Tombstone epitaph., 1918-06-16

exertions. at least the small sum of five gulneos before the years end. the bargain Vas off. and he need walt no longer. before deciding on what wor- thy institution he woulc bestow his money.
 That wire was sent on two days ago from my last lodginga I nearly missed getting 1t. but when I did get it. put pride In my pocket. started out. procured . license. turned my beautiful Scarlet Runner into . con veyance for public convenience. and had had two hours bad luck when I ran across you. hope haven't bored youy'
 "On the contrkry. you have enter tained me" replisd the other. But we are in Kensington already. are We notf It seems impossible"
 "In three minutes I shall land you at Desmond House." said Christopher.
 "You are at my disposal for the eve ming. I believe" said Christopher's passenger. as Scarlet Runner entered the drive and slowed down for its ap- proach to the door. My car may come. or it may not. In any case. I wish you to wait. And-there is . question I could ask only of . gentle man. l have shown some curiosity In regard to you. Do you retaliater'
 "I have no curiosity" said Christo- pher.
 You mean-S
 T mean-whatever you would pre- fer me to mean. sir."
 Thank you. I'm sure you are as discreet as you arc original Au re- voir."
 Ten minutes passed. may be. and the thoughts of Christopher Race had glided from the affairs of his late pas senger to his own. He was wondering when he might expect to get his din- ner. when the one thing which of all others he did not expect happened. Close to Scarlet Runner appeared the figure which . few minutes ago had been tremendously ushered into the house.
 Surprised, but hiding surprise at sight of the guest of the evening. un- escorted and out of doors when he ought to have been engaged with his oysters, Christopher sprang from his seat and awaited orders. Saunders hotel. Charles street, Pail Mail-quick said the crisp voice with the foreign accent Christopher drove on, In . reflective mood and at . pace to suit 1t. until he had reached Charles street There. at the door which had given him his fare and his adventure. he stopped "Go in and inquire if Lord Thanet and Lady Ivy de Hsle have come." the foreign voice directed brusquely. Christopher's face made no comment on these instructions. but that was be- cause he had the habits of . man of the world. Within. he was excited and curious. for the earl of Thanet and his daughter were distant cousins of Christopher Race. and naturally he would have liked to know the why and wherefore of his majssty's interest in their movements.
 His majesty had a consort to whom he was devoted. and he was not to be tempted to a filtration even by such a beauty as Lord Thanet's twenty-year- old daughter, who had been one of the successes of last season. But, then. . man highly placed is occasionally un- selfish enough to interest himself In 6 girl for the sake of another man who needs an advocate. And there were two men whose names Christopher had heard coupled with Lady Ivy de Usle's. Either might have persuaded this sovereign to plead his cause with the girls father, for both could claim his country as the land of their birth. One was Baron von Hess, the enor- mously rich inventor of the latest quick-nring gun adopted by the triple alliance: the other was young Max Lind-whom Christopher had known slightly and admired greatly at Oxford-the son of . notorious SO- cialist who had adopted England for 6 country when banished from his own. A year or two ago there had been c rapprochement between Max the elder and an outraged monarch, and . place in the diplomatic service for young Max had been held out as an olive branch.
 As Christopher started to obey or ders he hoped that this mysterious visit had to do with Max Lind and Ivy de Lisle.
 His hand was on the door, when . call from his employer gnve him pause. "StopI" said the great man. "I left a letter here for-Iet nse see-was 1t for Lord Thanet or his daughter7C one of the two: I really forget to which I addressed it. That letter I want back. I have changed my mind and prefer to write . different one. If Lord Thanet has not arrived, or if he has arrived, but has not yet read the letter. I wish to have It again. Should you learn, on the other hand, that the letter has already been received, I win send . message."
 Christopher went in somewhat be- wildered, but knowing that somehow he must succeed in accomplishing his errand
 In the entrance han stood an old