Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1914-12-30
3
CHAPTER v.

New Friends and Old Enemies.
Gin which l learn that my relatives ar<
not 30 black as I painted thezn)
Here was |, alone In Paris, under
the surveillance, as / was positive
both of Leopold Magnif. Jr., and his
rascaIly sycophant zeuxis, with three
weeks to wait before the opening OF
the safe in which my precious bonds
lay hidden. And In three weeks my
enemies could work incredible harm.
Magntn had threatened me with rusn
unless l accepted his advances. But
how could he fulfil his threat? Only
IN one way, clearly; by utilizing the
key which he had stolen from my
purse to open my safe and to abstract
the bonds. Would he dare? Had the
safe already been rifed? But even &c
I should at least be no worse OF than
when had arrived in Paris. AS the
days wore away, and the memory OF
the man grew fainter l came to de-
spise and disregard his powers fua
mischief.
1t did seem unnecessary that
should have to wait three weeks while
Magniff, ST., was fashioning q new key
for my safe. But | inferred that he
was in reality utilizing this period to
make inquiries in Canada concerning
me; consequently became more tran.
quill in mind. | sent my friend Esteiie
Christie the ten pounds which she
had lent me and settled down TO live
frugally at the Pension Anglaige with
my remaining $3.50. At the worst
should have enough with which to re-
turn to Winnipeg.
A little more than week Of my pro
stationary period had elapsed. when
one morning our landlady announced
that two gentlemen were awaiting me
in the reception room. Instantly
thought of Magniff and the Greek.
TELL them that viii not see them, ~
l answered.
The landlady appeared shocked.
But, Mees Ives, they are OF the
quality, assuredly,' she protested IAN
old gentleman and young one. And
the latter-what build, what figure!
thought to have ths pleasure to con
graduate mademoise1e," she continued
teasingly.
The comte and the chevalier! II
could not be- And yet whom else
did l know? But, II It were they
how could they have discovered my
abode?
They sent up no cards!'' 1 asked
my hostess.
no, mademoiselle. But see, only
see them and certainly you will not
refuse them an interview Yer i'm
portant business'--those were their
words"
Tell them l Will be down In a few
momRnts," / answered, and began to
arrange my hair for the interview. In
the midst of brushing 1t l halted an
grily. Ny heart was pounding in my
throat in the most discomf1ting way
Why, asked myself sternly, why did
I go to this trouble about my person
al appearance for the sake of such
mortal enemies? And why was sc
agitated? l could not solve the prob
lem, and twisting up my hair hastily
/ descended the stairs, trying to re
gain control over my nerves.
II was as | had surmiSed The
comte and the chevalier were waiting
for me in the reception rooms both
faultiessiy attired In morning clothes
They rose, each with a low bow, upon
my entrance. Both looked extremely
grave, and neither evinced the slight
est sign of having previously seen me
| motioned each to a chair, but they
remained standing
Now. though l had determined tc
greet them with the barest courtesy
this turning Of the tables upon myself
affected me almost to tears of rage