The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-18
CONTINUED

iou hu'e 90 IuuCu u lHluk Ol, poor
man! And now will you be good
enough to have Hawkes. order the man
to row me across the
II am very sorry, Mrs. Titus" said
firmly, but l fear l must declare my
self. | cannot permit you to go into
the town today"
She was thunderstruck Are you in
earnest?' she cried after searching my
face rather intently for moment.
"Unhappily, yes. Will you let me ex-
plain
"The ideaw she exclaimed as she
drew herself to her full height and
withered me with look of SURPRISING
scorn Am | to regard myself as
prisoner, Mr.. Smart?'
"Oh I beg of you, Mrs Titus
began miserably
please answer my question"
Her tone cut me like the lash of a
whip. My choler rose.
II do not choose to regard myself as
a jailer. My only object in opposing
this
Il have never known anything so alb
surd." Two bright red spots appeared
in her cheeks. "Your attitude is most
extraordinary. However, shall 60 to
the city this morning. Mr. Smart Pray
give me the credit of having sense
enough to- All. Colingraftw
The two sons approached from the
Il. CT xNrha
enjoying 10 o'clock chop. Colingraft.
noting his mothers attire, accelerated
his speed and was soon beside us.
Going out, mother?' he inquired,
Ticking the ash from his cigarette
"If Mr.. Smart will be good enough
to withdraw his opposition" she said
icily.
He gave me a sharp look. whats
up?"
Mrs. Titus doesn't seem to realize
the risk she runs in
Risk: Do you suppose, Mr. Smart.
/ would jeopardize my daughter's"-
whats up?" repeated Colingraft In
sistently
Mr.. Smart calmly informs me that l
am not to go into the city"
81 don't see that Mr. Smart has any
thing to say about it." said her son
coldly. IF he He paused, garing
| looked him squarely in the eye If
he had possessed the acumen of a pol
lywog he would have seen that my
Dutch was up.
''One moment. Mr.. Titus" | said,
setting my jaw. Il have this to say
about it. You are guests In my house.
We are jointly interested in the effort
to protect the Countess Tarnowsy. |
consider it to be the height of impru-
dence for any member of your family
to venture into the city now or at any
time during her stay in this castle. I
happen to know that Tarnowsy Is hav-
ing me watched for some purpose or
other. | don't think he suspects that
the countess is here, but l greatly fear
that he believes | am interested In her
cause. He suspects me. You have
heard of our recent encounter. He
Knows my position pretty well by this
time. Mrs Titus says that the man
Dillingham; assures her there is no
danger. Well. | can only say that Dill
lingham is fool, and | don't purpose
having my own safety threatened by
Your safety?" exclaimed he. II like
that! What have you got to be afraid
Off"
You seem to forget that l am har-
boring fugitive from justice" l said
fatty.
Mrs. Titus gasped. How dare you
'The Countess Tarnowsy is wanted
by the authorities for kidnapping, and
] think YOU know the facts quite as
well as do" | went on harshly God
knows l am doing my best to protect
her. am risking more than you seem
to appreciate. If she is found here
my position isn't likely to be an en-
viable one. | am not thinking solely
of myself, believe me, but after all /
contend that / have right to assert
myself in crisis that may affect me
vitality trust you will see my posi-
tion and act accordingly-with consid-
Grafton if nothing else"
Mrs. Titus did not take her eyes off
mine while was speaking. There
was an expression OF utter amazement
in them. No one had ever opposed her
before in just this way, l gathered.
She didn't know what to make Of it.
Il fear you exaggerate tie extent of
your peril. Mr.. Smart" she said dryly.
"Of course have no desire to put you
in jeopardy. but it seems to me-
Leaving me out of the case alto
gether, don't you think it is bit un-
fair to the countess" | asked In some
heat. "She doesn't want to go to jail"
"Jail?' she cried angrily.
That's no way to speak about be-
gan CoIingraft furiously.
broke In rashly. "If you please.
Mr.. Titus, be good enough to keep
your temper. | have no desire to ap-
pear F-arsh and arbitrary, but l can
see TINT 1t is necessary to speak plain
ly. There isn't anything in tho world
WIFI not do to help you end the
countess in this unfortunate business,
Mrs Titus. hope you believe me
whf* | say as much. am her friend.
want to be yours II you will let me.
But | reserve the right to say what
shall be and what shall not be done as
long as you are under my roof. Just