The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1914-12-09

10 alternative"
VERY good" replied Olga. And
then tho program is to insist that she
invite Florence and that fool Of re-
porter to this ball Then what?"
You can leave that to me-"
Haven't all these failures been a
warning?"
mo. my dear. I was bern optinis-
tic; but there's jinx somewhere in
one Of my pockets. Time after time
I've had everything just where I wanted
It, and then-poof! It's pure bald
luck on their side, but sooner Or later
the wheel will turn. And any chance
that offers / am bound to accept.
Somehow OF other We may be able to
trap Florence and Norton. l want
both Of them. II can get them snug
~ away, Jones will be forced to draw
IL Hargreave."
"Is there such a man?'
"You saw him that night at the
restaurant"
"I have often thought that perhaps
I Just dreamed it." She turned again
to the piano and began humIning idly.
stop that and listen to me-" said
Braine, not in quite the best Of tenn
I pers. Tn in no mood for whinls."
Music does not sooth your soul,
then?" cynically.
IF had one it might. You will
call OF the Princess Parlova tomor-
row afternoon. It depends upon you
what my plans will be. I think you'll
have little trouble in getting into the
presence of her highness, and once
there she will not be able to resist
| you"
"Ill co."
And go she did. The footman in
green livery hesitated for moment,
but the title on the visiting card was
quite sufficient He bowed the count
ess into the reception room and went
in search of his distinguished mis-
tress.
The Princess Parlova was hand
some woman verging upon middle age.
She was patrician; Olga's keen eye
discerned that instantly. She came
into the reception room with that dig
nifed serenity which would have i'm
pressed any one as genuine. She held
the card in her fingers and smiled in
quiringly toward her guest.
II confess" she began, chat re-
can neither yoar face nor your name.
! am sorry. Where have had the
honor of meeting you before?"
You have never met me before,
| your highness,' answered Olga
sweetly.
You came on a charity errand,
then?"
That depends, your highness. Will
you be so good as to glance at this"
Olga asked, holding out her palm
upon which the talisnan lay.
The princess shrank back, paling.
Where did you get that?" she
painted.
From the head" was the answer.
| And you have followed me from
Russian" whispered the princess, her
terror growing.
"Oh, no. The Black Hundred is as
strongly organized here as in st. Pc
tersburg. But We always keep track
Of old members, especially when they
stand so high in the world as your
self"
But was deceived and betrayed"
exclaimed the princess. They urged
me to join on the ground that the
organization was to attempt to bring
about the freedom OF Poland
Olga shrugged. "You were rich,
highuass. The Black Hundred needed
money"
And you need it now?" eagerly,
believing that she saw a loophole,
How much? Oh, will give a hun
d,ed thousand rubles on your prom
ise to leave me alone. Tell mel"
Il am sorry, your highness, but I
have no authority to accept such an
offer. Indeed, my errand is far from
being expensive. All the Black Hun
dred desires is four invitations to
this ball which you are soon to give.
That should not cause you any alarm.
We shall not interfere with your So
journ in America in any way what
| soever, provided these invitations are
issued"
You would rob my guests?" horri-
fed.
POSITIVELY nc! Here is list OF
four names. Invite them: that is al
you have to do. Not SO much as
silver spoon will be found missing.
This is on my word Of honor, and l
never break that word, if you please
Give NE the list" said the princess,
YEARLY. Who gave you that ring"
THE head
"In Russia?"
| mo; here in America" Olga dipped
into her handbag and produced a slip
of paper. This she handed to the
princess. Here is the list, highness.
"Who Is Florence Hsrgreave?"
"a friend Of mine" eTaslVeiy.
Does she belong to the organiza-
| ton"
No"
Then you have some Interior pur-
pose in having me invite her?'
Il have" answered Olga sharply;
| "but that does not concern your high
ness in the least"
The princess bit her lips. I see
your name here also; a man named
Braine, and another, Norton"
Say at once that you do not care
to execute the wishes-the commands
j-of the order" said Olga coldly.
Il will do as you wish. And beg
you now to excuse me. But If any
thing happens to any of my personal
friends"
"Wel1 ," hauehtily from Olga.