The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1915-01-08

VERY good" replied Olga And
then the program is to insist that she
invite Florence and that fool of a re.
porter to this bail Then what?"
"You can leave that to me-"
Haven't all these failures been a
warning?'
mo, my dear. / "a born optimis-
tic; but there's a tinx somewhere in
one of my pockets. Time after time
I've had everything just where l wanted
it. and then-poofl It's pure bald
luck on their side, but sooner or later
the wheel will turn. And any chance
that offers l am bound to accept
Somehow or other we may be able to
trap Florence and Norton. l want
both of them. If can get them snug
ly away, Jones will be forced to draw
in H~argreave."
as there such a mani"
"You saw him that night at the
restaurant"
81 have often thought that perhaps
l Just dreamed IT," She turned again
to the piano and began humming idly.
stop that and listen to me-" said
Braine, not in quite the best Of tenn
pers. "Im in no mood for whims."
Music does not sooth your soul,
them" c~ynically,
IF | had one 1t might. You will
call on the Princess Parlova tomor-
row afternoon. It depends upon you
what my plans will be. l think you'll
have little trouble in getting into the
presence of her highness, and once
there she will not be able to resist
you"
"TIl co."
And go she did. The footman in
green livery hesitated for a moment,
but the title on the visiting card was
quite sufficient, He bowed the count
ess into the reception room and went
in search Of his distinguished mis-
tress.
The Princess Parlova was a hand
some woman verglng upon middle age.
She was a patrician; Olga's keen eye
discerned that instantly. She came
into the reception room with that dig
niied serenity which would have i'm
pressed any one as genuine. She held
the card in her fingers and smiled in
Quiringly toward her guest.
Il confess" she began, that | re-
call neither your face nor your name.
am sorry. Where have l had the
honor of meeting you before?"
You have never met me before,
your highness," answered Olga
sweetly.
You came on a charity errand,
them"
THAT depends, your highness. VIII
you be so good as to glance at this ?"
Olga asked, holding out her palm
upon which the talisman lay.
The princess shrank back, pallng.
Where did you get that?" she
painted.
From the head" was the answer.
And you have followed me from
Russian" whispered the princess, her
terror growing.
"Oh, no. The Black Hundred is as
strongly organized here as in st. Pc
tersburg. But we always keep track
Of old members, especially when they
stand so high in the world as your
self"
But | was deceived and betrayed"
exclaimed the princess. "They urged
me to join on the ground that the
organization was to attempt to bring
about the freedom Of Poland
Olga shrugged. you were rich,
highness. The Black Hundred needed
money"
And you need 1t now?" eagerly,
believing that she saw a loophole.
How much? Oh, l will give a hun
dred thousand rubles on your prom
Use to leave me alone. Tell mel"
Il am sorry, your highness, but |
have no authority to accept such an
offer. Indeed, my errand is far from
being expensive. All the Black Hun
dred desires is four invitations to
this ball which you are soon to give.
That should not nj you any alarm.
We shall not interfere with your So
journ in America in any way what
soever, provided these invitations are
issued"
You would rob my guests?" horri.
fed.
Positively mol Here is a list of
four names. Invite them; that is all
you have to do. Not so much as a
silver spoon will be found missing.
This is on my word Of honor, and ]
never break hat word, If you please
Give me the list" said the princess
YEARLY. who gave you that ring?'
The head"
I'm Russian"
mo; here in America" Olga dipped
into her handbag and produced a slip
of paper. This she handed to the
princess. Here is the list, hishness.'
WHO is Florence %Hargreave?"
"A friend Of mine" evasively.
Does she belong to the organiza.
ton"
No"
"Thpn vor bava soma ultarior n,r.
pose in having me invite herr"