The Madison journal., 1915-10-30

Now. tell the truth. In this affair,
Olinto. our interests are mutual. are
they not?"
He nodded, after a moments hesita-
tion.
And you know also a man named
Archer-who is sometimes known as
Hornby. or Woodroffe-as well as
friend of his called Chatter"
Isl, signore," he said. Il have met
them ALTO my regret"
And have you ever met a Rus
sian-a certain Baron Oberg-and his
niece, Elma Health"
His niece? She isn't his niece"
Then who is she?" demanded.
How do | know? | have seen her
once or twice. But she's dead, isn't
she? She knew the secret Of those
men, and they intended to kill her
tried to prevent them taking her
away on the yacht, and | would have
gone to the police-only | dare not
because my own hands we're not quite
clean. | knew they intended to silence
her, but / was powerless to save her,
poor young lady. They took her on
board Leithcourt's yacht, the Iris, and
they sailed for the Mediterranean,
believe"
And what was your connection
with them?"
well, l was Leithcourt's servant"
was his reply. 81 was steward on the
Iris for a year. until l suppose they
thought that began to see too much
and then vas placed in position
ashore"
And what Old you see?"
More than care to tell, signore
II they were arrested / should be
arrested, too, you see."
But | mean to solve the mystery
Olinto," said fiercely, for I was in
no trifiing mood. I'll fathom it il
1t costs me my life"
'If the signor solves It, then l can
not be charged with revealing the
TRUTH" was the mans diplomatic reply
But 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. .
/ explained the terrible affiiction 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 nc
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 81
steadfastly refused to reveal to me.
We talked on for half an hour, ant
from his conversation gathered tha
he was we'll acquainted with Elma.
"Ah, signore. she was such a pleas
ant and kind-hearted young lady.
always felt very sorry for her. Sh,
was in deadly fear of them"
But why did they induce you I,
entice me to that house in Lambeth
Why did they so evidently desire tha
should be killed."
by accident" he interrupted, col
recting me. Always by accident,
and he smiled grimly.
Surely you know their secret me
tive?" l remarked.
AT the time did not" he declared
Il acted on their instructions, bein
compelled to, for they hold my futur
in their hands. Therefore l could nc
disobey. You knew too much, ther,
i fore you were marked down for deaf
Just as you are now"
i And who is 1t who is now seekin
, my life?" inquired gravely. 81 only r
, turned from Russia yesterday"
Your movements are we'll known
! answered the young Italian. You ca
not be too careful. Woodroffe hs
been in Russia with you, has he not
And Chate- is in London"
And the Leithcourts?"
u AAC u66cu hio WIFI
) gesture Of ignorance. adding, "Tt
3 Signorina Muriel returned to Londc
I from Eastbourne this morning"
Where can | find herr" l inquire
y eagerly. 1T is of the utmost impo
;. tance that l should see her."
4 "She is with a relation. a cousin,
: think, at Bassett road, Noting Hi
e The house is called 'Holmwood.'
Then, after a pause, he added, vii
: a strange, earnest look in his daI
I eyes, Pardon me. Signor Commend
4 tore, II | presume to suggest som
thing. will you not?"
: Certainly. What do you suggest
e THAT you should remain here,
t this hotel, and not venture out"
For fear Of something unfortuna
i happening to met" | laughed. "I'
:. really not afraid, Olinto." | adde