American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-01-07
Copyright. 1914, By Harold Mac0r.lhj
CHAPTER ~.

TOR the departure OF the police with
10 bogus detectives. II had been a
cry dificult corner TO wriggle out OF,
II because Braine had added to his
lans after she had left the apart
tent. But for the advent OF the med.
ling reporter the coup would have
ucceeded, herself apparently perfect.
Y innocent OF completely. That must
70 the keynote OF all her plans: to ap.
IA quite innocent and leave no trail
Iehind her, She had gained the con.
dence OF Florence and her .compan.
IN And she was rather certain that
no had impressed this lazy-eyed re-
orter and the stolid butler. She had
old nothing but the truth regarding
or relationship. They would find that
,ut She was Katrina P~ushkln's cousin.
Tut blood with her counted as naught.
he had In her heart but for two
hfngs. Braine and money to spend on
ier caprices.
How long has your highness known
II. Braine?" asked the reporter idly,
$ he smoothed away all signs OF his
rCent fOHnlct.
%, the bett r part OF Il year. Mr..
iargreave did not recognize me the
Their night. That was quite excus.
BILE. for when he last saw me was
OF more than twelve. My child" she
aud To Florence. build no hopes re-
.arding your mother. She Is doubt.
ess dead. Upon some trivial matter
do not know what II was--she was
onflned Ia the fortress. That was
eventeen years ago. When you enter
he fortress at ST. Petersburg, you
ease to be-"
THAT is true enough"
Il did not recall myself TO your IA.
her. | did not care at that moment
o shock him with the remembrance Of
no past. Is not Mr.. Braine "A re-.
narkable man" All this In her charm.
ng broken English.
"He IL. indeed" affirmed Norton.
n superb hnguist, knows every.
)ody and has Travelled everywhere.
10 matter what subject you bring up
10 seems well Informed"
Come oftcn," urged Florence.
Il shall. my child. And any time
need me, call for me. After all. |
m nearly your aunt. You will find
70 In the city far different from that
which you have been accustomed to-"
She limped down to her limousine.
n tripping up Norton he had stepped
ipon her foot heavily.
"She In lovely" cried Florence.
We'll, ! must be on my way. also"
AID Norton. II am n worldly-wise
nan. Miss Florence. so IL Jones here.
Never go any place without letting
know; not even to the corner
lrug store. | am going to find your
ather. Some one was rescued. I'm
ding to find out whether II was the
vintor or Mr.. HargreRve."
Jones drew In a deep breath and HIS
yes closed for n moment. At the
|oor he spoke to the reporter.
What do you think OF that WON.
M"
Il believe that she told the truth.
'ha In charming"
She IL. But for all her charm and
ruth ] cannot help ~dlstrusting her.
ave an idea, | shall call up your of.
cs at the end OF each day. IL n day
cmes without a call. you will know
nat something is wrong"
"A very good idea" Norton shook
ands with everyone and departed.
What a brave, pleasant young
an!' murmured Susan.
y like him. too; and Id like him
n a friend" said the guileless girl
1T is very good TO have n friend ,
MIR. Norton" added Jones; and
sssed out into the kitchen. All the
alp had been discharged and upon
70 shoulders lay the burden OF the ,
'oking Till such time when he could =
the cook. :
There was a stormy scene between :
rsine and the princess that night. :
Are you IN your dotage?" she asked .
:
There, there, bring your voice !
a bit Where's the girl?" '
In her home. Where did YOU sun :
ne h would be. after thai botch- .
,rk o! letting me 20 10 do n thing
lille you had IN mind another And
ordinary pair OF cutthroats. at !,
u
The thought came TO me after YOU !,
=. knew you'd recognize the men '
a understand. | see no reason why :
didn't work" I
Il would have been all right II o "
q consulted n clairyoyant."
What the deuce do you mean BIZ v
UT braine demanded roughly. y
I a that then you would have u
your friend the reporter was
arrive upon the scene at It's most e
nj moment" Z;
What. Norton-" II
Yes. The trouble Is with you. vou t.
70 been so successful all these a
u you have grown c~eroonfdsnt. / y
0 that there Re a desperately
Fswd man somewhere back Of all "
Z Mark me, ! do not believe Har> y
Ia dead. He IL In hiding. It "
y sv near by. He may have dropped a
N the balloon before AZ left land N