The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-11
CHAPTER XVII.
Am Forced Into Being q Here.

" solitary pipe of peace. | re-
membered Mr.. Bangs. the law
yer. the man with the top button OF.
What had become of him? His pres.
ence or, more accurately. his absence
suddenly loomed up before me as the
forerunner OF an unwelcome invasion
of my preserves. He was no doubt a
sort Of advance agent for the Titus
family and its immediate ramifcations.
Just as / was on the point of starting
out to make inquiries concerning him
there came to my ears the SOUND OF
| tapping ON the back OF Red Ludwig's
portrait.
! rushed over and raped resounding.
ly upon Lndwig's pudgy knee. The
next instant there was click. and
| then the secret door swung open. re-
vealing the eager. concerned face OF
| my neighbor.
! What has happened?" she cried.
lifted her ont of the frame. Der
| gaze fell upon the bandaged tist.
Mr.. Bangs spoke of pistol. Don't
tell me that he-he shot you"'
| held up my swollen hand rather
proudly II smelled vileIy OF arnica.
This wound was self inflicted. ny
dear countess | said. thrilled by ner
! expression of concern. II had the AZ.
Quisite pleasure-and pain-of knocking
| your former husband down"
"Oh. splendidr she cried. her eyes
! cleaning with excitement MIR. Bangs
was rather hazy about 1t. and he would
not let me risk teiephoning. You knock.
ed Naris DOWN.
"Empha dcally." said l.
She unused. II think 1t Is the first
time II has ever happened to him. How
how did he like itY
1T appeared to PROSTATE him."
She smiled understandingly. u am
| glad you did 1t, Mr.. Smart"
If | remember correctly. you once
said that he had struck you. countess"
Her face flushed. Yes, on three
separate occasions be struck me In the
face with his open hand. IL testified
to that effect at the trial. Every one
! seemed to look upon 1t as a joke. He
swore that they were-were love pats"
Il hope his lack of discrimina tion
! will not lead him To believe that was
delivering love pat" said | grimly.
Now tell me everything that hap
pened." she said. seating herself in my
big armchair Her feet failed to touch
the floor.
When ! came to that part of the
story where accused Tarnowsy Of
! duplicity in connection with the fres
Goes she betrayed intense excitement
/ "Of course 1t was all q bluff on my
1 part" | explained.
I But you were nearer the truth than
I you thought" she said. compressing
her lips, After moment she went
! on: Count HohendahI sold the orig
nails over three years ago. was here
! with Maris AT the time of the transac-
ton and when the paintings were re;
1 moved. Maris acted as an interme.
diary in the deal. Hohendahl received
100000 for the paintings, but they
were worth It | have reason TO be
lieve that Maris had fourth of the
amount for his commission. So, you
see, you were right In your surmise.
THE Internal rascal! Where are the
originals. couDtessr'
! They are In my fathers villa at
! Newport" she said Il intended speak.
! ing of this to you before. but l was
afraid your pride would De hurt. OF
/ course should have spoken II it came
to the point where you really consid
cred having those forgeries restored"
He will challenge you." she went on
nervously. he has fought three duels
He is not physical coward" Her
dark eyes were full of dread
hesitated would you be vitally
interested in the outcome Of such an
AFFAIR." ! asked. II mean on Rose
mary's account. He-he Is her father.
you see. 1t would mean
A slow flush mounted 20 her brow.
THAT Is precisely what l was think
ing. Mr. Smart II would be-unspeak
ably dreadful"
stood over her Ny heart was
pounding heavily. She must have seen
the peril that lay In my eyes. for she
suddenly slipped out of the chair and
faced me, the flush dying in her cheek
leaving II as pale as ivory.