Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1916-09-28

her arrival Tor his next astounding
adventure. Upon the morning Of that
day she had told the cashier that she
wished to have the safe left open that
evening as she desired to take from
it packet she had deposited for safe
keeping. This contained $4,000.
At one o'clock that night the prin-
cess returned, secured the money, and
was taken to the third floor by the
night elevator man. Her maid was
waiting for her in her bedroom, n
handsome room hung with heavy
draperics at the windows. She put
the precious bundle of bank notes on
her desk, and then removed her price
less pearl necklace. After carelessly
throwing it down beside the money,
she started for her dressing room
Thinking better of it, she retraced
her steps, and placed the money and
the pearls in a drawer of the desk.
No sooner had she disappeared than
Il man parted the heavy curtains. Two
in crossing the room to the desk. He
was apparently gentleman of about
forty years of age, faultlesSly attired
in evening dress. His square black
beard and heavy mustache accented
the paleness of his face. His shifty
eyes sparkled with Il strange, hard
brilliancy. They glanced from place
to place in a manner highly diScon
certing.
Just as he had partially opened the
drawer containing Il fortune in jewels
and money, his purpose was foiled by
hearing sounds from the dressing
room which unmistakably betokened
the return of the princess and her
maid. At one bound it seemed, he
returned to his hiding place, secret
ing himself only an instant before
the two women entered the room.
"Your highness wishes further
help?" inquired themaid.
mo, thank you. You may CO."
ute or two Princess Sonia sat lost in
thought, living over again the happy
hours she had spent that evening
Suddenly her attention was attracted
by the half-open drawer. The sight
of it was a distinct shock. Yet when
she discovered that the money and
the pearls were intact her equanimity
was at once restored. Perhaps she
had not closed the drawer after all,
she thought.
Not until Princess Sonia was ready
to retire did she walk to the desk TO
look in the drawer. AS her hand
reached for the key, she heard II
voice eXclaim:
Great heavens, Madam, how
beautiful you are"'
Surprised and frightened, she
wheeled instantly to confront a gen
tleman in the middle of the room.
His only movement was courtly
bow. His eyes fascinated her.
Nothing she did escaped them.
The princess was no coward. She
came of Il brave line, schooled in re-
straining emotion. AS she crossed
the room to an electric call button,
she was outwardly calm. 1t was
ing the intruder from her apartment.
"Stand where you are" The voice
of the man became imperative. Don't
scream. If you do your life will pay
tie penalty for your disobedience.
Come now, accept conditions as you
find them. It's far wiser, believe me.
Sit down. / insist There was again
the imperative tone. Now we can
talk. Don't be scared"
Subdued by his manner, Princess
Sonia obeyed.
What do. YOU want?' she asked.
II don't know you. Why are you
here?"
The unknown man seated himself,
Il mysterious smile playing about his
lips. He had been careful to place his
chair between the princess and the
desk which concealed the treasure. 1t
was strategic position which gave
him every advantage.
"YOu don't know me, and it is just
as well you don't" He replied to her
question with the cold imperturbality
which had frightened the princess
most of all when he had stopped her
from ringing for help. II know you,
and that's enough. Why am here is
the only thing of Importance at the
present moment"
Sitting her dread of the man, the
princess summoned sufficient firmness
to reply:
1T Is true that / don't know you.
l don't know but what you are trying
to Dlay a Joke on me. But i do know