The leader-enterprise. [volume] (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1912-1915, 1914-10-30
CHAPTER III.

after Lne departure OF the police 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 an.
pear quite innocent and leave no trail
behind her. She had gained the con-
1idence 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
l 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 l did not care at that moment
to shock him with tho remembrance of
the past. Is not Mr.. Braine n re-
markable man." All this in her charm.
ing broken English.
"He is, indeed" affirmed Norton.
Hes a superb lInguist, knows every@
body and has Travelled everywhere.
No matter what subject you bring up
he seems well informed"
Come often" urged Florence.
Il shall my child. And any time
you need me, call for me. After all, /
TIN 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, l must be on my way, Also"
said Norton. 81 am worldly wise
man, Miss Florence. So is Jones here.
Never go any place without letting
him know; not even to the corner
drug store. l am going to find your
father. Some one was rescued. I'm
going to find out whether 1t 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 WON.
an?"
81 believe that she told the truth.
She is charming"
"She Is. But for all her charm and
truth cannot help distrusting her.
have an idea. shall call up your Of
fee at the end of each day. If day
comes without call, you will know
that something is wrong"
"a very good idea" Norton shook
hands with everyone and departed.
What brave. pleasant young
mani" murmured Susan.
Il like him. too: and I'd like him
for a friend" said the guileless girl.
ut is very good to have a friend
like Mr.. Norton" added Jones: and
passed out into the kitchen All the
help had been discharged and upon
his shoulders lay the burden of the
cooking till such time when he could
Teinstate the cook.
There was stormy scene between
Braine and the princess that night.
Are you in your dotage?" she asked
Vehemently.
There, there; bring your voice
down bit. Where's the girl?"
in her home. Where did you sup
pose she would be, after that botch-
work of letting me go to do one thing
while you had in mind another? And
nm ordinary pair of cutthroats, at
that"
THE thought came to me after you
left. l knew you'd recognize the men
and understand. l see no reason why
1t didn't work"
1t would have been all right If you
had consulted a clairvoyant."
What the deuce do you mean by
that?" Braine demanded roughly.
Il mean that then you would have
learned your friend the reporter was
to arrive upon the scene at It's most
vital moment"
What, Norton?"
Yes. The trouble is with you, you
nave been so successful all these years
mat you have grown overconhdent. !
Tell you that there IA q desperately
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