The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-07-22

Ter nearly swooned with horror and
dismay. The burglar hesitated.
do. / mean It," urged Pearl. 1--WE
always wanted to talk to Q real
burglar. But not at ten below zero!
Come inside. You will not be molest-
ed! You have the word Of q Stand
ish-r
She smiled-and Knox yielded. Men
invariably yielded when Pearl smiled.
AS they entered the big library and
the butler switched on the lights Pearl
waved him away and turned to her
aunt laughingly:
Aunt Matte, you're scared to death.
Go upstairs. But remember! This
gentleman is my guest. He Is to oe
unmolested"
Aunt Matte turned with a snort
of disguest and left the room Pearl
seated herself on the couch AMI In
vited the burglar to sit beside hef.
Take of your mask" she urged,
and be comfortable. / want you to
tell me why you Thought I had this
Violet diamond of Daroon."
Because your father bought II from
the faIthless priest, who stole II from
the idol" answered Knox frankly. AS
you have inherited all OF y1ur fathers
estate and possessions, you must have
the diamond"
But II have don't know IT," she
answered, interestedly. still thrr =
are a lot OF fathers effects In our
town house that I've had no timo to
go over. 1t may be there!"
why So AnxIOusP
"Will you turn II over to M II II
is?" asked Knox eagerly. I'll give
you whatever you think IT'S worth.
I'll give you what your father paid
for It,"
But why are you so anxious to
get it," asked Pearl.
Give me back the diamond and
I'll tell you" said Knox.
"Is there some. secret about IT?
Is IL the key to some myste'y' Has
II some value besides its intrinsic
one?"
Yes" admitted Knox You fur
nish the stone and I'll furnish the
answer.
Without an instants hesitation
Pearl leaped to her feet.
Done" she cried. I'll motor in
to town at once and look for it,"
As she spoke, the head and should
ers OF one of the Arabs appeared at
the window behind them.
Aunt Matte. pacing the floor OF
her own room upstairs, found no
peace of mind so long as she knew
the burglar was below with Pearl.
In fact, her uneasiness grew to such
proportions that she presently found
herself unable to remain in safety
another moment. Accordingly, she
descended, to find Pearl, in high
spirits, dashlng of for a hat and
coat while he Waffed
Angrily. she demanded OF Knox
the reason for this latest develop
ment. And when he explained that
Pearl was planning to motor in to
town with him. her Indignation
swallowed up her fear of him, and
she berated him roundIy.
Madam. l am not in love with my
mission. 1t is a matter OF life and
death with me-" he protested.
Just then Pearl returned. her cos
tune hidden beneath a long coat. a
small hat on her head. at a rakIsh an
gle, a handbag in her hand.
Her Aunt IL Alarmed.
PEARL" cried Aunt Matte. help
lessly. Have you no sense? Do you
want to be murdered"
mo" laughed Pearl. mot exactly"
Knox regarded her thoughtfully.
There Il something in what your
aunt says" he observed. "a lot OF
desperate men are after this diamond.
There Is no need OF your riskIng your
self. Can't you give me a written
permit to make a search?"
II wouldn't give a written order to
the mayor OF Jerusalem" answered
Pearl For the frst time in my life
I've stumbled into something excit-
ing. You go with me. or not at all"
Knox shrugged, accepting the in
evitable.
Just as you. wish. of course" he
said.
With a smile of triumph, Pearl took
leave of her aunt who waa anxiouR