The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1915-08-27

| ulcil, anu lHey 1nteOQeu TO XIII ler.
l tried to prevent them taking her
away on the yacht, and | would have
| gone to the police-only | dare not
| because my own hands were not quite
clean. l knew they intended to silence
her, but l 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?"
We'll, | was Leithcourts servant"
was his reply. 81 was steward on the
Iris for year, until l suppose they
thought that l began to see too much,
| and then l was placed in a position
| ashore"
and what did you see?"
More than / care to tell, sgnore.
If they were arrested l should be
arrested. too, you see."
But | mean to solve the mystery,
Olinto,' l said fiercely, for l was in
no trihing mood. "Ill fathom it If
1t costs me my life"
IF the signor solves 1t, then I can
not be charged with revealing the
truth" was the mans diplomatic reply.
But l 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 II the law falls
upon them, 1t will also fall upon me-"
l explained the terrible affliction 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 u.s."
But what is the use, If we have no
! clear proof?" was his evasive reply
| could see plainly that he feared be-
ing implicated in some extraordinary
plot, the exact nature of which he so
steadfastly refused to reveal to me.
We talked on for half an hour and
from his conversation | gathered that
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. She
was in deadly fear of them"
But why did they induce you to
entice me to that house in Lambeth9
Why did they so evidently desire that
I should be killed."
by accident" he interrupted. cor.
recting me. always by accident"
and he smiled grimly.
Surely you know their secret mo-
| tive?" | remarked.
AT the time did not" he declared.
Il acted on their instructions. being
| compelled to. for they hold my future
in their hands. Therefore could not
disobey. You knew too much. there
| fore you were marked down for death
Just as you are now"
And who IS it who is now seeking
my life?" inquired gravely. Il only re-
turned from Russia yesterday"
Your movements are we'll known"
answered the young italian. you can.
not be too careful. Woodroffe has
been in Russia with you, has he not?
And Chatter is in London"
And the Leithcourts?
He shrugged his shoulders with a
gesture of ignorance, adding. THE
Signorina Muriel returned to London
from Eastbourne this morning"
Where can find her?'' | INQUIRED
eagerly. ut is of the utmost impor-
lance that l should see her."
"She is with relation, a cousin, |
think. at Bassett road, Noting Hill.
The house is called HOLLYWOOD"
Then, after pause, he added. with
strange, earnest look in his dark
eyes, Pardon me. Signor Commenda-
tore, IL l presume to suggest some.
thing. will you not?"
Certainly. What do you suggest?"
THAT you should remain here. In
this hotel. and not venture out"
For fear of something unfortunate
happening to mel" | laughed. I'm
really not afraid, Olinto," / added
You know | carry this" and | drew
out my revolver from my hip pocket
but, signore. have care for your
self" cried the Italian. laying his hand
uron my arm. You are a marked
man. All! do | not know" he ex-
! claimed breathlessly. "If you go out
you may run right into-well, the fatal
accident"
Never fear. Olinto," | replied re
assuringly. Il shall keep my eyes
wide open. Here. In London, ones life
is safer than anywhere else in the
world, perhaps-certainly safer than
in some places | could name in your
own country. eh?" at which he
grinned.
The next moment he grew serious
again and said;
Il only warn the signore that II he
goes out it is at his own peril"
Then let it be So" laughed. feel
ing self-contident that no one could
lead me into a trap. ! was neither a
foreigner nor country cousin. l knew
London too well. He was silent and
ehook his head. then after telling me