The Elbert County tribune., 1916-05-19
CHAPTER x.
Mine Enemy Intervenes.

stepped brislly out OF my aero
plane and walked over to Zeuxis. who
still crouched ab1ectly before me. AZ
! advanced the superstitious Corsicans
gave way again and re,reated before
me. running in all directions in fear OF
my supernatural descent from the
realms of the heavens. Small wonder:
this was the first aeroplane that had
over entered the island To them
must have appeared none other than
eome saint, made manifest out OF the
clouds
The sight of Zeuxis unnerved me.
but for a moment only. At all costs
must keep the dominance that l had
won. But six ind thirty hours re-
manned at most befors must begin
my return flight to France: and during
that brief time l. must obtain the
bonds from him, and then, by hook or
crook. SO work upon his mind that he
would consent TO brave the periis of
the return fight with me, to give that
evidence which would save Charles
from tho fgnominious fate of a traitor.
stepped toward him and touched
him ou the shoulder. Get up!" said.
Then. as he obeyed, like man dazed.
added In louder tones so that the lis
tening Corsicans might hear:
"Havo you not hospitality enough
70 offer shelter to such an old friend
AZ ~
Yes, yes. mademoiseile." he STAN
mered- Permit me to conduct you to
my house. II is but poor one-not
such as you have been used to--but, II
you will condescend. lady
Lead the wayi" answered. sitting
a desperate inclination to burst into
hystericai laughter. AS Zeuxis dragged
himself along the struggling road. at
his elbow, and the villagers following
al a respectful distance. l cast a glance
backward to the aeroplane. did not
like to leave 1t there. But where else
could take 1t? felt confident that
superstition would restrain any of the
Inhabitants of Scouto from laying
hands upon 1t. and then perforce dis
missed the matter from my mind At
the very end of the road we turned in
to small cottage. a peasants hoyei,
containing but two rooms, yet not un-
comfortably furnished in their primi-
tive fashion. A tallow candle was
burning upon small table. At the
DOORS dark-browed woman stood and
gIared sullenly at me before stepping
aside and permitting me to enter.
I knew whom she must be. This
was the woman for whose sake the
Greek spy had deserted his wife in
Paris, the woman OF whom Nine. Ecu
xis had told me.
"You-you will eat, mademoiselle? ?"
faltered my involuntary host.
= Indeed would. for was famishing.
At few words from Zeuxis the wom-
an stepped into the kitchen. returning
with bowl OF curdled goats milk. a
bread. which she placed before me on
the table. ! made hearty meal.
When looked up at last. satisfied. a
throng of Corsicals was gathered
around the door.
advanced to tho threshold. BE
gone!" cried. In Italian. They scut-
tied away like hares. Zeuxis and
were alone together again. the woman
having suileniy retired into the kitch-
en- after removing the remains of the
repast- I closed the door and began
speaking in French to him.
You know why have conner" l de-
manded.
"Signorina = mademoiselle, have
mercy" he pleaded. you will not be-
trny me? All the spies of France are
on my track. have repented. truly.
have burned eighteen candles before
the shrine OF st. Christopher! have
cut him short.
"Do you know" began. that an in
nocent man stands In danger OF being
convicted OF having sold the treaty?
He nodded. Let him suffer" he
answered. "That is between himself
and Magniff was only Magniff's tool
And he betrayed me. the scoundrel!'
ne continued. gritting his teeth In
rnge. But just wait. mademoiselle
Walt till the spies have forgotten me
DO you know what shall do? | shall
creep back to Paris. so softly that none
will know. and | shall draw my sharp
knife across Leopold Magniff's throat
so"-he initiated the action-"in re,
venge for the money that he stole
from me-"
His words gave me the clue that
had been searching for.
Suppose ! promised you an am.
nesty.r ] hazarded. "lf tell you that
you will not be molested. would you be
willing to return TO Paris with me and
to give evidence which will save the
ChevaIier DIVES from a shameful con
viction?"
He peered at me as IL not under
standing. or suspecting treachery.
"Wili you come back with me to.
morrow In the aeroplane?" continued.
Zeuxis uttered scream.
"The aeronlane7" ne cried. Never!
7 should die OF terror. would 60