Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-10
CHAPTER TX
plrlomntic RelntIon. nroken ol

TT Il GAVE me a pleasant good evening
L i with perfect nonchalance. I stam-
mered out a confused and breathless re-
sponse, which, however, I managed to cover
by slammlng the door smartly.
My mind was n whirl of conflicting
thoughts as / turned, but out OF them one
consideration stood prominent: | must
conduct myself with a coolness and a COM
posurc in no degree inferior to the cap
tain's
Whatever his purpose with me, whatever
the motive which had inspired this visit,
which only omnisclence could have foreseen
and provided against, / must not show the
least evidence OF my amazement; therein
lay the only weak spot in my armor and.
somehow, felt that this meeting was to be
OF the nature of n duel between us-a duel
of wits, IL nothing moro.
Certainly Won Holzborn had not come
unprompted by ulterior motive; 1t was not
conceivable that this was a merely friendly
call. He had his point to make, his sur
mise to prove that was beyond doubt.
II remained for me to keep him as COM
pletely in the dark, concerning what he
wished to know. as lay within my power
and 1 prided myself that my wits would
prove as nimbe as the Prussan's
At the same time l was to find out for
myself and for Sevrance upon what manner
of devilment Won HolZborn was engaged,
and how II affected the woman whom
lONeu nHu neeu Oh All my ulplOlHdCy anu
discretion for an undertaking so essentially
dellcate-to worm from this self-contained
nature the truth and simultaneously permit
him to guess nothing of our suspicious, our
plans, or our knowledge.
He put himself in the middle of the
room. where he stood squarely, as was his
wont, with his back to the light, his face
shadowed-a temporary advantage. But
managed to meet his hard and express
sionless eyes with gaze as frank and
open, II colored with polite surprise, as 1
could have desired or so prided myself.
At any rate. he seemed satisfied, and
knowing that the advantage of the light was
untenable for long, relinquished 1t without
any maneuverings, and dropped his heavy,
solid body into armchair, signing with
relief-as weary man might sigh.
In this position the glare of lamplight
was full upon his face; another's had been
an open book to reader of phySiognomies !;
Won Holzborn's was as blank as n freshly
laundered sheet IL not of the same hue.
To cover my lack of calmness and to keep
my face turned from him, I busted myself
about the room, finding cigars and cigar
cites, during his opening remarks.
Mr.. SevranceT' he inquired blandly. He
is not in?"
NO" told him frankly; II am alone"
But he will return"
saw no reason for Withholding the
truth.
"As matter of fact" replied. IT don't
know when he will get home. He didn't
say-to me, at least. And Grady also is
out"
'I am sorry. I would have liked a
word with him. We have become quite
frIendly-Mr. sevrance and myself, Mr..
Traill."
80 he has indicated. A cigar? Or
cigarette?" 1 offered the boxes.
He accepted an Havana, refusing an
immediate light, however.
After ALL" he said, watching me keenly,
"it is perhaps as well. My errand, to be
candid. is more with you than with Mr..
Sevrance."
"Yes?
1 had trimmed the end OF cigar, and
now I bent over the lamp. lighting the to-
bacco with the heat from the chimney, so
that he did not learn much from my ex-
preston. An instant later, when l waa
seated facing him, had the smoke for
mask, and was well content,
Yes" he said precisely, speaking with
deliberation and choosing his words. II
am SO fortunate as to be the bearer OF a
message TO you, sir" He bent forward,
linking his fingers. his elbows resting upon
ing the hard contour of his lips. From a
lady" he added slowly.
1T can imagine from whom, then" 1
laughed easily. you see. so far as know,
we have but one feminine acquaintance In
common"
''To be sure" he assented gravely. I'VE
are both favored Of fortune"
Decidedly" 1 agreed "and yet, you de-
serve all the congratulations. Captain"
"And not Lady HERBERT" He laughed
shortly, but not unamiably, TO show that
he had purposely misinterpreted my re-
mark, and continued:
CONTINUED TOMORROW