The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1914-11-12
It was part of a plot-and a splendid

It was part of a plot-and q splendid
plot!"
Can you explain that to me. too?' ]
querled a little ironically, for I o
TESS 1t seemed to me that Godfrey was
permitting his imagination to run away
with him.
He smiled good naturally at my tone.
OF course, this is all mere roman
cfn,' he admitted. II am the first to
acknowledge that. ! was merely fol-
loving out our theory to what seemed
It's logical conclusion. But perhaps we
are on the wrong track altogether. Per
maps dAure1e, or whatever his name
is, just Numbered in, like q moth into
a candle flame. AS for the plot-well,
l can guess at it. But suppose you and
l had pulled off some big robbery
He stopped suddenly, and his face
Went white n then red.
What is it, 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 trembling-how his whole
body was trembling.
Wait! he said hoarsely. watt"
Then he sat upright, his face tense with
anxiety. 'Lester!" he cried. his voice
shrill with fear. THE cabinet-it isn't
guarded"
Yes, it is" I said. "At least thought
NAid l. Solt IlIll I'll tiiS pTGCdul1OLlS L
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 l 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," he added.
'DAurelle and Vantine found it." !
muttered thickly.
"Well?"
And they're both dead!"
1T won't kill us. We will go about
1T armored, Lester. That poisoned fang
may strike"
"Don't!" I cried, and covered back
into my chair. II can't do it, Cod
not that!"
You shall watch me do It'll" he said.
That would be even worse!"
3 u I'll be ready, Lester. There will
De no danger. Come, man! Why, it's
the chance of a lifetime-to rifle the
secret drawer Of Madame de Monte
SPAN! Yes!" he added. his eyes glow
ing, and to match ourselves against
the greatest criminal of modern times!"
His shrill laugh told how excited h
was.
And do you know what we shall find
In that drawer, Lester? But not is
only a guess-the widest sort Of a
guess-but IL it is right-if it Is right"
lie sprang from his chair, biting his
lips, his whole frame quivering. But he
was calmer in q moment.
And, you will help me, Lester? You
will come"
There was a wizardry In his manner
not to be resisted. Besides-to rifle the
secret drawer Of Madame de Monte
SPAN! To match oneself against the
greatest criminal of modern times!
What an adventure!
Yes" I answered, with a quick in
taking OF the breath; 81 will comet"
He clapped me on the shoulder. his
face beaming.
Il knew you would! Tomorrow night,
call for you here at z o'clock.
Wen have dinner together-and then,
hey for the great secret! Agreed2
"Agreed!" 1 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 I
looked at my watch-it was nearly 2
o'clock.
Dizzily I went to bed. But nv sleep
was broken by a fearful dreams
dream of a serpent, with blazing eyes
and dripping fangs, poised to strike!