Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-06-09

ton OF this alleged mllnOnaIres nau
discovered him to be a swindler and
in league, SO he guessed, with the
mysterious Montague Fallock. All
this fine position which Harrington
had built up was veritable house
of cards. And it remained now
for the Count to discover how far
Farringtons affection for his niece
had stayed his hand in his preda-
tory raid upon the cash balances of
the Count thought, as he fitted q
tiny key into the lock OF his flat,
he was in commanding uosition.
He had all the winning cards in his
hand, and If the prizes included
30 delectable q reward aS Doris Gray
might be, the Count, q sentimental
II INSCRIPTIONS man, was perfectly
satisfied. He walked thru his sit
ting room to the bedroom beyond
and stood for q moment before the
long mirror. 1t was q trick of
Count Poltnvo to commune with
himself, and when he was rallied on
this practice, suggestive of vanity
to the uninitiated he confirmed
rather than disabused that criticism
by protesting that there was none
whom he could trust with such alb
sence of fear of consequence as his
own bright worthy image.
He had reason for the smile which
curved his thin lips. Every day
he was making progress which
placed Doris Gray more and more, IL
not in his power, at least under his
influence.
He lived alone without any SER
wants save for the old woman who
came every morning to tidy his flat,
and when the bell rang as he. stood
before the mirror, he answered 1t
himself without any thought as to
the Importance of the summons. For
Count Poltawo was not above taking
in the milk or chaffering with
tradesmen over the quality of cab
bage. It was necessary that he must
jealously husband his resources UNI.
til. fate placed him In possession OF
q larger and more generous fortune
than that which he now possessed.
He opened the door, and took step
back, than with a little bow:
Come In, Mr.. Doughton," he said.
Frank Doughton strobe across the
tiny hall, waited until the Count
had closed the door, and opened an
other. ushering the visitor into his
study.
ITO what am I indebted for the
honor of this visit?" asked Poltavo,
as he pushed forward chair.
II wanted to see you on q matter
which deeply affects you and me-"
said the young man briskly, even
rudely
Count Poltavo inclined his head.
He recognized all the ,disagreeable
portents. but was not In any way
a.bashed Or afraid. He had had ex-
perience OF many situations less
pleasant than this threatened to be
and had played his part worthily.
II can give you exactly quarter
of an hour he said, looking at his
watch; rat the end of that period I
must leave for Brakely Square. You
understand there Is 70 be a reading
OF the will OF our departed friend,
and
II know all about that" interrupt
Led Frank roughly; you are not the
only person who has been invited to
that pleasant function"
sYou also7" The Count was q
little surprised. He himself went as
friend and adviser to the bereaved
GIRL, q position which certain let
tier had secured for him. That LETT
ter in three brief lines had told the
girl TO trust Poltavo. It was about
this letter that Frank had come
and he came straight TO the point.
| Count Poltavo," he said. .;the day
after Mr.. Farrington's disappearance
q messenger brought q letter for
Miss Gray"
| Poltavo nodded.
30 I understand" he said smooth
-.
80 you know challenged the
other, because Il concerned you. Il
was . letter In which Doris was told
Ito trust you absolutely; II was .
letter also which gave her hope, that
the man whose body was found In
the Thames was not that Of Far
rington."
Poltavo frowned.
THAT IL not q view that has been
accepted by the authorities" he said
quickly. 1.-THE jury had no doubt
that this was the body OF Mr.. Far
rington. and brought in a verdict
accordingly" b
Frank nodded.
~What . jury thinks and what
Scotland Yard thinks" he said. dri-
Ily, 'aro not always In agreement.
AZ q result Of that letter." he went
on, "AGiss Gray has reposed q great
deal OF trust In you, Count, and day
by day my efforts to serve her have
besn made more difficult by her at
! titude. am plain speaking Eng
| lishman. and I am coming to the
point, right now, he thumped the
table. Doris 0rays mind 10 becom-
Ing poisoned against ono who has no
/ faithfully"
Count Poltavo shrugged his shout
/ ders and smiled.
my dear young man." he said,
4 smoothly. you do not come to me.
! trust, to act as your agent In or
4 der to induce Miss Gray to take any
/ other Wow Of you than she does.
Because II you do he went on
suavely, II am afraid that can not
Lhelp you very much. There is an
axiom In the English language to
which subscribe most thoroughly.
and 1t is that all il fair In love and
war;"
I'm love? repeated Frank. look
ing the other straight in the eyes.
I'm love-" the Count asserted, with
/ n nod OF hia head cit Ia not the nrt :