The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-04

My father was a member of the organi- cation for nearly year before he found an opportunity to carry out his plans. Mean while l was born and my mother had died. Stricken with grief, my grandfather bit terly reproaehed my father. A bitter quar- rel eneed. From my grandfather's shop my father went to the police and betrayed the Crimson Circle, as the order was called. At their next junta the place was raided.
 My grandfather and uncle were the only members of the order to escape the net of the law. Their confederates were condemned and put to death. But they died loyalty, re- fusing to dvulge the names of the two members who had escaped.
 "On the night of the raid father fled. l indistinctly remember leaving Italy for cold, dreary Russia We remained there two years. Then one day father hurried me away. We were on the ocean long time, it seemed to be, but finally reached Amer ica. A long overland journey followed. We came finally to Laurens and went to live at Crestnlere.
 "As I have said, I grew up inc ignorance of the more salient of these facts, but since the disclosures made by the strange old man who asserts that he is my grandfather 1 can recall many things which substantiate his statements.
 My grandfather and uncle lost all trace of father and me. They searched diligently for us, being aided by affiliated orders in almost every country in the world. But, until my uncle met me under such romantic circumstances several weeks ago, their quest was fruitless.
 Immediately upon ascertaining fathers whereabouts, the Crimson Circle, branch of which had been organized in America under grandfather's leadership determined to punish him for his betrayal of them in Italy. But l was not to be injured. I had been a great favorite with both grandfather and uncle. They sought to gain possession of me in way that would leave no clue to my whereabouts. After I was in my grand fathers care. father was to be summarily dealt with. I fear some great harm has befllen him.
 At this point in her recital the girl broke down and sobbed bitterly. Brstow watched her in an agony of silent pity.
 "I was tcld that I would never see my father again unless he paid heavy ransom for my return" she resumed brokenly "He had, my grandfather said, been notified by means of a secret sign that I was a captive and warned that his death would be the penalty for failure to comply with the de- mands of the order whose VOWS he had vio- lated
 "Horrficd protested vehemently against this, but he was firm. l was compelled to write to my father pleading for my release. Whether not he received this note, have means of knowing, but I wish hice to know as spediy possible of my escape. 'I was imprisoned in a room in the under ground den of the Circle. There remainsd until far into the night, seeking vainly for way to escape. No one came near until after midnight, when young girl who said she was the daughter of my uncle brought me food and drink. With her was a hand some, dark-faced man wearing gray ulster. I took him for an Italian, but he said he was part English, his mother having mar ried an Italian count It was easy to see they were in love with each other-he and this self-styed cousin of mine. The girl had one of the most beautiful Madonna like faces have ever seen. The man, whose name l did not learn, looked thoroughly gentleman.
 His name is Vignolos,'' said Bristow, then bit his lip for the indiscretion.
 Nerissa's eyes widened. "Why, Gordon" she cried in amazement, "do you know him?"