New Britain herald., 1923-12-31
almost incredulously,

almost incredulously.
 With me, at my home in Surrey In me he found natural ally. since my concern was as great as his own do not conceal from you, Miss Abingdon. that he is in danger
 Tn danger?" she whispered.
 Tt is true, but beneath my roof he is safe. There is a matter of vittal urgency however. in which you can assist him ''
 "1?" she exclaimed.
 No one but you" Ormuz Khan raised his slender hand gracefully T beg you, do not misunderstood me. In the first place, would Mr. Harley have asked you to visit him at my home. if he had not been well assured that you could do so with propriety? Tn the second place, should I. who respect you more deep ly than any woman in the world, con- sent to your coming unchaperoned :? Miss Abingdon, you know me better. l beg of you in Mr. Harley's name and in my own, prevail upon Mrs. MeMurdoch to accept the invitation which I bring to lunch with me at Hillside, my Surrey home"
 He spoke with the deep respect of a courier addressing his queen. His low musical voice held. note that was almost a note of adoraton. Phil Abingdon withdrew her gaze from the handsome ivory face. and strove for mental composure before replying.
 Suddenly she spoke.
 'Of course I will come. Your Ex- cellency." she said. q will see Mrs. McMurdoch at once, but I knew she will not refuse
 Naturally she will no refuse" Miss Abingdon" he returned in a grave voice. "The happiness of so many people is involved
 He rose. lowing deeply, from a European standpoint too deeply.
 Kindness is a spiritual invest he said. which returns us in- terest tenfold. If I can be sure of Mrs. MeMurdoch's acceptance. will request permission to take my leave now for l have an urgent business to keep, after which I will call for you. Can you be ready by noon?"
 "Yes. we shall be ready"
 CHAPTER XX1T.
 The Screen Of Gold
 Paul Harley raised his aching head and looked wearily about him. He lay in a small, barely furnished room, having white distempored walls, wholly. undecorated. It's few ap- rointmonts were Oriental. and the only window which it boasted was set so high as to be we'll out of reach. Moreover, it was iron-barred. and at tho moment admitted no light because it did not communi- rate with the outer world, or because night was fallen, he was unable to tell.
 There were two doors in the room. one of very massive construction, and tbe other a smaller one. The place was dimly lighted by brass lantern which hung from the ceiling. liar ley stood mp. staggered slightly, and then sat down again.
 For a few moments he remained seated, victim Of deadly nausea. Then. clenching his jaws grimly. again he stood up. and this time suc- seeded in reaching the heavy door.
 As he had supposed. it was firmly ccked. and a glance was sufficient to 'how him that his unaided effort 'ould never force if. He turned his attention to the smaller door. which opened at his touch, revealing a ileeping apartment not unlike monks cell, adjoining which was iny bathroom. Neither rooms ,oastcd windows. both being lighted ,y brass lanterns. Harley examined them and their appointments with the utmost care. !. md then returhedsagain 10 the outer com. one feature of which. and quite ! he most remarkable. he had reserved | or special investigation. This was a massive screen Of gild- q iron scroll work, which occupied | iearly the whole Of one end of the | oom. Beyond the screen hung a curtain of oriental abric; but so closely woven was the 1etal designs that although he could | ouch this curtain with his finger at ertain points, sit proved impossible or him to move it aside in any way.