The Washington times., 1918-03-05

Out?" There was still an ugly snarl
upon his lips. And now that you
have done so, what do you want?'
"WilI You Help Me-" Asked Esther.
Il am anxious to find the woman
who called herself Lillian" said
Esther. "Will you help me TO do
so? You, no doubt, know her ad-
dress"
You undertook to ask no ques-
tiOns." said the man. What makes
you do so now?"
Because circumstances have
changed" was recovering
her presence of mind-"because l
feel that 1 have a right to know
more Of the truth about the con-
tract that was inveigled into sign
ing-will you let me see it? 1t must
be in your. possession.
1T is not" said the man, short
ly.
Wont you tell me more-won't
you:" pleaded the girl. My life has
become a misery to me-the hor-
rible uncertainty of it all. the feel
ing that l am watched
And the desire to call yourself
Mrs. Harold Borradale, eh. Miss
NasseIl?" interrupted the old man,
brutality. Isn't that more like it?
You may as well be candid, now
you are here"
And IL it is?" Esther flushed
hotly. 81 loved no man when l
went through that horrible cere-
mony; my only care was for my
poor sister, who did not live to
profit by my sacrifice. But it is
different now, and 1T is hard, very
hard, that by life should be ruin
ed" She clasped her hands to-
bether. 81 came to the city on pur-
pose to find some one who would
help me. l thought l might come
across Lillian, but fate has led me
to Tou first. I have kept my word,
and have not betrayed the events OF
that night TO any one"
Warns Esther to Keep Silent.
ut is well for you that you have
not done So" he interposed. grimly.
But I have no feeling OF security
IN return" she replied. 81 know I
am watched and feel even that my
life is not safe"
1T is quite safe at present"
81 was gagged and carried ofr-for
what purpose / do not know"
The man who did that paid the
penalty with his life. Were you
not avenged"
Esther shuddered "The mark OF
the beast on his throat. dream Of it
night after night. Mr.. Grimstead.
/ cannot endure il any longer. l
cannot keep my own counsel It is
true that am in love with Mr.. Bor-
radale, and that he wishes me to be
his wife. Well, l believe I can defy
your contract and marry him
AT your peril-and his" growled
the old man.
Esther groaned. but her purpose
was unchanged. Don't you see"
she went on, that l cannot bear this
burden OF silence? I feel so terrible
alone. Tell me that ! am free to
marry Mr.. Borradale and will con-
tlnue to keep my own counsel-it
would be different then. But il
am not to do this 1 shall speak
either to him or to my cousin. Guy
Hocking-I know it-I know it."
at will be the worse for you II
you do So" The lawyer had risen,
and was fumbling once more with
the papers. 81 warned you solemnIy
at Adderley-and now l warn you
again. You are bound by your word
you are bound to keep your prom
Use TO the man to whom you were
married. You may say that you are
legally free, and you may defy US,
but If you do so II will involve you
and the man you love in the same
irretrievable ruin. l told you then
we do not regard the law repeat
70
changed his tone to one Of banterfng
impatience-"I wish you would 90,
for l am busy, and my friend may
be here at any moment" He turned
his back upon her. and began
searching through a filed collection
OF deeds.
Would Give Up All for Freedom.
But Esther would not 20 without
one more appeal. you will do
nothing to help me-" she cried. Il
do not want the money that I am
being paid-you may take IL back"
The idea came TO her that her
wealth might stand her in good
stead. And not only that I am
rich. and can pay you anything you
please to ask. / would give up all
! have-all-for the knowledge OF
my freedom. And would say not
q word TO a souI-that swear.
But, Oh"-she passed her hand hast
lily before her eyes-"to know nv
self free once more-it would be
like the dawn OF another life"
She paused. The lawyer did not
speak. but continued to sort his
papers. Esther began to think that
her offer OF money had been OF
some avail.
"If it cost me all I have" she
repeated.
He glanced over his shoulder. "I
wish you would go away" was all
he said.
Threatens to Call the Police.
"Esther's ncWly-awakened hopes
were shattered. She turned 70 the
door. She was quivering with emo
tion. You arc cruel and hateful"
she said but l see now that
there is only one thing left for
me 10 do. And l warn you as you
have warned me. ] will not involve
Mr. Borradale or my COusin-they
shall not be dragged into my mis-
fortune-but l shall lay the whole
matter before the police and have
IL sifted to the bottom. 1t shall
be proved II that wretched deed l
signed is worth the paper it is
written on. ] will tell all ! know
about the two murders-the murder
OF the Wretched man at Adderley
and that OF the scoundrcl who was
called Tweedledee: ] will do this,
Mr.. Grimstead. and l will ask for
protection-and they will give IL
to me.
Continued Tomorrow
ICOpyr1Gbt by W. r H0Arst.l