The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-12
CONTINUED

u do. 1 have tried TO stop her. MT
Bangs has tried TO stop her. So has
father. But she is coming. We mus,
arrange something"
was pacing the door In front OF her
She had resumed her place In the chair,
My deepest regret. countess, lies In
the fact that our little visits will be-
well. at an end. Our delightful little
suppers and
"Oh. but think of the comfort II will
be to you-not having me on your
mind all OF the time. | shall not be
lonesome; l shall not be afraid: shall
not be forever annoying you with self.
ish demands upon your good nature.
You will have time TO write without
interruption. II will be for the best"
No" said l positively They were
Jolly parties. and shall miss them"
She looked away quickly. And II
all goes well l shah soon be safely on
my way TO America. Then you will
be rid of me completely"
Twas startled. "Yeu mean that there
fs a plan afoot to-so smuggie you out
OF the countryY'
Yes. And l fear l shall have to
trouble you again when it comes to
that You must help me. Mr.. Smart
nodded slowly, Help her to get
away? | hadn't thought OF that late
ly. The prospect left me rather cold
and sick.
"Pll do all that can. countess"
She smiled family. but was certain
that l detected Challenges rather
unkind challenge-in her eyes. "You
will come TO see me In New York, Of
sourse."
| shook my head. II am afraid we
are counting ourchickens before they're
hatched- One or the other of Us maJ
be in jail for the next few years"
"Heavensg'
But I'll come 10 see you In New
York IL you'll let me-" cried. tryini
20 repair the damage | had done ~
was jesting when l spoke OF Jail"
Her brow was puckered IN thought
-it has just occurred to me. my deai
friend, that even II 1 do get safel,
away you win be left here to face tn,
consequences. When it becomes know
that you sheltered me the authorities
may make it extremely uncomfortable
for you"
I'm not worrying about that"
"Just the same, It is something h
worry about" she said seriously
"Now. here is what have had in mind
for long time. Why don't yen com,
with me when I leave? That Will bt
the safest plan"
You are not in earnestr'
"Assuredly. The plan Is somethini
Ike this: ! am to be taken by slow
stages overland to a small Mediter.
ranean port One OF half dozer
American yachts now cruising the ses
Will be ready TO pick me up. Doesn'i
IL seem simpler
1T seems simple enough" said
But there are lot of Ifs between
here and the little port you hope tc
reach 1t will not be an easy matter
to manage the successful flight OF 8
party as large as yours will be-"
"Oh." she cried. 81 shall be quite
alone. except for Rosemary and Blake
and Mr.. Bangs"
But your mother? You can't leave
her here"
"You viii have to smuggle her out
Of the castle day or two In advance
It is all thought out, Mr.. Smart"
"By JoveI" l exclaimed, with mors
irascihiliy than l intended to show
IF | succeed in doing all that Is ex.
pected OF me. / certainly will be enti
tied to more than an Invitation to come
and see you In New fork"
She arose and laid her fingers upon
my bandaged hand. The reckless light
hsd died out OF her eyes.
81 have thought that out, too. Mr.
Smart" she said quietly. And now,
goodby. You will come up to see Mr.
Bangs tonighti"
Considerably mystined by her re-
mark, | said | would come, and then
assisted her through the opening in the
wall She smiled back at me as the
portrait swung into place
Bangs was a shrewd little English
man AS shook hands with him
esing my left hand with a superduous
apology glanced ar the top of his
waistcoat There was no button miss.
ing
The countess sewed 1t on for me-
he said drily. reading my thoughts.
stayed late with them. discussing
plans. Mrs. Titus and her sons were
TO enter the castle under cover OF
night. and | was TO meet them In an
automobile at town some fifteen kIlo-
meters away. where they would leave
the train while their watchers were
asleep. and bring them overland TO
Schloss Rothhoefen They would be
accompanied by a single lady's maid
and no luggage. A chartered motor
boat would meet rs up the river few
miles. and-well. it looked very sim
pie. All that was required of me was
q willingness to address her as "moth
'er'' and her sons as brothers" In case
there were any questions asked.
This was Tuesday They were com.
Ing on Thursday. and the train reach.
ed the station mentioned at half past
IL at night. So you will see 1t was a
jolly arrangement.
AS we said good night to the count
ess ON the little landing at the top OF