The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-06

Ell 10 the WINDOW similar reason
no doubt held me rooted rather safely
to the spot on which stood. I have
vague recollection OF feeling dizzy
and rather short of breath. My heart
was acting queerly.
why do you suppose he wants to
see you?" she asked after a moment,
turning toward me again. She was as
calm as a summer breeze. All trace of
nervousness had left her.
81 can't even supply guess"
"You must be very. very tactful."
she said uneasily. II know him so
well. He Is very cunning"
You may trust me implicitly to do
the right thing" said beamingly.
"And now what do you say to our
trip to the bottom of the castle?"
She shook her head. Not with the
house full OF spies. my dear friend.
Well save that for another day. A
rainy day perhaps. feel like having
all the sunshine | can get today. To.
night ! shall be gloomy and very lone.
ly. shall take Rosemary and Jinko
out unon the top of the tower and play
all day In the SUM-"
had an idea II am sure I should
enjoy little sunshine myself. May I
come toO:"
She looked me straight In the eve.
There was touch Of dignity In her
voice when she spoke.
"\Ot tOday Mr. Smart"
A most unfathomable person.
found Mr.. Pless at the Rempf at
o'clock. He welcomed me with great
warmth He called me dear old fellow
and shook hands with me with more
heartiness than had thought him ca
pable of expressing, A smallish old
gentleman was with him. was in
formed that he was one of the greatest
lawyers and advocates in Vienna. and
Mr. Plcss' personal adviser In the ''un-
fortunate controversy"
$50 you knew who ! was all the time
was ut Schioss Rothhoefen." said
Mr. Pless. smiling amiaby. II was
trying to maintain my incognito so
that you might not be distressed. Mr..
Smart. by having in your home such a
notorious character rs | am supposed
to be. confess 1t was rather shabby
In me- but bol1t'our excellent friends
responsible for the trick"
"lt is rather difficult to keep secret
with women about" said evasively.
But never difficult to construct one"
said Mr. Schymansky. winking.
think Schymansky was the name.
by the way" said |. II have had no
word from our mutual friends. Have
you seen them?'
Mr.. Pless stiffened. His face grew
perceptbly older.
81 regret to inform you. Mr.. Smart.
that our relations are not quite as
friendly as they once were. have
reason to suspect that Mr.. Smith has
been working against me for the past
two or three days. to such an extent.
| may say. that the ambassador now
declines to advise your government to
grant us certain privileges we had
hoped to secure without trouble. In
1.
not ask the United States TO consider
anything in the shape Of an extradition
If the countess is apprehended In her
own country.
II fancy you are wondering why !
sent for you. Mr.. Smart" said MIR.
Pless
~ am"
Am | to assume that the newspa.
pers were correct In stating that you
mean to support my cause with may
say. to the full extent Of your pow
ersf"
ut depends on circumstances, Mr..
Pless"
circumstances" He eyed me rath.
er coldly. as If to say. What right
have yon to suggest circumstances"
"Perhaps should have said that II
depends somewhat on what my pow
srs represent"
He crossed his slender legs comfort.
Ably and looked at me with a queer
little tilt of his left eyebrow, but with
an unsmlling visage. He was too cock
sure OF himself to grant me even so
much as an ingratiating smile. Was
not glory seeking American and he
one Of the glorious? 1t would he doing
me favor to let me help him.
II trust you will understand, Mr..
Smart. that do not ask favor Of
you. but rather put myself under a
certain obligation for the time being.
1t Is quite impossible for me to prose-
cute the search for my child with
out financial assistance from outside
sources. My funds are practically ex.
hausted, and the banks refuse to ex-
tend my credit You have publicly de-
clared yourself to be my friend and
well wisher. have asked you to come
here tonight, Mr.. Smart. to put you to
the real test. SO to speak. 1 want $780,.
600 for six months"
While was prepared in a sense for
the request the brazenness with which
he put 1t up to me took my breath
away.
Really. Mr.. Pless." I mumbled in
direct contrast to his sangfroid. "yon
You surprise me-"
He laughed quietly. almost reassur-
ingly. as he leaned forward In his
chair the better to study my face. Il
hope you do not think that expect
you to produce so much ready money
tonight. Mr. Smart. oh. no! Any
time within the next few days will bs