The evening world., 1914-02-07

Such women as you are tho hope OF
the worldl All. that you should con-
slider the bitterness and folly of such
a man as I am-that you should con-
sider and listen to the sorry wisdom
Of homeless mountebank--a wander
ing fool-a preacher OF empty plati-
tudes. who has brought You to this
with his cursed meddling!"
You taught me TRUTH" she said,
calmly; you make the last days OF
my life the only ones worth living.
l said to you but an hour since
when Twas angry-that we were un-
htted to comprehend each other. It
l had rather die with you than live
without the friendship which I he
lieve-which know--is mine. Mon
sieur Scarlet. II is not love. IL It
were. l could not say this to YOU
even In deaths presence. II In some
thing better: something untroubled.
confidential. serene. You
see 1t Is not love. And per-
haps II has no name. For
! have never before known such
happiness. such peace. as I know
now. here with you. talking OF our
death. II we could live you
alone. And l have been
alone all my life and I am
tired. You see. have nothing to
regret In a death that brings mo to
life ="
mot now" I said.
You are kind to say so I do
believe-yes. I know that you truly
care Tor me. Do your"
YES"
Then II will not be hard. .
Pcrhaps not even very painful"
The key turning in the door startled
us. Buckhurst entered. and through
the hallway I saw his dishevelled
soldiers running, finging open doors,
tearing. trampling. pillaging, wreck.
ing everything in their path.
Your business will be attended to
IN the garden at dawn" he observed,
blinking about the room. for the
bright lamp-light dazzled him.
Speed. who had been standing by
the window with Jacqueline. wheeled
Sharply, took a few steps into the
room. then sank into q chair, clasp
Ing his lank hands between his knees.
The Countess did not even glance
up as the sentence was pronounced
she looked at me and laid her left
hand on mine. smiling. az though wait
ing for tho moment to resume an In.
terrupted conversation.
do you hear?" demanded Buck
hurst. raising his voice.
There was no answer for o moment
then Jacqueline stepped from the win.
dow and said: Am free to go?"
"You!" said Buckhurst, contemptu-
Ously. "Who in hell are your
II am Jacquelins." .u
Really" sneercd Buckhurst.
He went away, siamming and lock-
ing the door. and heard Mornac CON-
planning that the signals had gone out
on the semaphOre and that there was
more treachery abroad.
Get me q horse!" said Buckhurst
''There arc plenty Of them In the sta
bles. Mornac, you stay here. Ill ride
over to the semaphore. Gut this house
and fire II after you've finished that
business In the garden tomorrow
morning"
where are you going?" demanded
Mornac's angry voice. DO you ex-
pect me to stay here while you start
for Paris?"
"You have your orders" said Buck
hurst, menacinsly.
"Oh, have !? What are they7 To
stay here when the country In reused
stay here and perhaps be shelled by
that damned cruiser out there
His voice was stifed as though
hand had clutched his throat; there
came the swift sound Of struggle,
the banging OF scabbards and spurs,
the scuffie OF heavy boots.
"Are you madr' burst out Mornao's
strAnslsd voice.
"Ars your" breathed Buckhurst
~silenoe. you fool. DO you obey or.
Harn 0r HOt 4"
Their voices rscsded. Speed sprans
TO the door to listen. then ran back "a
the window.
Scarlet" he whispered. "there are
the lights Of q vessel at anchor OH
Croix."
was beside him in an instant. "It's
the cruiser" ] said. "Oh. Speed. for a
chance to signal"
We looked at each other desperate
I'VE rouIh set the room af,re," he
said. they might land to see what
had happened"
"And find US all shot"
Jasqueline. standing beside speed
said quietly, II could swim II. Wait
Raise tho window h little"
"You cannot dive from that clt6i'
said.
SHs sausieusay uniodued ne window
and peapsd out lhto ~ DARK oNrdsn.
III ai& fsps shsss Gew tns -!
cf yss:ssl Ass -