The Hope pioneer., 1919-07-24
CHAPTER XVI.
The First Wayfarer Visits Shrine
Confesses, and Takes an Oath.


How was he to find the courage to
impart the appalling news to her? He
was now convinced beyond all doubt
that the so-called Sprouse had made
off with the priceless treasure and
that only miracle could bring about
its recovery. He realized to what ex-
tent he had been shaped into tool to
be used by the master craftsman. He
saw through the whole Machiavellian
scheme. and he was also now NOR
ally certain that Sprouse would have
sacrificed him without the slightest
hesitation.
In the event that anything went
wrong with their enterprise, the man
would have shot him dead and earned
the gratitude and commendation Of his
associates! He would have been
glorified and not crucified by his
friends.
With a heavy heart he mounted the
stairs. At the top he paused to delib-
crate. Would it not be better to keep
her in ignorance? What was to be
gained by revealing to her the But
Miss Thackeray was Turing him on to
destruction. She stood outside the door
and beckoned. Then she closed the door
from the outside, and Barnes was
alone with the cousin Of kings and
I queens and princes.
II feared you had deserted me-"
she said, holding out her hand to him
as he strobe across the room.
Il saw no occasion to disturb your
rest" he mumbled.
Il have been peeping." she said,
looking at him searchingly. Where
is Mr.. Loeb going. Mr.. Barnes?"
"ODowd says he is to be gone for
few days on business" he equivocated.
HE will not return" she said quiet
| ly. HE is a coward at heart. Oh,
know him WELL" she went on, scorn in
her voice.
"Was wrong in not trying to stop
him?" he asked.
She pondered this for moment.
NO" she said, but he caught the dubi-
Gus note in her voice. 1T is just as
well, perhaps, that he should disap-
pear. His flight today spares-but we
are more interested in the man
Sprouse. Has he returned?"
"No, Miss Cameron" said he rue
fully. And then, without single res
ervation, he laid bare the story of
| SprOuse's detection. When he inquired
if she had heard of the man known as
| Chester Naismith, she confirmed his
worst fear by describing him as the
| guard who watched beneath her win
| dow. He was known to her as thief
Of international fame.
"You were no match for Chester
Naismith. Do not look so glum. The
shrewdest police officers in Europe
have never been able to cope with
him. Why should you despair?"
He sprang to his feet. "By gad, he
hasn't got away with it yet" he
grated. Il will run this scoundrel down
If I have to devote the remainder Of
my life to the task"
She sighed. "Alas, l fear that l
shall have to tell you little more
| about this wonderful man you know
as Sprouse. Six months ago the
friends and supporters of the legiti-
mate successor to my country's throne
consummated plan whereby the
! crown Jewels and certain documents
Of state were surreptitiously removed
from the. palace vaults. Instead of de-
posting the treasure in Paris, it was
sent to this country in charge of
group Of men whose fealty could not
be questioned. The man you know as
Loeb is in reality my cousin. have
known him all my life. He is the
youngest brother of the pretender to
the throne, and cousin of the prince
who is held prisoner by the Austrians.
This prince has brother also. and It
was to him that was supposed to de-
liver the jewels. Travelled from New
York. but not alone as you may sus.
pect. I was carefully protected from
the time left my hotel there until
well, until l arrived In Boston.
"While there l received secret
Fplo lo 4;