The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-09-16
CHAPTER III.
TIE Safe In the Lonely Warehouse

Te Safe In the Lonely Warehouse
The princess did not remain long
after the departure Of the police with
the bogus detectives. 1t had been a
very difficult orner to wriggle out OF,
alt 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 ap-
pear quite innocent and leave no trail
behind her. She had gained the con-
fidence 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 ne smoothed away all signs Of his
recent conflict. &
&c, 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
/ 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"
81 did not recall myself to your IA
Their. l did not care at that moment
to shock him with the remembrance OF
the past. Is not Mr.. Braine a re-
markable man." All this in her charm
ing broken English.
He is, indeed" affirmed Norton.
He's a superb hnguist, knows every
body and has travelled everywhere.
No matter what subject you bring up
he seems we'll informed" 9,
Come often" urged Florence.
a shall, my child. And any time
you need me, call for me. After all, l
am 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.
We'll, | must be OF my way, Also"
said Norton. 81 am a 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 yonr
father. Some one was rescued. I'm
going to find out whether it was the
aviator or Mr.. Hargreave."
Jones drew in a deep breath and his
eyes closed for a moment. At the
door ne SPOKE TO the reporter.
What do you think OF nat wom-
am"
Il believe that she told the truth.
She is charming"
"She is. But for all her charm and
truth l cannot help distrust!ng her. l
have an idea. l shall call up your Of
flee at the end of each day. If a day
comes without a call, you will know
that something is wrong
"A very good idea" Norton shook
hands with everyone and departed.
What a brave, pleasant young
mani murmured Susan.
Il like him, too; and I'd like him
for a friend" said the guileless girl.
1T 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
reinstate the cook.
There was a stormy scene between
Braine and the princess that night.
Are you in your dotage??' she asked
vehemently.
There. there; bring your voice
down a bit. Where's the girl?'
IN her home. Where did you sup