The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1936-03-05

''Im afraid It's clear" he drawled,
4that you didn't expect me 20 SOON"
He sighed. That's been the misfortune
Of so many people I've known. Some
Of them are still living. You see, Z
car came by, and It's owner gave me
a lift. To be perfectly frank, he sur
rendered the wheel to Dewdrop with
out a word. You know. I can't help
feeling you ought to have thought of
| that"
II agree" said Helena, shortly. THAT
was 1 bad mistake"
"But the only one" said Pharaoh.
Indeed, II may say so, I'm much
impressed Mr.. Spencers quite \ good
chaufreur-Im sure Of that but only
brain In a thousand would have
thought Of abducting the Count"
Helena stared.
Are you being humorous7~
no." said Pharaoh quietly. I'm
simply giving you the answer to sim
pie addition sum- As It's very short
I'll do 1t over again. !. You left the
castle as was approaching the bridge.
In fact, I was able to cross 1t while
Hubert-the faithful Hubert-was clos
Ing the wicket, before he re-entered
the lodge That's why he didn't see
me. But that's by the way. :. Well,
found your departure astounding. /
mean, ON the face Of 1t, once you had
gained the castle, to deliberately leave
1t was the act of fool But you are
no fool, Lady Helena. was still
considering this paradox, when I
found the postern aJar. confess that
helped me 4 lot-in moro ways than
one. And the moment I heard that
the Count Of Yorick was missing, the
| sum came out" He increased his legs
and leaned forward Let me put some
cards on the table. want you to SEQ
| that, Ii for no other reason, because
you have scruples you are weighted
clean out OF this race. You see, am
/ not so embarrassed-I never am. Now
take tonight. Placed as you were, once
was back In the castle, nothing this
side Of hell would have got me out
Yet the Count would have disappeared.
Now there's 4 little problem-which
will resolve. I assume he was drunk
forgive me, but he usually Is by ten.
Well, they ray blood's thicker than wa
ter, but never found 1t so. / should
have dropped him gently Into the moat
| rhnc thtrk hlnH3nU
Let me tell you what happened tonight.
| wanted car-badly, and | took the
first that came by. Well, that was
against the law. BY taking that car
offended the law and order-two in
convenient gods. They therefore had
to be sidetracked- J. What is left OF
that car Is lying on Its side In gully.
It's still burning-wlth the man 1t be-
longed to inside"
This recital was dreadful enough, but
Pharaoh lent 1t horror that made my
blood run cold.
Are you seeking to brighten us7-
Helena said.
Pharaoh sat back.
No." he said, smiling. 4Only to
open your eyes,"
He glanced at his watch. Dear, dear,
a quarter to two. It's far too late to
discuss my mission tonight. II you'll
promise me one or two things-well,
daresay your room Is ready" he
raised his eyes to the ceiling and
the room above yours"
You insolent swine" / roared. III
you think
The sentence ended In 4 manner
which should like to forget. yelped
with pain, leaped from my seat on the
table and swung about, smarting and
furious, to face Dewdrop's leveled pis-
tol some three feet away.
The Jew had prlcked my bullock
with the blade OF his knife.
! hesitated, trembling with rage and
desperately weighing the chances OF
an immediate attack. Fire upon mo
they dared not.
Helena's arm was about my shout
ders, and her cool, slim hand on my
wrist
mot that way, my darling. beg you.
Let me play the hand"
Il entirely agree" said Pharaoh.
you're much too mutton-flsted But
you mustn't become abusive. That's
really all Dewdrop meant"
| "All right" / said thickly. "You
play 1t. I'll manage to bide my time"
The clasp on my shoulders frightened.
but that was all.
what terms" said Helena, quietly.
do you suggestT'
your word that you will do nothing
before midday. That at that hour you
two will be here. to take up the same
positions you now lay down. That you
will give no orders and make no sort
OF statement which might correct the
impression that I ami your guest. In
a word, I desire your parole-thc pa
role OF you BOTH"
Il give It," said Helena. quietly.
"And Mr.. SpencerT said Pharaoh.
Before / could speak
II pledge his word" said Helena.
That's good enough" said Pharaoh
ALLOW me to wish you good night"
He bowed and turned to the door
Come, Dewdrop." he said.