The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1936-05-01
CHAPTER X-Continued
Copyright by Minton, Balch & Co.
WNU Service.

L LhAuh, al CApCAL was OAOuShI 1AOli
Japan. 1t was thought, very properly,
If 1 may say so, that so exquisite a
canvas deserved a masters brush. j..
May we -. see his handiwork, please?"
Helena sat as though stricken
turned into stone.
Pharaoh proceeded mercilessly.
"If you would like assistance, you've
only to say the word. We're none Of
us lady's maids, but Rush has the
reputation Of being lady's man."
The sweat was running on my tenn
pies.
AS 1 tried to measure my distance,
found that I 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 l heard Rush moving. I.
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-I 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 l
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, l
could not have stood my ground. But
If I should not survive Pharaoh. e.
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. l nearly
made it just now. If you'll go now, I'll
show you the secret way. Tomorrow
night I'll meet you with five thousand
pounds in gold. And after that I'll 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 in 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 year."
The man was playing with her--play-
ing the fish he had hooked.
Helena's voice was shaking.
1--WE no right to give any more. The
moneys not mine. That's more than
/ ought to take for my personal use"
1t was awful to hear such naivete is
sue from Helena's lips.
II am not concerned with your right
To insure Mr.. Spencer's life will cost
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, "Pll pay it."
The words seemed torn from her
throat.
zone thing MORE" said Pharaoh. "It
will 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 l guess
you can open it naked as well as
clothed"
/ think full minute went by before
Helena moved.
Then very slowly she rose and turned
to the right. Then her hand went up to
a sconce, laid hold Of the bracket and
pulled 1t down.
heard no sound, but panel below
the sconce moved, and, when she
turned, saw the shape of door which
was standing ajar.
So Helena severed one Of the threads
by which her life was hanging.
Slowly she returned to the bench.
AS she took her seat, Pharaoh raped
out an order.
PUT light on the lady, Bugle."
I think my heart stood still: but l
had torch and the wit to do as he
said.
Rush and Bugle stand fast: Dew
drop with me-"
He crossed to the gaping panel, with
Dewdrop directly behind him, lighting
his steps.
AS he pulled open the door, / saw
the stonework beyond.
stood waiting for their footballs
to fade. My moment had come.
Rush was speaking and wagging his
dreadful head.
"Sheba's the goods" he murmured.
'sLook at that mouth. Here. I'm goin'
to ave closeup. Gimme that-torch."
Between us we bungled the business,
and the torch fell down and went out.
/ let him grope and find 1t. AS he
stood up, grunting, took him fast by
the throat and drove my knife into his
heart.
He gave one frightful convulsion.
And then knew h. was dead. j.
/ got to my knees and sought for
the torch. When had found 1t. !