The Washington times., 1917-08-05

And In his estimate OF this, he was
not far wrong. The walls were al
ready pressing upon acknowledging
them together in q terrified group
Knox holding a place for himself be-
tween Pearl and the High Priestess,
go that their softer bodies would pro-
tect him for a time at least
In all their eyes was a light very
like madness. And the NOV
ing walls pressed closer and closer.
The advancing FIRE engines, descend
ing upon the house with noisy speed,
brought home to Carslake the advis-
ability OF flight, otherwise he might
have waited to make sure that Tom
Carleton was really dead.
As II was, Tom was only slightly
stunned, and recovering swiftly, he
rushed to the lever and showed 1t
back, arresting the walls as they
were in the very act Of crushing thei-
helpless victims.
4 Pearl was nearest as Tom opened
: the way to escape; but Knox, crazed
with fear, dragged her aside, regard
. less Of the fact that Pearl was half
. fainting with weakness.
7 Tom brought him swiftly to his
+ senses, however, with a blow on the
! end of his chin, which sent him stag
Eering back to fall in a heap out
lof the way.
Now, let me help you" he murmur-
ed gently, hAlf-guiding, half-support-
ing her as they made their way into
the open air.
! The priestess and her Arabs rushed
past them and speedily vanished.
Knox, sitting up, looked with jealous,
envious eyes-remembered that he
Ehad still the setting which he had
taken from Pearl without her knowl-
edge-and smiled as a great idea for
revenge came to him. He would
SQUARE his score with Tom and eAmi-
nate him forever from Pearls circle
Of acquaintances by throwing thS
blame Of the theft on him.
With this comforting plan in mind
Knox picked himself up and follow
ed the others out Of the burning
house
Pearl IL Grateful.
In the open air Pearl revived swiftly
and looked at her rescuer with wide
grateful eyes.
IT don't know what to say to you
how TO thank you :" she murmured slow
ly. ''You've-saved my life"
Don't thank me-" he protested. color
ing. ANY one who had the opportunity
would be glad to do the same thing.
am indebteded to you for chance &c
play the hero"'
She smiled. and then held out her hand
TO him.
am not misIed. am Pearl Standish
n ever YOU need q friend come TO me-"
His eyes opened wide as she spoke hei
name. and he could scarcely reply TO 81
famous a parsonage
III ever Miss Standish needs any ait
Of any sort she has just to look her meet
at Tom Carleton. OF the New forl
American"
"A reporter-really?" repeated Pear
REALLY. And as a reporter. can
help wondering. Miss Standish. what thi
IL all about"
She liked his eyes. They seemed 81
honest. She ukad his frankness, toe
And she was on the verge Of beginning
an explanation. when Knox approaches
them
'sBe careful what you say TO tina
man, Miss Standish," he warned her
He Is a member Of the Sacred orde
Of the Violet God. and Is after the set
ting for the violet diamond"
Pearl turned from him in astonishnen
70 reEard Tom His innocent look wa
COlNlnClnk. ouN " " NN+S~ ~ -
dipped a hand into the pocket where sh
had kept the ring.
It was gone
Startled, incredulous, in grave disar
pointment, she looked at Tom again. re
calling that he had had ample opportur
ity TO take the ring as he helped he
from the burning house.
The ring -" she cried anxiouslI
1T II gonel"
Il told you So" cried Knox. vindIC
lively.
what ring7 What do you meant
asked Tom curiously. What is all thl
about the violet god and the violet dis
mond?"
Knox Warns Her.
Before Pearl could answer him
policeman advanced toward them, an
Knox laid q warning hand on he
arm.
BE careful! Say nothing hersI" h
advised.