Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-09-02

operative. CarrutherS is thougnt py
the others to be Brainard, but
Roberta refuses to divulge his real
name, She says he has been falsely
suspected Of crime. Belknap is hid
den by Katherine in a secluded lodge
called the Nest, from which he is un
able to make his escape. katherine
makes a secret visit to him.
He tells her that his object IN
coming to her home is to steal
famous jewel belonging to Madame
Savage, one of the guests. He also
confides to her that Roberta is" in
love with her brother.
AND HERE 1T CONTINUES
frT,HEN-I saw him" Katherine eI-
1 claimed in half whisper.
"possibly," he rejoined coolly. But
vou would not recognize him. He
possesses hundred disguises-so she
has assured mo, and | believe her IL
I did not know the impossibility OF his
entering tho secret service because OF
the crime that is charged against him
(and which ! happen to know he dld
NOT commit) I would have thought that
Carruthers. whom you heard me deity
might be he. But that is absurd. lie
could not get into that department with
out a clean record.
Belknap had been pacing up and
down and stopping and pacing again.
Katherine had resumed her chair. Now,
she sat with clasped hands, staring
straight iu front Of her He noticed the
fact and passed around to her side OF
the table until he stood beside hcr chair,
within reach of her.
"You See" he said. that | could
seize YOU now, If | were 80 disposed.
You have been off your guard.
She raised her eyes to his and smiled
wanly, without changing her attitude.
"Possibly. she said: but do not
think that you will attempt it.
He shrugged, with measure OF con .
tempt in the gesture. He had taken
nthat position with that very purpos" in
view in case she should deny his last
plea-the one he was about to maze.
II she guessed his purpose, she gave
no sign of the fact
thrown down every card | possess, face
up, on the table. | would commit mur-
der a dozen times over. with no regard
for the victim, if by doing so could
possess the Eye of Nadia. | would sacri
fee Roberta for it and | cannot make
a stronger statement than that. Are
you giving heed to what ! say
eyes. might follow you better i
you should stand little farther away
say against the table behind you. Not
can as easily seize me from there q;
where you are, if you have the minc
to do it.
He moved backward a step until hi
weight was against the big table, ant
stood with hands resting lightly upon /
at the sides. He said:
THE jewel is of no value to anybod.
save a collector. IL it we're stolen, no
body would dare to buy it. Nine. SaV
age does not appreciate it. 1t is
great care to her. and there is not I
doubt that she would be glad to be vel
rid of it. If you will let me out Of her
tomorrow night at two, or the night fol
lowing. at the same hour will decid
upon which one to employ--and IT yo,
will, yourself, remain here, waiting
until 4 o'clock, I will promise you this
whether succeed i'll obtaining the jewe
or not, | will after the attempt to ge
1t, go away. | will disappear. ! viii
not give up hope of securing the ruby
scmctime, but | will never cross you
path aeain-nor RobPrta's. Nor you
brothers. will leave them free t
marry when they will will not pu
so much as a straw in their way. be
fore or after it. ] will do more. This
l will, within few days, send 20
documentary proof of your brother en-
tire innocence of the charges that Ii
against him with the government. Sue
Is the price that am willing and cage
TO nav for the opportunity / seek. Wi
you pay it?''
wait a moment, she replied in
low tone, as If deeply impressed by wha
he had said and as sheFspoke she &c
slowly upon her feet.
Her entire manner was if she wer
utterly absorbed in the contemplation
his offer--nnd. as had been the cas-
with her a moment before. Belknap wa
this time taken of his guard.
Gne dTOSt uiIttiis IA
chair and stood there with bowed hea
during full minute while he Watche
her narrowly and expectantly.
His whole mind was eentered upo
fhe possession of the coveted ruby.
After another moment she move
slowIy nearer to him, until, in fact, sh
stood nearly beside him within, say
twice the length of his arm.
Then he heard a sharp click IL
saw her leap backward. away from tn
table. The table itself dropped like
plummet through the floor, and, beeaus
is was leaning against it, carried hin
with il. An instant later he foun'
himself in utter darkness, for the aper
tnre above the table, in the hoor owe
hls head, .had closed.
He cursed aloud; and then he cea9et
te swear. The floor above him slid opeI
again.
''The jinee was on guard, Dir. Bel,
knap. . he heard Katherine say. stand
still and viii bring you back. Then
N Nill leave you. But ! will tell you