Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1917-02-09

0fN~N A
the menacing automatlc-barrel to n
side and sprang bodily on Manley. As
he did so an unexpected and strangely
mantled figure glided into the narrow
room. It was a figure wrapped and
hooded in heavy velour and only a sec
ond glance at its strange coveries
would have revealed the fact that it
was a portiere quickly torn from its
fastenings and improvised into a
mask to conceal its wearer's identity.
But Manley, as he fought with Wrench,
had small time to register this fact, or
the further fact that a rent had been
made in the portiere to serve as an
eye-hole for the head which 1t so COM
pletely covered.
It was not until that hooded figure
had Joined in the contest that Manley
became aware of the second portiere
which his newer opponent carried. For
his portiere was deity thrown rel
the young secretary's head and sudden.
ly drawn tight about his arms. The
white-faced and struggling footman,
realizing that his final chance had
come, promptly took advantage of Man.
ley's momentary helplessness to fall
back, leap for the open door and make
good his escape.
Manley himself, maddened by the
thought Of that culprit's escape, swung
about on his hooded ~assailant with a
fury that sent the latter also retreat
ing towards the hall. That unknown
enemy even sought to escape as his
colleague had done, but at the stair
head Manley overlook him. Together
they went down the stairs, a tangle Of
limbs and striking fists and portiere
ends. They fought and rolled along the
lower doorway, fought until Manley
had freed himself from the others
clutch and was struggling to tear the
drapery from about his mysterious en-
emy's head. But that enemy, fran.
tically bent IN remaining unknown,
fought back with an added fury which
brought the two swaying and clinging
bodies full force against the stair
railing. That railing, under the strain.
suddenly gave way. Marley, clinging
desperately to the portiere folds, felt
that voluminous drapery follow after
him as he fell gasping over the well Of
the stairs.
He fell sprawling, tangled up in
many yards Of velour, and landed on
the covering head and shoulders Of the
astounded Wilson, who, at that sudden
assault, promptly and vociferously
shouted for help.
When Manley, stunned for a minute
or two by the fall, once more opened
his eyes and blluiEed inquiringly about
him, he saw both Golden and his wife
and Margery herself clustered at his
side.
Did you get him?" he demanded.
Get whom2" asked Enoch Golden.
THAT murderous blackleg, Da Els
p%ares!" was Manleys reply.
but Count da Espares has nothing
to do with this" protested the girl,
with a frown Of bewilderment. Hes
only been helping Us, as he always
helped usl"
"As he always helped your" scofied
the i%ncredulous Manley.
Eyes, as be will tell you himself"
For at that moment, a and smil-
ing, the count Joined the wondering
circle.
"Ah, monsieur, l keep watch above.
as you ask" he explained with a shrug.
But nozzing happen. / see nobody.
Then, mon dieu. l hear the tumult
and come down to you. But / cannot
comprehend. So tell me, monsieur, l
beg, what has happen3"
Manley ose stifiy and slowly to his
feet.
You don't understandR" he asked
as his fixed stare met the mildly queB-
tioning eyes Of the count.
mo. monsieur" was the others
softly spoken answer, as he still gazed
with solemn wonder into the scofing
face Of the American.
But what do you mean by this, any
way, Manley2" demanded mnocb
Golden.
"Oh, / guess he's merely the guy
that put the Laugh IN the Laughing
Mask" was Manley'a embittered yet
enigmatio retort.
] To BE CoNTREUWnl