The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-05-12
Flight.
CHAPTER xII.

Flight.
Now when Lanyard had locked the
door the gruesome peace OF those two
bedchambers was insured. barring the
unforeseen, for as long as the drug
held sway over the faculties OF the
American. and Lanyard felt justified in
reckoning that the others uncon-
seriousness would be tolerably protract-
ed, while not before noon at the ear
Hest would any Partisan landlord who
knew his business dare permit the rest
OF an AngloSaxon guest to be dis
turbed-in the absence. at least, Of
definite instructions to the contrary.
For full minute after Withdrawing
the key the adventurer stood at alert
attention; but the heavy silence Of
that sinister old rookery sang in his
ears untroubled by any untoward
sound.
That wistful shadow of his memo
ries, that covering Marcel of yester-
day, In acute terror Of the heavy hand
OF Nine. Troyon, had never stolen down
that corridor more quietly; yet Lam
yard had taken not five PAGES from his
door when that other. at the far end
Of the corridor, opened, and Lucia
Bannon stepped out.
He halted and shut his teeth upon
an involuntary oath-truly 1t seemed
as though this run of the DEVILS own
luck would never endl
Astonlshment measurably modified
his evaporation. What had reused
the girl out of bed and dressed her
for the street at that unholy hour?
And why her terror at sight of him?
For that the encounter was no more
welcome to her than to him was as
patent as the fact that she was pre-
pared to leave the hotel forthwith. A
businesslike Burberry rainproof en-
veloped her from throat to the hem
Of short walking skirt Of rough
tweed, beneath which boots both stout
and brown were visible.
At sight Of him she paused with a
nervous start and instinctiyely stepped
back, cropping blindly for the knob OF
her bedchamber door, while the eyes
that held to his with an effect OF
frightened fascination seemed momen
tarily to grow larger and darker in
her face of abnormal pallor.
But these were illegible evidences
and Lanyard ignored them. intent on
securing her attention and silence be
fore she could speak and So perhaps
betray him and ruin incontinently that
grim alibi he had prepared with such
elaborate pains. He moved toward heI
swiftly, with long, silent strides, a
lifted hand enjoining rather than beg
ging her silence and attention As he
drew nearer he was aware that curl
Gus change was coloring the complex
ion of her temper. She passed quickly
from dread to something oddly like re
lief. from repulsion to something
strangely like welcome, and dropping
the hand that had sought the doorknob
she, in turn, moved quietly to meet
him.
He was grateful for this considera
ton, for this tacit indulgence Of the
wish he had as yet to voice, and drew
a little hope and comfort from 1t in
an emergency which had surprised
him without resource other than Ia
throw himself upon her mercy. And
as soon as he could make himself
heard in the clear yet concentrated
whisper that was trick OF his trade
he addressed her in manner at once
peremptory and apologetic:
IF you please. Miss Bannon-not q
word, not a Whisper"
She paused and nodded, eyes stead
fast to his, questioning but compliant
Doubtfully, wondering that she didn't
show more wonder, he went on in the