The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1915-07-22

u" hurriedly, thought, but
he explained that Saks
merely wanted a general
idea of the structure; he would return
another day to make careful inspec-
ton.
81 dare say you are surprised that !
should lie willing to pay double your
original price for Schloss Rothhoefen."
he ventured, pausing in the corridor to
light cigarette. We were on our way
to the top Of the east wing.
"Oh, no. | said calmly. II am
aware that treasure is buried here. As
a matter Of fact. I've tried to unearth
it myself, but without success. wish
you better luck"
"Thanks." said he laconically, after
the first swift glance of inquiry. ut is
doubtless fairy tale, handed down by
tradition. take no stock in it. My
principal object in acquiring Rothhoe
fen is to satisfy certain vanity which
besets me. | have it on excellent au-
thority that my ex-father-in-law-the
man Titus, you know-talks Of buying
the property aud performing the stu
pendous. characteristic American feat
Of removing it. stone and timber. just
as it is, to his estate north Of New
York city. No one but a vulgar. purse
proud American would think OF dolns
such lning."
The news staggered me. Could there
be anything in what he said? If 1t
was true that Jasper Titue contemplate
| ii e.,
be but one compelling force behind the
whim-sentiment But not sentiment
on the part of Jasper Titus.
II cannot believe that he considers
doing such q thing" | said, rather
blankly. "You see. if any one should
know, am that one. He has not APP
preached me. Of that you may be sure"
. He did not appear to be interested.
"My information is not authoritative.
Mr.. Smart" said he. ut came to me
through my representatives who con-
ferred with his lawyers a fortnight ago
in regard to certain difficulties that
| had existed between us. From what
, they were able to gather, the idea has
taken root in the old mans head. Now
/ l want to buy this place for no other
reason than to tell him that he hasn't
enough money in his possession to pur-
Z chase it from me. D'you see? Vanity,
, you may call It, as l do. but it pleases
, me to coddle it."
; Very thoughtfuliy I strobe along be-
J side him. Would be serving the
< countess i'll or we'll by selling the place
g to Tarnowsy? It was her whim, Of
/. course. and 1t was foolish one.
, Suppose that he offered you twice
what you are to pay me for the place"
2 said l. struck by a sudden thought.
= He laughed easily. You will not, 1t
:. seems. acquit me of cupidity. Mr..
Smart. should not sell to him under
r any consideration. That Is final. Take
4 it or leave it,
b BY this time we We're in the rooms
once occupied by the countess. He
;. glanced about the apartment carelessly.
;. Deserted. observe" he remarked
i, with a queer SMILE
!, My heart almost stood still. "Ehi
What do you mean?"
4 III l am not mistaken, these are the
4 rooms once occupied by your Wallets
wife. Am l right?"
+, steadied myself. "She has gone
- away" l said. Couldn't stand the
- climate"
! II see," said he, but he was still
- smiling. "How does your valet stand
- it?'
=, "Nicely," said l, with consciou.
blush.
:, II mean the separation, of course"
=. "Certainly: He is used to it."
- "lsn't 1t rather odd that be should
~ still think she is here in the castleT'
y "Does hep l murmured.
~ ~ inquired for her when I encoun
tered him downstairs. He said sh,
was quite we'll this morning. excep
~ for headache"
I "She is subject to headaches, be
~ lieve," said l. with the utmost non
IS chalance. He lifted his right eyebrow
y slightly, but said no more on the sub
20 ject.
to A pile Of rubbish lay heaped in on,
e. corner Of the room, swept up and lef
'e there by the big Schmicks to await tn
'e spring houseclea ming season, i pre-