The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-05-26
CONTINUED


there by the big Schmicks to await the
spring housecleaning season, | pre-
| sumo. Tarnowsy at first eyed the heap
curiously. then rather intently Sud
denly he strobe across the room and
gingerly rooted among the odds and
ends with the toe of his highly polish
ed boot
To my horror dilapdated doll de-
tached itself and rolled out upon the
floor. Il well remembered treasure of
Rosemarys and so unique in appear
ance that doubt If there was another
in the world like it, Indeed, have
distinct recollection of being told that
the chid's father had painted in the
extraordinary features and had him
self decorated the original flaxen locks
with singular stripes of red and white
and blue. sardonic tribute to the
home land of her mother.
| turned away as he stopped and
picked up the soiled. discarded effigy.
When next ] looked at him out of the
corner of my eye he was holding the
doll at arms length and staring at 1t
with fixed gaze. l knew that he rec
ognized it, There could be no doubt
in his mind as to the identity of that
telltale object. My heart was thump-
ing fiercely.
An instant later he rejoined me. but
not word did he utter concerning the
strange discovery he had made. His
face was set and pallid. and his eyes
were misty. Involuntarily looked to
see If he had the doll in his hand and
in that glance observed the bulging
surface of his coat pocket.
In silence we stood there awaiting
the reappearance of Saks. who had
gone into one of the adjoining rooms.
I confess that my hand trembled as ]
lighted fresh cigarette. He was star
ing moodily at the floor. his hands
rlasped behind his back Something
smacking of real intelligence ordered
me to hold my tongue. / smoked plac-
Idly, yet waited for the outburst. 1t
did not come. 1t never came. He kept
his thoughts, his emotions, to himself.
and for that single display of restraint
on his part l shall Always remember
him lis Il true descendant of the nobi..
ity.
We tr;lnped down the long flights OF
stairs side by side, followed by the su
pertiuous Me- Saks, who did all Of the
talking. He was, think, discoursine
on the extraordinary ability of ancient
builders. but | am not absolutely GER
tain. / am confident Tarnowsy did not
hear word the fellow said.
In my study We found Poopendyke
and the two strangers.
Have you made out the papers 2
demanded the count harshly An ugly
gleam had come to his eyes, but he did
not direct it toward me. Indeed, he
seemed to avoid looking at me at all.
Yes, Count Tarnowsy," said the law
yer. They are ready for the sigma
lures"
Perhaps Mr.. Smart may have recon
sidered his offer to SELL" said Tarnow
sy. Let him see the contracts"
Il have not reconsidered," | said
quietly.
You may sign here, Mr.. Smart
said the notary as he gave me the doc ,
ument, simple contract, found.
Jasper Titus will offer more than II
can afford to pay" said the count
please do not feel that / am taking
an unfair advantage of you. am alb
solutely certain that he wants to buy
this place for-his granddaughter, de
scendant of barons.'
The significance of this remark was
obvious, and 1t was the nearest he ever
came to uttering the conviction that
had been formed in that illuminatine
five minutes upstairs If he suspected
and think he did-he preferred not
to ask the questions that must have
been soaring his curious brain. 1t was
a truly wonderful demonstration of
self restraint. | would have given
much to be able to read his innermost
thoughts, to watch the perplexed move
ments of his mind
"Schloss Rothhoefen is yours, Count
Tarnowsy," said I. 1T is for you to
say whether his whim shall be graft |
fed"
His lips twitched I saw his hand
touch the bulging coat pocket with a |
swift, passing movement.
"Will you be good enough to sign,
Mr.. Smart?' he said coldly. He glanced
at his watch. MY time is valuable
When can you give possession"
THE day the deed is transferred"
THAT will be in less than three days.
l have satisfied myself that the title is
clear There need be no delay"
We signed the contract after I had
requested Poopendyke to read it aloud
to me. 1t called for the payment Of
10000 kronen, or little over $4,000,
at the time of signing. His lawyer
handed me package of crisp bank
notes and asked me to count them. I
did so deliberately. the purchaser look
ing on with a sardonic smile.
Correct said l, laying the package
on the table. He bowed very deeply.
Are you satisfied. Mr.. Smart, that
there are no counterfeits among them?"
he inquired. with polite irony; then to
his lawyer: Take the gentleman's re-
ceipt for the amount in the presence of
witnesses This is business transac-
tion. not game of chance" 1t was
the insult perfect