The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-08-23

is nothing to prove, except your word, that I
am Stanley Hargreave's daughter"
+" No. there is nothing to prove that you are
his daughter. But hasn't it ever occurred to
you that there might be a purpose back of
this! Might it not be of inestimable value
that your fathers enemies should be left in
doubtt Might it not be means of holding
them on the leash? There is proof, ample
proof, my child: and when the time comes
these will be shown you. But meantime put
all thought of marrying Mr. Norton out OF
your head"
That I refuse to do" quietly 81 am at
least mistress of my heart and no one shall
dictate to me whom shall or shall not marry.
love Mr. Norton and he loves me. knowing
that may not be an heress after all And
some day I shall marry him"
Jones bowed. This seemed TO appear final
to him, and nothing more was to be said
have right TO be happy" she added, in
defense of her attitude.
No one denies that. Are We not al Of
us striving that in the end you may be happy7
Have re any other thought?"
We quite willing to wait till the snarl
Is untangled.'
. / am sorry that this has happened / dc
not consider 1t quite honorable of Mr. Norton
when he knows how really helpless you are
But of l have no authority. can
only warn YOU" lie bowed and walked to-
ward the kitchens.
Florence aouted her head and rejoined
Susan and forgot to telephone Norton. Had
abe done she would have been saved many
heartaehe. AT any rate she had unburdened
her conscience and she must tell Jim that the
secret out. When. eventually, she did
call him I'D he was not 10 be found. she lsft
word. however, for him t. call after the opera
and escort her home
Norton did not return 70 his rooms till 7,
He found the telephone call and also a note
In a handwriting unfamiliar. lie tore off the
envelope and found the contents TO be from
the Countess Perigof
Cali at s tonight" be read. ] have aa
important news story for you. Tell no one,
| cannot be involved in the case Cordially,
Olga, Countess Perigod."
Humph! Norton twiddled the note in his
fingers and at length rolled 1t into bali and
a mistake: he should have kept that note. lie
dressed, dined and hurried of to the apart
ments Of she countess.
He arrived ten minutes before Florence and
Susan.
And jones did some rapid telephoning
How long, how long the butler muir.
INJURED How long would this strange combat
last2 The strain was terrific. He slept but
little during the nights. for his ears
always waiting for sounds He had cast the
chest into the sea- and it would take Dozen
expert divers to locate It. And now, atop Of
all these worries, the child must fall In lows
with the first conner. 1t was heartbreekine
Norton, far he had learned, was coo'
and brave, honest and reliable in a pinch bat
ss the husband of Stanley Hargreaves daugh-
ter, that was altogether different matter
And he must devise some means OF putting
stop to it, but
But he was saved that trouble.
Mongoose and COBRA that the game be-
ing played: the cunning of the one against
the deadly venom Of the other If be forced
matters he would only lay himself open TO the
strike OF the snake He must have patience
Gradually they were breaking the orgsniza-
ton, Topping off a branch here and there. hut
the peace of the future depended upon getting
grip the spine OF the cobra himself
The trick was simple. The countess had
news: trust her for that. She exhibited
cahlegram. dated at Gibraltar. In which the
British authorities stated definitely that no
such person as William Orts. aviator, had
arrived at Gibraltar And then as he rose
she rose also and gently precipitated herself
into his arms, just at the moment Florence
appeared in the doorway.
Very simple indeed. When woman falls
toward there is nothing for him to dc
but extend his arms to prevent her from fall
ing. Outwardly, however to the eye which
saw only the picture and eomprehended not
the cause, it had all the hallmarks OF an
affectionate embrace
Florence stood perfectly still for moment,
then turned away.
i beg your pardon" said the countess,
but sudden fainting spell seized me My
heart is bit weak
Don't mention it," replied the gallant Nor
ton. He was as innocent as babe as to what
had really taken place.
Florence went back home. She wrote
brief note to Norton and inclosed the ring
which she had secretly worn attached to
little chain around her neck.
When Norton came the next day she refused
to see him. 1t was all over. She never wished
to see him again.
81 He says there has been some cruel mis-.
take said Jones.