The Washington times., 1919-06-05
"The devIl" hs muttered. turn-

At the same moment, as though
the chauffeur had suddenly caught
an order from within the limousine.
the car swung directly toward HIM
once more.
AS he rejoined Use. who stood
slasping the homeless cat to
her breast. listlessly regarding the
approaching automobile. the car
swept In a swift circle around the
fountain where they stood, stopped
short beside them; and q woman
flung open the door and sprang
out to the pavement
And Ilse Dumont, standing there
in the rags OF her frail gown, cud-
ding to her breast the purring cat.
looked up to meet her doom in the
steady gaze OF the Princess Nais
Mistchenka-
Every atom Of dior left her
face. and her ashy lips parted
Otherwise. she made no sign OF
fear, no movement.
There was a seconds absolute
silence; then the dark eyes Of the
princess turned on Neeland.
Good heavens, james, she said
What has happened to your"
Nothing" he said gaily, thanks
to Miss Dumont-"
'To whOm?" interrupted the prin-
cess sharply.
ITO Miss Dumont We got into
a silly place where it began to look
as though we'd get our heads
knocked off, Sengoun and L I'm
really quite serious. princess. II
II hadn't been for Miss Dumont-s
he shrugged; and that is twice
she has saved my idiotic head for
me-" he added cheeFfuIly.
The Princess Naia's dark eyes re-
verted to Use Dumont, and the pal
lid girl met them steadily enough.
There was no supplicatioa In. her
own eyes, no shrinking. only the
hopeless tranquility that looks
Destiny in the face-the gaze rivet-
ed unflinchipgly upon the descend
ing blow.
What are you doing in Paris at
such a time as thts?" said. the prin-
cess. - SIS - s.
The girls white lips parted stiff
ly: 80
do you need to askT''
For a full minute the princess
bent menacing gaze on her in
silence; then:
What do you expect from meg''
she demanded in a low voice. And,
stepping nearer; What have you
to expect from anyone in France
on such day as this?"
Use Dumont did not answer. Az
ter a moment she dropped her head
and fumbled with the rags OF her
bodice, as though trying to cover
the delicately rounded shoulders. A
shaft Of sunlight, reflected from
the obelisk to the fountain, played
in golden ripples across her hair.
Neeland looked at the Princess
Naia:
what you do is none of
my business" he said pleas
antly, Out he smiled at her
and stepped back beside Use Du-
mont, and passed his arm through
hers. I'm a grateful beast" he
added lightly, land II I've nine
lives to lose, perhaps Miss Dumont
will save seven more OF them be
fore I'm entirely done for"
The girl gently disentangled his
arm.
You'll only get yourself into
serious trouble" she murmured,
land you can't help me, dear Nee
land"
The Princess Naia, flushed and ex-
asperated, bit her lip.
James" she said. you are be-
having absurdly. That woman has
nothing to fear from me now. and
she ought to know it," And. as
Use lifted her head and stared at
her: yes, you ought to know
it!' she repeated. Your work
is ended. It ended today at sun
rise. And so did mine. War is
here. There is nothing further for
you to do: nothing for me. The
end OF everything is beginning.
is beginning. What would your
death or mine signify now, when
the dawn Of such a day as this is
the death warrant for millions?
What do we count for now, Made
moiselle Minna Minti?"
do you not mean to give me up,
"Give you up No. I mean to get
you out of Paris If can. Give me
your cat. mademoiseIle. Please
lelp her. James"
"YOu-offer me your Iimousine?"'
stammered Use.
"Give that cat to me. OF course
do Do you suppose I mean to
leave you in rags with your cat on
the pavement here" And, to Nee
and: . where is Alak?"
Gone home as Mt as a fiddle. Am
to receive the hospitality OF your
limousine also. dear lady? Look at
The state I'm in to travel with two
ladies'
The Princess Naia's dark eyes
she tucked the cat COM
'ortably against her shoulder and
nOtiOned Use into the car
I'm afraid Til have to take YOU,
James. What on earth has hap
oened to you?" she added. as he |
put her into the car, nodded to the
chauffeur and. springing in beside
her. slammed the door. /
'Tll tell you in two words" he |
explained gaily. prince Erik and |
started for a stroll and landed,
Ultimately, in the Cafe des Bulgars.
And presently number OF gentle
men began to shoot up the place, |
md Miss Dumont stood by us like |
/ brick"
The Princess Mistchenka lifte1 |
he cat from her lap and, placed it /
n the arms of Use Dumont.
That ought to win our gratitude, 4
m sure" she said politely to the /
;irl. We Russians never forget 4
uch pleasant obligations. There
s a Cossack Jingle:
To those who befriend our friends
lur duty never ends"