Charlevoix county herald., 1915-06-26
The Mysterious Monogram
BY Howad Rookie
Copyright

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looked up furtively to observe her
features.
In spite of the pallor of her fea-
lures she spoke quietly. "Bajhab,"
she said in a low tone, you know
that / once threw this horrible thing
from me. Why do you offer it to me
again? ?"
"Worshipful lady, take it and wear
it," the man said earnestly.
"Yet you are perfectly aware that
it has caused me infinite trouble and
sorrow--this charm? ?" Grace said,
half questioningly.
Beautiful lady threw it away after
noble lord spoke unkindly to her about
it." the Sepoy returned. There is
danger, but with this charm you will
be safe. Oh, beg of you mistress,
take and wear itv'
Can there be greater danger
than that which have faced by wear
ing it," Grace asked anxiously.
The Indian nodded. There is far
greater danger danger which
threatens all who are in the path of
the terror this charm is symbolic of.
1t is the sign of death to enemies, but
of safety to friends-to you. Hang it
around the neck of the beautiful white
lady," lie pleaded. "Can not trust the
servant who has revered the shadow
of thy father for these many years.
There was break in the evenness of
the purring East Indian tone and there
were tears in the mans eyes as he
looked up at her-as a faithful dog
might look into the eyes of beloved
mistress.
Slowly Grace took the charm, in
spite of the horror its association
meant to her. And more slowly still
she entered the house and assembled
the stairs to the room where Har-
court was now sitting up in chair by
the open easement. AS she entered,
DR.. Maybrooke nodded to her and
softly withdrew. Harcourt enveloped
in a dressing gown, sat staring
out at the glorious sunset across the
rugged hills to the westward.
AS she entered he looked curiously
towards her-no sign of recognition
crossing his features. Then, as she
came closer, he smiled, and a puzzled
expression came into his eyes.
What is my name ?" he asked, look
ing curiously at Grace.
"Why, don't you know ?" she asked
anxiously, not having heard of his
mental state. The idea came as a
shock to her.
Harcourt shook his head. ct does
seem strange, doesn't it," he said
slowly. "Do you know I've been try
ing all afternoon to puzzle it out, but
somehow | can't seem to remember"
Grace was conscious of DR.. May
brooke's presence behind her, al
though the physician stood very still
on the threshold, waiting to hear his
patients next remark. 1t relieved her
little to know that the doctor was
there, and she was anxious to learn
the result of this strange state of Har-
courts mind.
She noticed him staring fxedly at
her throat, and, suddenly, she flushed
violently as she thought of the thing
that attracted his attention. 1t was
the silver charm the Sepoy servant
had given her. The thing apparently
fascinated Is,rcourt, and his eyes
seemed to be riveted upon it. He half
arose from his chair, and now little
cry escaped him.
Immediately, DR.. Maybrooke rushed
to Harcourt's side, and the patient
smiled feebly at his physician as he
slipped back among the cushions.
"How do you feel?" the doctor
asked solicitiously, observing every
symptom.
Bully" Harcourt exclaimed. I'D
like to be off for tramp over those
hills. Only it's funny, it doesn't seem
quite clear to me just who / am, and
don't seem to remember you all,
just now / saw a strange thing
wierd, uncanny sign that has annoyed
me for a long timer
He shuddered as he spoke and the
doctor put his arm about him COM
fortingly.
Don't worry" he said quietly. at
will ali come back to you shortly. In
the meantime you must not ask ques-
tions. Soon you will be stronger and
then you will understand it all per-
fectly."
Harcourt smiled with apparent sat
isfaction, and his gaze turned towards
the window once more. Then, with