The leader-enterprise. [volume] (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1912-1915, 1915-03-12

so that it almost suffocated her, man
turned into the street and walked
noiselessly toward the Hargreave
place. He passed man leaning
against lamppost, but he never
turned to look at him.
This man, however, threw away his
cigar and hot-footed it to the nearest
pay station. He knew in his soul that
he had just seen the man for whom
they had been hunting all these weary
but strenuous weeks-Stanley Har-
greave in the flesh! Half an hour
after his telephone message the chief
of the Black Hundred and many lesser
lights were on their way to the house
OF mystery. Had they but known!
Now, the man who had created this
tremendous agitation went serenely
on. He proceeded directly end fear
lessly to the front door, produced a
latchkey and entered. He passed
through the hall and reception room
to the library and paused on. the
threshold dramatically. Florence
stepped back with a sharp cry of
alarm. She had heard the hall door
open and close and had taken it for
granted that Jones had entered.
There was tableau of short dura-
ton.
Don't you know me?" asked the
stranger in singularly pleasant voice.
Florence ha6 been imposed upon
too many times. She shook her head
def1antly, though her knees shook so
that she was certain that the least
touch would send her over.
Il am your father, child"
Florence slipped unsteadily behind
the desk and seized the revolver which
lay in the drawer The man by the
curtains smiled sadly 1t was a smile
that caused Florence to waver a bit.
Still she extended her arm.
you do not believe me?" said the
man, advancing slowly.
mo. have been deceived too many
times, sir. Stay where you are. You
will wait here till my butler returns.
Oh, if l were only sure!" she burst
out suddenly and passionately. What
proof have you that you are what you
say?"
He came toward her, holding out his
hands. This, that you cannot shoot
me. All, the damnable wretches!
What have they done to you, my child,
to make you suspicious of every one?
How l have watched over you in the
street! l will tell you what only Jones
and the reporter know, that the avia.
tor died, that 1 alone was rescued,
that I gave Norton the five thousand;
that watched the windows of the Rus
sian woman, and overheard nearly ev-
cry plot that was Matched in the coun-
Gil chamber of the Black Hundred;
that l was shot in the arm while cross
ing the lawn one night. And now we
have the scoundrels just where we
want them. They will be in this house
for me within half an hour, and not
one of them will leave it in freedom.
l am your father, Florence 1 am
the lonely father who has spent
the best years of his life away
from you in order to secure your
safety. Can't you feel the truth of all
this?'
mo, no! Please do not approach
any nearer; stay where you are!"
At that moment the telephone rang.
With the revolver still leveled she
picked up the receiver.
Hello, hello! Who is it? :.
Oh, Jim, Jim, come at once! I am
holding at bay a man who says he is
my father. Hold him where he is, you
say? All right, WILL Come quick!"
"Jim!" murmured the man, still ad-
vancing. He must have that revolver.
The poor child might spoil the whole
affair. $50 what Jones tells me is
true: that you are going to marry this
reporter chap"
She did not answer.
with or without my CONSENT"
If only he would drop that fearless
smile! she thought. with or without
anybody's consent" she said.
What in the world can say to you
to convince your" he cried. "The trap
is set; but if Braine and his men come
and find us like this, good heaven,
child, we are both lost! Come, comet"
"Stay where you are!"
At that moment she heard sou..d
at the door. Her gaze roved; and it
was enough for the man. He reached
out and caught her arm. She tried to
tear herself loose.
my child, in Gods name, listen to
reason! They are entering the hall
and they will have us both"
Suddenly Florence knew. She could
not have told you why; but there was
an appeal in the mans voice that went
to her heart.
You are my fatheri"
Yes, yes! But you've found it out
lust trifie too late. my dear. Quick;
this side of the desk!"
Braine and his men dashed into the
library. Olga entered leisurely.
Both Of them!" yelled Braine ex.