The Green Forest tribune., 1915-08-13

! IiohS, yet he always arrived at the same spot at the same hour-five I o'clock.
 The place where he halted was on tne edge of dark wood on the brow or a hill about three miles from Ran noch Leithcourt never went there di- rect, put always so timed his walks that ne arrived just at five, and re- manned there smoking cigarettes until half-past, as though awaiting the ar rival of some person he expected.
 Tn my youth had sat many a quiet hour there in the darkening gloom ana knew the wood we'll, and was able to watch the tenant of Rannoch from points where he least suspected the presence of another Once, when I was alone with Muriel. 1 mentioned her fathers capacity for walking alone, whereupon she said:
 sOh, yes, he was always fond of walking. He used to take me with nm when we first came here, but he always went so far that refused to go any more"
 She never once mentioned Wood rotfe. l allowed her plenty of oppor- tunlty for doing so, chatfing her about her forthcoming marriage in order that she might again refer to him. But never did his name pass her lips. I understood that he had gone abroad that was all.
 Often when alone I refleGted upon my curious adventure on that night when 1 met Olinto, and of my narrow escape from the hands of my unknown enemies. I wondered if that ingenious and dastardly attempt upon my life had really any connection with that strange incident at Leghorn. As day succeeded day, my mind became filled by increasing suspicion. Mystery sur rounded me on every hand Indeed, by one curious fact alone it was in- creased a hundredfold.
 Late one afternoon, when had been out shooting all day with the Rannoch party, I drove back to the castle in the Perth cart with three other men, and found the ladies assembled in the great hall with tea ready. welcome log fire was blazing in the huge old grate, for in October it is chilly and damp in. Scotland and fire is pleasant at evening.
 Muriel was seated upon the high padded fender-like those one has at clubs-which always formed a cozy spot for the ladies, especially after dinner. When l entered, she rose quick ly and handed me my cup. exclaiming as she looked at me:
 "Oh, MT. Gregg! What state you are in!"
 Yes, I was after snipe, and slipped into a boz" I laughed. But it was early this morning, and the mud has dried"
 Come with me, and I'll get you a brush," she urged. And followed her l through the long corridors and up- stairs to a small sitting-room which was her own little sanctum, where she worked and read-a cozy little place with two queer old windows in the colossal wall, and floor of polished oak. and great black beams above As my eyes wandered around the room they suddenly fell upon an object which caused me to start with pro- found wonder-a cabinet photograph in a frame of crimson leather
 The picture was that of young girl "a duplicate of the portrait 1 had found torn across and flung aside on board the Lola!
 The merry eyes laughed out at me as I stood staring at it in sheer be- wilderment.
 What a pretty grill" I exclaimed quickly, concealing my surprise. Who is she?"
 My companion was silent moment her dark eyes meeting mine with a strange look of inquiry.
 "Yes," she laughed, everyone ad- mires her. She was schoolfellow of mine-Elma Heath
 Heath" I echoed Where was she at school with you?"
 At Chichester"
 Long ago?"
 "A little over two years ago"
 She's very beautiful!" I declared taking up the photograph and discov ering that it bore the name of the same well-known photographer in New Bond street as that had found on the car pet of the Lola in the Mediterranean.
 "Yes. She's really prettier than her photograph. It hardly does her jus tice."
 And where is she now?"
 Why are you so very inquisitive, MT. Gregg?" laughed the handsome girl. Have you actually fallen in love with her from her picture?"
 I'm hardly given to that kind of thing, Miss Leithcourt," I answered with mock severity. q don't think even my worst enemy could call me a firt, could she?"
 No I will give you your due," she declared You never do flirt. That is why I like you"
 Thanks for your candor, Miss Leith- court" said.
 "Only," she added, you seem smit- ten with Elma's charms"