Payette enterprise. (Payette, Canyon Co., Idaho) 1909-1935, 1916-07-13


the menacing automatic-barrel to one
side and sprang bodily on Manley. AS
he did so an unexpected and strangely
mantled figure glided into the narrow
room. 1t was figure wrapped and
hooded in heavy velour and only a sec
ond glance at its strange coyeries
would have revealed the fact that it
was portiere quickly torn from its
fastenings and improvised into a
mask to conceal its wearer's identity.
But Manley, as he fought with Wrench,
had small time to register this fact, or
the further fact that rent had been
made in the portiere to serve as an
eye-hole for the head which it 30 COM
pletely covered.
1t was not until that hooded figure
had Joined in the contest that Manley
became aware of the second portiere
which his newer opponent carried For
this portiere was deftly thrown over
the young secretary's head and sudden
ly drawn tight about his arms. The
white-faced and struggling footman,
realizing that his final chance had
come, promptly took advantage of Man.
ley's momentary helplessness to fall
back, leap for the open door and make
good his escape.
Manley himself, maddened by the
thought Of that culprit's escape, swung
about on his hooded assailant with
fury that sent the latter also retreat.
ing towards the hail. That unknown
enemy even sought to escape as his
colleague had done. but at the stair.
head Manley overlook him. Together
they went down the stairs, tangle of
limbs and striking fists and portiere
ends. They fought and rolled along the |
lower doorway, fought until Manley |
had freed himself from the others |
clutch and was struggling to tear the |
drapery from about his mysterious en-
emy's head. But that enemy, fran. |
tically bent on remaining unknown.
fought back with an added fury which
brought the two swaying and clinging
bodies full force against the stair
railing. That railing, under the strain.
suddenly gave way. Manley, clinging
desperately to the portiere folds, felt
that voluminous drapery follow after
him as he fell gasping over the we'll of
the stairs.
He fell sprawling, tangled I'D In
many yards Of velour, and landed on
the covering head and shoulders of the
astounded Wilson, who, at that sudden
assault, promptly and vociferously
shouted for help.
When Manley, stunned for minute
or two by the fall, once more opened
MS eyes and blinked inquiringly about
him, he saw both Golden and his wife
and Margery herself clustered at bis i:
side.
Did you get him7" he demanded
Get whomf" asked Enoch Golden.
That murderous blackleg, Da Es-
was Manley's reply.
But Count da Espares has notbinp
o do with this" protested the girl
With q frown Of bewilderment "He,a
'nly been helping US, as he ALWAYS
Helped us!"
AS he always helped your" scofred
NC lHcreuul0uB Manley
Yes, as he will tell you himselfIn
or at that moment, suave and smtI.
ng' the count Joined the wondering
ircle. t
"Ah, monsieur, 1 keep watch abova
you ask" he explained with a shrus
But nozzing happen. see nobody
hen, mon dieu, l hear the tumnlt
nd come down to you. But cannot
comprehend. So tell me, monsieur.
eg, what has happen2"
Manley rose stifiy and SLOWLY IN hi. Sc
,et MO ~
You don't understand2" he asked 20
mis- liked stare met the mildly ones. fr,
oning eyes of the count. ~,
mo, monsieur" was the otber,. g.
'itiy spoken answer, as he still pazed ~
i'm solemn wonder into the scoft,ng oa
&c OF the American.
But what do you mean by this any,
~, Manley2" demanded Enoch ]
,lden. e"
On, l guess he's merely the on, fro
at put the Laugh in the Laugb;n.
ASK" was Manley's embitterad Vs.
igmatic retort. /
(To BE coNTMUED) the
" - lht1