The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1936-04-16
CHAPTER X-Continued
Is

l tnlDk, an expert WIS UIoubHl iiom
Japan. 1t was thought, very properly,
II l may say so, that so exquisite
canvas deserved a masters brush. :.
May we see his handiwork, please?'
Helena sat as though stricken
turned into stone.
Pharaoh proceeded mercllessly.
III you would like assistance, you've
only to say the word We're none OF
us ladys maids, but Rush has the
reputation of being lady's man.
The sweat was running on my tenn
pies
AS | tried to measure my distance,
/ found that ! could not see, for my
eyes had been fixed on Helena and
now could not pierce the darkness
which yelled the rest OF the room.
And then heard Rush moving.
Had the fellow moved forward, that
must have been the end OF this tale.
But he only passed behind me, to stand
between me and Dewdrop-1 suppose
to be nearer his master the sud
denly favoured courtier approaching
the steps of the throne.
That the end was fast approaching
was very plain. Any moment now
should have to send my mask flying.
First Pharaoh. would strike
down the torch and hurl myself at the
monster before he had time to think.
First Pharaoh, and then his fellows
But for the thought of his fellows.
could not have stood my ground. But
II | should not survive Pharaoh. -.
My heart that had been smoking
seemed suddenly cold. Rush had the
reputation of being lady's man.
Helena was trembling. A little hand
went up to cover her eyes.
.I'll make you an offer. | nearly
made 1t just now. II you'll 90 now, I'll
show you the secret way. Tomorrow
night III meet you with five thousand
pounds in gold. And after that III pay
you five thousand year--for every
year that you let Mr.. Spencer live
1t was clear that child was speak
Ing, a terrified child. Offer, promise
figures were things grotesque. Her sug
gestion was below comment. But Pha
raoh had his foot La the opening, quick
as flash.
That's better" he said. Much bet
ter. You've gone, shall we say, long
way. But I'm sure Mr.. Spencer's worth
ten thousand a year"
The man was playing with her-piay-
ing the fish he had hooked
Helena's voice was shaking.
i've no right to give any more. The
moneys not mine. That's more thar
I ought to take for my personal use.
IT was awful to hear such nalvete Is
sue from Helenas lips.
II am not concerned with your right
To insure Mr.. Spencer's life will cos
you ten thousand down and ten thou
sand year.
Her palms clapped fast to her eyes
Helena threw back her head.
"All right" she said, I'll pay It,"
The words seemed torn from hel
throat
"One thing more said Pharaoh. II
win not be convenient to meet you TO
morrow night. | take the first premium
now Show me that cellar, or strip.
don't care which you do, for | guess
you can open 1t naked as well al
clothed"
think full minute went by befor,
Helena moved.
Then very slowly she rose and turnet
to the right. Then her hand went up t
a sconce, laid hold OF the bracket an
pulled 1t down.
| heard no sound, but panel bel0N
the sconce moved, and, when sh
turned, saw the shape Of door whIc
was standing ajar.
So Helena severed one of the thread
by which her life was hanging.
Slowly she returned to the bencf
AS she took her seat, Pharaoh rappe
out an order.
PUT light on the lady. Bugle."
| think my heart stood still. but
had torch and the wit to do as h
said.
Rush and Bugle stand fast. Dew
drop with mi.
He crossed 70 the gaping panel, VIII
Dewdrop directly behind him. lightir
his steps.
AS he pulled open the door, l. sa
the stonework beyond.
stood waiting for their footfal
to fade My moment had come.
Rush was speaking and wagging h
dreadful head.
"Sheba's the goods" he murmure
Look at that mouth. Here. I'm goi
to ave a closeup. Gimme that-torch
Between us we bungled the bushes
and the torch fell down and went 81
let him grope and find 1t. AS
stood up. grunting, | toeG him fast
the throat and drove my knife into b
heart.
He gave one frlghtful conyulsic
And then | knew he was dead.
got to my knees and sought t
he torch. When j had found 1t.