The evening world., 1916-05-31
A Plan OF Escape.

Himselr AT tn6 tapios
- time has now
como for me to ex-
plain my plan for your
salvation. Tomorrow morning. at
an early hour. Prince Fiorissl Of
Bohemia returns to London. after
having diverted himself for . few
days with the Parisian Carnival. Il
was my fortune. a good while ago,
to do Col. Geraldine. his Master Of
the Horse. ono Of those services 80
common In my profession. which are
never forgotten upon either side. I
have no need to explain to you the
nature Of the obligation under which
he was laid; sufice It to say that I
know him ready to serve me In any
practicable manner. Now. 1t was
necessary for you to gain London
with your trunk unopened. To this
tho custom house seemed to oppose q
fatal dihiculty: but I bethousht mo
that the baggage Of 20 considerable
a person As the prince IL. as a matter
Of courtesy. passed without examina-
tion by the officers of customs. I ap-
Piled to Col. Geraldine. and sue.
ceeded In obtaining a favorable an
r swsr. Tomorrow. II you 30 before 9
to the hotel where the prince lodges,
your baggage will be passed over a.
a part of his. and you yourself will
mako the journey as a member Of his
suite"
1T seems TO me. as you speak. that
have already seen both the prince
and Col. Geraldine; even overheard
some OF their conversation tho other
evening at the Butler ball"
1T Is probable enough, for che
prince loves TO mix with all societies"
replied the doctor. Once arrived In
London" he pursued. "your task ts
nearly ended. In this more bulky
envelope I have given you a letter
which l dare not address: but In the
other you will find the destination of
the house to which you must carry Il
along with your box. which will there
be taken from you and not trouble
you any more"
"Alas!" said silas. ~ have every
wish TO believe you. but how - It
possiblef You open up to me q
bright prospect. but ask you. 10 my
mind capable OF receiving 90 unlikely
a solution? Be more generous and
let me further understand your mean
ing"
The doctor seemed painfully i'm
pressed.
Boy" ne answered. "you do not
know how hard thing you ask Of me.
But be IT so. I am now Injured to
humiliation. and 1t would be strange
II refused you this. after having
granted you so much. Know, then,
that, although I now mako so quiet an
appearance--frugal. solitary. addicted
to study-when | was younger, my
name was once a rallying cry among
the most astute and dangerous spirits
OF London. and while ! was out
wardly an object for respect and con-
sideration. my true power resided In
the most secret. terrible and criminal
relations. II Is to one OF the persons
who then obeyed me that | now ad-
dress myself to deliver you from your
burden. They were men OF many
different nations and dexterities, all
bound together by a formidable oath.
and working 10 the same purposes:
the trade OF the association was In
murder. and who speak to you. in
nocent rs | appear, was the chieftain
OF this redoubtable crew"
WHAT" cried Silas. "A murderer
And one with whom murder was a
trade? Can l take your hand? Ought
l so much as accept your services,
Dark and criminal old man. would
you make an accomplice Of my youth
and my distress?"
The doctor laughed bitterly.
you are difficult to please. Mr..
Scuddamore." said he; but l now
offer you your choice of company
between the murdered man and the
murderer. IL your conscience 10 too
nice TO accept my aid. say 80. and I
will Immediately leave you. Thence
forward you can deal with your trunk
and its belongings as best suits your
upright conscience"
IIn Da