The Green Forest tribune., 1915-10-29

gone to the police-onlv dare not because my own hands were not ouite clean. l knew they intended to silence her' put was powerless to save her poor young lady. They took her on board Lelthcourt's yacht, the Iris and they sailed for the Mediterranean [ believe"
 And what was your connection with them?" ''0"
 welt was Leithcourt's servant" was his reply. q was steward on tbe ITS TOT year, until suppose they thought that began to see too much. and then was placed in position ashore"
 And what did you seer"
 More than l care to tell, signore. II they were arrested I should be arrested, too, you see"
 But l mean to solve the mystery. olinto," said fiercely, for I was in no trifiing mood. 'T'n fathom if if 1t costs me my life"
 If the signor solves 1t, then I can. not be charged with revealing the truth" was the mans diplomatic reply. But l fear they are far too wary"
 "Armida has lost her life. Surely that is sufficient incentive for you to bring them all to justice?"
 of course. But if the law falls upon them, it will also fall upon me"
 l explained the terrible afliction to which my love had been subjected by those heartless brutes, whereupon he cried enthusiastically: Then she is not dead! She can tell us every. thing!"
 But cannot you tell us?"
 But what is the use, If we have TO clear proof?" was his evasive reply l could see plainly that he feared be- ing implicated in some extraordinary plot, the exact nature of which he so steadfastly refused to reveal to me.
 We talked on for half an hour. and from his conversation l gathered that he was we'll acquainted with Elma.
 "Ah, signore, she was such a pleas ant and kind-hearted young lady. l always felt very sorry for her. She was in deadly fear of them"
 But why did they induce you to entice me to that house in Lambeth :? Why did they so evidently desire that I should be killed?"
 By accident" he interrupted, cor recting me. Always by accident" and he smiled grimly
 Surely you know their secret mo tive?" 1 remarked.
 "At the time l did not" he declared I acted on their instructions, being compelled to, for they hold my future in their hands. Therefore l could not disobey. You knew too much, there fore you were marked down for death just as you are now"
 And who is it who is now seeking my life?" I inquired gravely T only re- turned from Russia yesterday"
 Your movements are we'll known" ]" answered the young Italian. You can not be too careful Woodroffe has been in Russia with you, has he not? And Chatter is in London"
 And the Leithcourts?"
 He shrugged his shoulders with gesture of ignorance, adding. The Signorina Muriel returned to London from Eastbourne this morning"
 Where can find herr" l inquired
 So Sf h0 ,,4y tance that should see her."
 "She is with a relation, a cousin, think, at Bassett road, Noting Hill. The house is called 'Holmwood. "
 Then, after a pause, he added, with a strange, earnest look in his dark eyes. Pardon me, Signor Commenda- tore, if l presume to suggest some thing, will you not?
 Certainly. What do you suggest"
 "That you should remain here, in this hotel, and not venture out
 "For fear of something unfortunate happening to mel" I laughed. "Tm really not afraid. Olinto," l added. You know 1 carry this," and l drew out my revolver from my hip pocKet'
 But, signore, have care for your self" cried the Italian, laying his haha upon my arm. You are marked man. An! do l not know" he ex- claimed breathlessly. "lf you go out you may run right into-well. the fatai accident"
 "Never fear, Olinto," I replied re- assuringIy. q shall keep my eyes wide open. Here, in London, ones llle is safer than anywhere else Ill the world, perhaps-certainly safer than in some places I could name m your own country, eh?" at which he grinned.
 The next moment he grew serious again, and said:
 q only warn the signore that Il he goes out it is at his own peril
 "rhen let it be so," l laughed Ieei, ino se,fconfident that no one couiu lead me into a trap. was neltner foroioner nor country cousin. l knew london too well. He was silent anu sbook his head; then. after teiiihe lne that he was still at the same festSu. ra nt in Westbourne Grove, he LOOK HIS HIS departure. warning me once more no' to pO forth. L;.