Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-06-18

goes she will be IN great danger
not necessary that you should have q
further misconception of my motives Or
of my agility. I did not seek this
er---tete-a-tete' My servant engaged this
carriage. / had not hoped to have the
honor of accompanying rou. Unfor-
tunately,. circumstances forced change
of plan"
Circumstances :" she said contemp-
tuously. =
He bowed slightly. "As a discredited
Englishman. still possess, It seems:
some interest for certain citizens Of
Austria. only discovered the fact
this evening when leaving the apart
ment of the Baroness"
You were followed again?" she asked
quickly, her interest in the fact mas
tering her animosity.
The object of my visit to you has
been guessed. I was followed-but
yon were followed also" r
"Yes--to the station"
And where"
foot from the back of your head in the
adjoining compartment-"
And then as she Strengthened in alarm
and regarded the cushioned seat behind
her In sudden, terror, But I do not
They are following me !" She whis-
pered. But why? Why?"
Because Of your friendship with the
duchess. Those who plan the death OF
the Archduke are in no humor to fail"
Incredible And they" she
halted again, breathless with appre-
hension.
II fear. Countess Strahni, that your
a difficult one. That Is why / thought
It better to 90 with you. The men wto
are following You are moving with con-
siderable insolence and confidence. They
cumvented.''
But how?" she whispered. her anger
Of moment ago magically transmitted
He gazed out of the window at the
blur Of night and smiled.
ITO begin with" he said politely.
they think you are alone. You see.
I might help you. Countess Strahni. II
ence for q few hours.
1t was Renwick's innings and he made
the most of them. Indeed, Marishka sat
leaning Ilg forward looking at him appeal.
the only prop she had to lean upon In
this extremity. She did not speak.
The wrong he had done her and Aus
tria was great, unforglvable. but the
unmistakable. Inimicabio as he might
be to the sentiments in her heart, there
was no Disgusting the relief his presence
gave her or the confidence that radiated
from his calm assurance.
"One of the men have seen before"
he said. "He has gained some celebrity
in the secret service. You see. we must
give him the slip before we get to Bud
wets. This train makes several stops. 1t
ought not to be difficult
fensive now, and she even uttered it,
herself.
tried to stop us?"
he muttered. as though to himself
You don't think they will, do your"
she appealed.
I'm sure l don't know" he said
At the next station q surprise awaited
them. The door of their compartment
was opened, man entered and, bowing
hind him. Marishka examined him with
apprehension. noticing that he seemed
more interested in the Englishman than
fSr n susSS shf brief Fsncs he gave
changed.
He was person Of middle age. tall.
stocklly built. but withai rather jaunty
he disclosed a. gold tooth which seemed
to Marfshka for some reason inexpres-
sibly .reassuripg. He rubbed his hands
together and looked great deal like
glanced from one to the other quickly
and settled himself in a corner with an
air OF being very much at home which
removed the earlier impression Rem.
wick took the initiative at once.
"A pleasant evening" he said to N.
newcomer in German
"One might say so," replied the other
bowling calmly
But one doesn't?' asked Renwjck
sn
they were q while ago. A storm il
brewing perhaps?"
The man examined him steadily. awara
OF the double meaning. but only smiled
deliberateness moved the length OF the
aisle, and. while Marishka followed him
with with n.,, her gaze, seated himself directly
opposite the intruder The man made a
put into the side pocket of his coat, but
shrugged. ,
beyond ?~asised the Englishman.
ITO Budweis and beyond" said ~
other cooily. And ] would advise Herr
henwick, he went on quickly, that the
hotels OF Budweis are excellent. -
"Ah! y That he had come out into tho
open suited Renwick's plans exceilentiy.
He removed his mCnocle and Slipped
4 into waistcoat pocket. ''To be sure.
Budweis. Unfortunately the lady whom
I have the honor to accompany. Watt
try"
THE Countess strahni must GO to the
Kaiser Won oesterreich Hotel at Bud
weis tonight" he said with precision.
TT is near the station" And then
quickly. II would also advise Herr
Renwick to move at once to the other
end of tho compartment"
Renwick stared at him for a moment
as though he had not understood his
meaning and then shrugged and rose.
Polite amenities had ceased He turned
half toward Marishka and then. without
man.
There was a muffied discharge as the
stranger attempted to draw the weapon
from his pocket. but the bullet did no
damage, and the E1glishman's blow.
fiercely struck. sent the other reelinG
Sideways He smiled no longer. but
struggled upward eamely. Renwick
had caught his pistol hand and forced
him down to the fioor. where he pinioned
him with his weight.
scoNTINuED TOMORROW