Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-16

FOUND-THE CAT'S-EYE RING
NJ ADAME LA DUCHESSE had
mn given garden-fete, for 1t was
I'M her birthday. Consequently
1 L the Moat House lawns were
gay with colour--being an oc-
casion. the whole country was here to
pay due homage to rank, typlfled by
the Duchess and wealth and beauty,
in the shapely person OF my lady
Helen.
Now. remote from all this babbling
splendous, yet within ear-shot. dark
avlsed country fellow laboured in the
herb garden and now and then stared
at all this magnificence through gap
in the intervening hedge.
And the county, male and female,
chartered of the late Julian Guytford,
his murder. the inquest, and that
blood-guilty wretch" Sir Richard-and
agreed that the sooner he was taken
and made a dreadful example, an OBJ
iect lesson TO like minded murderous
villains, the better for the world.
"Lud. Sir john" nodded the Ouch
ess as pe bowed, we look troi1e
warm. It's hot weather for hunting
elusive murderers. Have ye emmy
news. Sir John?'
Affairs promise. madam" pulled Sir
John. handkerchief a-flutter, 'tonor-
row, today even, We may hear OF his
hum-his capture. And what's more,
madam-'tis now known that the muir.
derer wore a-cat'S-eye ring, madam!
Aha, and what them"
why. madam, we have but to find
this same ring and-ha-our case IS
brought to successful issue"
''Ay, sure. Sir John, always sup
posing this ring has the murderer safe
inside IT.
Nearby. along a shady walk, stood
my lady Helen and the Viscount.
SO you persist?" he demanded
breathlessly. rs it because you love
another?"
MY lady turned and swept him with
whitening glance: his pale cheeks glow
ed, between his lips was a glimmer OF
sharp teeth, as he Missed:
stint your lofty pride, madam
tits we'll known you ride out O. nights
to keep tryst with :. murderer"
Helen gasped. and turning, stood ap-
palled. so fearful was the change III
him: lips back drawn from gnashing
teeth. eyes that burned with demoniac
glare: she turned and left him. And
she tried to laugh even while her
flesh crept with sudden, strange, unac-
countable dread: thus when she found
Captain Despard walking beside, her,
his assured air and pleasant voice were
alike, for once, unfeignedlv welcome.
Our Brocklehurst," said he smiling,
Shows something peeviSh!'
He is - inSufTerable!" cried my
lady.
And I think dangerous, Helen, and
this pleases me"
And wherefore?"
Because to protect you will be my
supreme and constant joy
They now paused by the rustic ar
But" said she, "how if refuse such
protection
you cannot" he answered gently,
"for I have made for you an armour OF
my love. Nay. hear me, Helen, for dost
know I love thee; my eyes have spoke
it since first they looked on thee" His
voice shook, his cheek gloWed his
long-lashed eyes held hers: and then,
from somewhere nearby came doleful
wIlistling. The whistling came nearer;
Captain Despard glanced angrily
about: then, signing her relief, Helen
turned and sped away. Hardly was she
gone than a fierce hand clutched the
captains arm and he beheld the con-
torted features of Viscount Brockle-
hurst.
SOP" nodded the captain "Prying,
were you?"
curse your double-dealing! ex-
claimed the Viscount wildly. so now
you1l-youll protect her against me,
will yep"
Never doubt it, Viscount.'
Then, Despard, I-Ill see We in fet-
tiers, hal"
"Tush. man, don't buster! And mark
this-attempt your damnable plot
against her at your peril!''
My plot-mine?" cried the Viscount.
Mine, why, twas you suggested lt!'
well, I now forbid it."
The Viscount staggered in his rage:
81 see it now You want her for your
self . you grow desperate reckless
sure you take my meaning, DeSpard.
Not t.
"Why then mean . that know
what Julian knew"
"Ah?" murmured the captain. And
Julian-iS dead!" For a long moment !
they stood staring eye to eye and utter
in nncnQrd