The Spectator., 1916-05-26


 As for me, I'm going to fight this out to the bitter end"
 And take my word for it, the end will be bitter"
 "Well?"
 "Oh, I shall stay. You know that my future is bound up in yours. In the old days my advice generally ap- pealed to you as sound; and when you followed 1t you were successful. From the first I advised you not to pursue Hargreave. See what has hap pened!"
 Enough of this chatter. I've got to die some time; it will be with my face to- ward this man hate with all my soul You trust to me; I'll pull out of this all right. You just fix yourself up stunningly for the opera tonight and leave the rest to me-"
 Olga shrugged. She was something of fatalist. This man of hers had suddenly gone mad; and one did not reason with mad people.
 What shall l wear?" she asked calmly.
 "Emeralds; they're your good luck stones. You will go to the box before l do. I've got to spend some time at the curb to be sure that this Servan chap arrives. And it is quite possible that our friend Jones will come later. If not Jones, then Norton. I was a fool not to shoot him when I had the al, without the least difficulty. But l needed the information about that pa per. With Norton going to Washing ton and Jones conferring with this Servan, I've got to strike quick. It concerns us, that I'm certain. Perk up; we've lots of cards in our sleeves yet. Be at the opera at eight-thirty. Pay no attention to any one; wait for me. Remember, shan't write or send any phone messages. Be wary of any trap like that to get you outside. Now, I'm off"
 Jones approached Florence immedi- ately after dinner.
 T have important business in the city tonight. Under no circumstances leave the house. l shall probably be followed. And our enemies will have need of you far more tonight than at any previous time. I shall not send you phone or written message. You have your revolver. Shoot any strange man who enters. We'll make inquir- ies after"
 hn fen Florence.
 Very near the end"
 And l shall see my father?"
 Jones bent his head. If we sue ceed
 There is danger?" thinking of her lover
 There is always danger when leave this house. So be good" the but Ter added with a smile.
 And Jim?"
 He has proved that he can take care of himself"
 Tell him to be very careful"
 I'll co so, but it will not be neces- sary;" and with this Jones set forth upon what he considered the culminat- ing adventure.
 The usual brilliant crowd began to pour into the opera. Braine took his stand by the entrance. He waited long time, but his patience was re- warded A limousine drove up and out of the door came his man, who looked about with casual interest. He dismissed the limousine. which wheeled slowly around the corner whero it could be conveniently parked. Then Servan entered the opera.
 Braine hurried around to the limou- sine. The lights, save those demand ed by traffic regulations, were out The chauffeur was huddled in his seat.
 My man. said Braine. would you like to make some money?" How much?" listlessly. The voice was untitled. Twenty"
 Good night, sir" Fifty"
 Good night and good morning."
 "A hundred!" "Now you've got me interested. What kind of joy ride do you want?"
 No joy ride. Listen" Briefly the conspirator outlined his needs. and finally the chauffeur nodded Five twenties were pressed | into his hand and he curled up in his seat again. Servan entered his box. In the box | next to his sat a handsomely gowned | young woman. He threw her an idle l glance. which was repaid In kind. | Later. Braine came in and sat down | beside Olga. Everything looks like plain sail ing" he whispered.
 Olga shrugged slightly.
 During the intermission between the | first and second acts, Servan took the | rear chair of his box, near the cur tains. Braine. watching with the eyes of lynx, suddenly observed the cur tains stirring. A hand was thrust through. In that hand was a packet of papers. With seeming indifference