Judsonia weekly advance., 1917-04-04


 about the room as if in curiosity, ex- aminfng the paintings and decorations on the wall. She knew that her chance might come at any moment. and keeping a sharp watch on every door, she gradually worked her way to where the secret panel was hidden in the wall.
 In her hand the girl carried q small bag, such as women often have with them on shopping trips.
 Deftly she pushed the heart of the rose. The panel slid back and as she gazed stealthily into the half-dark- ened room she discovered that there was not a soul to be seen. She lecid- ed quickly, her opportunity was at l hand.
 She ran swiftly across the room and pulled the draperies aside. In another instant she had begun to turn the com bination, listening with her ear close to the lock as the tumblers moved into place.
 When she had completed the spec- fled number of revolutions, and stopped the combination on the final number, she was able to turn the knob at the first attempt.
 There was q massive jewel box standing on small table in the center of the cloSet-like room, and taking d chance on getting what she was after, Pat emptied the contents of the box into her handbag. She watched string after string of pearls and gems flow into the leather bag
 As Pat made her exit from the vault she realized to her dismay that she was not now alone in the kings li- brary. As she dropped the drapery over the door to the strong room, she saw approaching the king himself. "They told me to wait for you here,' said the girl without quiver of an eyelash or hesitating an instant. II have been amusing myself looking around, your majesty"
 Before the king could question her, Duke Hestor entered and gazed in as- tonishment at the girl here in the pres ence of the king. At the sight of the duke the girl made q clumsy move and, as if by accident, dropped her bag upon the floor. Duke Hestor picked it up and politely offered to restore it to her.
 "Ill thank you to hold the bag for me few moments, while I speak to the king" said Pat, smiling her pret- tiest at the two representatives of roy alty
 Tell the young person., said the king, addressing himself to Duke Hes tor that she cannot talk to me unless l make the appointment. Then see that she is ushered from the palace.'
 The duke bowed low, and Pat made a courtesy. Then, instantly the girl took the dukes arm and urged him to lead her from the room. This done, and they were once outside of the pal ace, Pat snatched the bag from the dukes hand and fled rapidly up the avenue.
 My word, but she is a peculiar crea- ture," said the duke half aloud as if to himself, while he watched Pat disap- pear around the first turning of the street. And smiling grimly, continued: T wonder if she has the jewels in that bag"
 Meanwhile Kelly had again called upon the king, at his command, enter ing the palace by a different way at the instant Pat was hurrying off with the queens jewels safely in her hand bag. As Kelly entered the kings pres ence, the ruler was fairly exploding in a towering rage.
 "The jewels are gone. I just dis covered it. That woman leader has made a fool of the king of Dufrane," cried the monarch in walls of anger
 Yes, and she's fooled the Sphinx" Kelly muttered to himself.
 Housing the guard, the Sphinx made an effort to apprehend the girl but was, of course, too late. Even while the king and his household were in commotion Pat had sold the jewels to the banker who was waiting, ready to pass over the money, and within the hour she had enriched the treasury of the Peoples league.
 Good friends, my work here is done," said Pat, when the wildly en- thusiastic members of the league had calmed down enough to allow her voice to be heard. "The queens wishes have been fulfilled"
 The shouting and cheering populace followed the girl from the hall and into the street. She led the procession straight to the palace, and then urged them into cheers for the king By the mastery of her will she had changed