Monte
span! To match oneself against the
greatest criminal Of modern timesl
What an adventurel
YES" I answered, with q quick in
taking OF the breath; At will comet"
He clapped me on the shoulder, his
face beaming.
1T knew you would! Tomorrow night.
then-In call for you here at 7 o'clock.
Well have dinner together-and then,
hey for the great secretI Agreed2
Agreed" / said. .
He caught UP coat and hat and
started for the door.
There are things to do he said:
that armour to prepare-the plan OF
campaign to consider, you know. Good
night, then, till-this evening""
The door closed behind him, and his
footsteps died away down the hall. ]
looked at my watch-it vas nearly
o'clock.
Dizzily I went to bed. But my sleep
was broken by a fearful dream-a
dream Of a serpent, with blazing eyes
n dripping fangs, poised to strike!