The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-05-20
This IL one Of The Times
/ Novel, "a Week
series.
II will be finished in six
big installments.
Continued from our last issue.)
CHAPTER XIII.
The Bcgxar's Jewel.


The Beggar's Jewel.
The road to Michael Balsic's
house plunged into the mountains
like wound. When Rupert
finally halted the machine, his
companion could see no break In
the wild desolation around them.
But the driver had fixed his land
marks.
"we're there" he declared
briefly. mo, you can't see the
town until you take that turn
ahead. There is what they call a
path along this heap of stone. I'll
stroll along there and see my
ground first"
"Take me with you" Delight
urged.
With some reluctance, he
helped her to descend. Her hand
on his arm, they made their way
along cleft in the mountain that
left a natural path. The cleft
ended just above the settlement,
on the side of the steep slope. A
huge boulder almost masked the
paths emerging, and served the
two Americans as a shelter for
accommodating. Just below was
the house of Michael Balsic.
I'm leaving you here while |
60 put through the deal" whis-
pered rupert.
Delight drew her check book
from her dress and gave 1t to
him.
"All that is there" she offered.
But that Is little, of course, TO
what | have In other forms than
money. If he will wait, will ar
range in America to give more
ten times what you see. | signed
these blank checks at the castle;
you can fill them out.
I'm going back to the ma
chine" said Rupert. viii you
come and wait there?
II will wait here, where l can
see"
She held out her hand for his
clasp of farewell, then watched
him disappear into the cleft
noun.
1t seemed long time before
the pant o. the motor came. A
last it drew up before Michael's
house. Michael and man De
light Judged to he josef came GU
into the dooryard. At their heel.
were proup of Michael's re
tanners.
Good day, Mr.. Rupert OF New
York Michael greeted pleasant
ly. You left us abruptly. M.
brother sent you on this errand?'
"Your sster-in-law,' was TIL
dry correction. Count Balsi
wasn't home when | got there
But the lady was. She sent IN
to offer money that's warrante
to give more satisfaction tina
even your sweet nature is likel
to get out of numbering Lessen
dra."
Michael meditated. There ar
difficulties In the way of Cousi
.Janilo's freedom he objected
IF he will not talk for me. h
will talk of me-
"As for that, Montenegro
going to be a place you won
enjoy. anyhow" returned his al
tagonist, imperturably. Lessen
dra amt the only man with
tongue. I've got one myself. It
all up, Lieutenant. You've got I
travel, and travel quick. Han
over Lesendra, and I'll give yo
travelling expenses.
What am | bid for my cousin
Mr.. Rugert? Your argument
irresistible!"
give thousand dollars"
Michael laughed aloud.
what, from an American mil
lionaire for her favorite kins
man Begin at ten time that
She has a million of your valua
BILE dollars"
1T amt stacked in banks
though. Money amt kept in col
storage. You ought to knoN
that"
The Montenegrin did know II
He paused, studying the impas
siye Rupert.
"How much has she available?
he demanded bluntly.
"If you want to do business Il
American style, instead of vast
ing time. all right. She has fit
thousand in cash. I'll give 20
half; last offer"
Michael hesitated. In a tol
A.. ha h In
above them elenched her hand
on the hard rock, not feeling 1t
roughness. What did Ruper
mean BY playing this way2 Ha
she not hidden him to give, pledg
her whole fortune? Why di
Michael look so strangely at JOSEF
delaying his answer until some in
telligence had passed betwee
them?
Very WE'LL" he accepted, fir
ally. Give me the fifty thou
sand. Mr.. i.upert."
II told you"
"All of it," Michael demand
ed. Come, finish, or 4 kee
Danilo. How have you it
check? Draw 1t, then"
Rupert took out the chez
book and a fountain pen.
''This thing I'm writing won
be done until / see Lesendra,
said Rupert.
Michael spoke comman
which sent two of his men int
the house.
Finish, Mr.. Rupert, finish!
have sent for Danilo."
He was not looking at Ruper
but past him. From her shelte
Delight followed the gaze. an
barely stifled a cry. For wher
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