The evening world. Newspaper, March 21, 1914, Page 9

(Goprright, 9900. by Mitchell Kennerier.) SOKOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS, “Gharub" Devine, 0 self-made aod enormouly fall street plunger, Uuye « big Long tsland Gate known a0 Mewingion Acres. ae if pe: tft in aif B Hr i ii Ne it rita f if F Ef i t I i j é i & t fe i} . jets i i ii E zi ss 2 & Mr, Hewington in the chase, ERU , called down the Countess Vecchi, his solemn Nile head. id at the rear, her father, vainly trying to urge the reluctant animal into a livelier gait. “What is it? What's the matter dropping her book and springing to her feet. But there was hardly breath enough ¢ left in the whole procession to have afewered her, and each one was much too busy to try. Only Eppings lifted hia solemn face, now of a splendid purple shade, long enough to throw her an apologetic look, suggesting how embarrassed he felt at being discov- ered indulging in such unprofessional reise, and then on he pounded wit all the grace of a jumping jack. “Ob, ob, something dreadful must have happened!" e¢: med =the Countess. “And there's father being chased by n—~ No, he's pulling it along with him. It's a calf! Father, father! What ts the matter?” The invalid aunt with her back to the ecene and her eyes half closed Netened with keen appreciation. “Go on, Adele, Don't stop so often. I don’t quite get the connection, but this is a most interesting chapter. What comes next?” “Nonsense, auntie! I wasn't read- ing then. Something is happening, right here, under our noses, There's ® man! He's running a The Evening ‘Ww + orld Daily Magazine, Saturday. Marc A COMPLETE NOVEL EACH WEEK IN THE The Adventures of a Wall Street Man |== In a Conntrvy Estate of Mysteries |\=— CHAPTER XXI. A (Osatinurd.) = UT Timmins was losing no ‘ate » advantage, however small. og ‘The instant his quarry *% halted he charged headlong “ at him, waving his free ow haaé es a signal for the man to sur- ‘ en ‘When the person in the silk % took no notice of this invitation, but ran toward the Sound, Timmins followed joyfully. If he could run him j out on Hewington Point he would have him trapped. Ta opite of his lack of knowledge ef the geography of the grounds the feetng prisoner was fot to be caught soensily. He had his wits about him, tafe eyes open, and he was a fairly if good runner. Pevhaps he caught a wilmpee of the water between the trees, for he soon veered to the right and dashed down one of the garden paths. So the placid meditations of * MB. Hewington were interrupted by the noise of rapidly approaching foot- stepe, The next moment he had a glimpse of an individual in a frock ceat who was sprinting toward him at top apeed. Also he was conscious that Timmins was shouting to him from beyond: “Ef, Governor! Stop } Stop "tm!" "Fevetuntarily Mr. Hewington raised », nip arms and stepped directly into the malAle of the path. That was quite ‘suffelent. The runner dug his heels jato the gravel, checked his fight leeg enough for one dazed look, and pewmptly dashed into a clump of gol- dm glow, reappearing to the view of ‘Timmins a second later headed tewerd the house. Evidently the q mee was berridered, or else he would not have failed to observe the by no v? ragans inconspicuous figure of Mra. ‘Timmine looming large in the kitchen deer. / “Btop ‘Im, Maggie! Stop "im!" | “\"syouted Timmins, abandoning all —-gecrecy now. o¢ ‘Gve. Timmins was not one to wait o explanations at such a time. “‘Tigeesins wanted somebody stopped a4 stopped he should be. With sure + prising agility she got ber huge bulk motion and moved imposingly and vight angtes upon the refugee. As 414 this, Timmins, dragging the and followed by Mr. Hewington, 4 in on the other side. But the bossie was tired of the game or else he was winded. He no longer bound- 4 merrily upon his wobbly legs, now |, Row just behind Timmins. He seeck his forefest straight out and sawed balkily at the lead rope. ‘This left a gap of some ten yards the line of offense, and through it man bolted bravely, the ock coat fluttering & as he spurted toward sedate Eppings was to view the escape with and staring eyes. ~ Sfyke after ‘im, you blooming \\ gatamp!" screamed the disgusted Tim- “w'y don’t you tyke after 2B it i i t teat” ‘Thus exhorted, the butler did break \ tote 0 stiff trot, which was so patent- tnoffective that Timmins might Jeughed had the occasion been less serious. As it was, he only Y gasped cut an exclamation of disap- proval, threw the calf’s lead rope to a wonder, then, at the amage- the Countess Veech! when ‘up from a book she was read- ber invalid aunt, on one of , ahe beheld this ani- First a man fa silk hat in bis right bend, ? ting as be ran, Next Tim- hie elbows close to bis sides jaw thrust out tm approved etyle, Third, Mra, Tim- mina, very red of face, and her ample up and down like a prt ‘ ‘ rH quite vapidis. Fourth, Bppings, away went the Countess through the upper hall and down the ataire, “Gracious!” panted the Invalid aunt ‘ and promptly went off into a faint. Meanwhile the race between Tim- mins and his elusive prisofler was progressing very prettily. They were keeping to the driveway now, and the smooth macadam offered fine footing. It could be seen that Tim- mins waa slowly gaining, but it still remained to be proved whether or not he had the requisite staying qualities to win out in a long stern chase. Obviously the stranger would clear the gates before ie could be over- hauled. No doubt he realized this himself, and perhaps it inspired that final burst of speed which he was making, when there came to the ears of all concerned the sbarp, imperious honk-honk of an automobile horn. ‘The next instamt a big red car whirled in through the gates, and at sight of the advancing procession in the roadway was brought to a sud- den stop. From the back seat of the tonneau stepped forth “Cherub” De- vine. Jt was the most dramatic and opportune entrance he had ever made in all his career. One glance at the leading figure in the race told him the whole story. \Also he saw that he held the key to the situation. i. ‘The panting fugitive saw it, too. Once more he halted, stared appre- hensively at the “Cherub,” then cast @ hurrted look over his shoulder at. ‘Timrains. Quickly he made his choice. Turning like @ flash, be dodged Tim- mins neatly. Another moment, and he had circled around Mrs. Timmins. Perhaps he would have been doub-. ling and dodging yet had there not occurred a diversion, The calf, in ita excitement, had begun running tn a circle and had wound Mr, Hewing- ton up with the rope eo that he could move neither hands nor feet. Mr, Hewington was loudly calling for Ep- pings. ‘ Just then, however, it was Ep- pinga's turn to try stopping the priss oner, He was already jumping from one side of the road to the other in order to confuse the enemy, when Mr, Hewington'a cries for amistance dis- tracted hia attention from the game, Yeara of training showed there. “Fippings abandoned his post and started for his master. A yell of rage from Timmins reached his ears. Eppings saw the fugitive about to speed past him. For @ second he hesitated, Then, unlimbering his long legs and throwing discretion to the winds, he hurled himself headlong across the road, wrapped his long arms midway about the frock coat, and, amid a cloud of dust, captor and captive came desperately to earth. Aa auch things go, it was rather a stirring finish, ‘or it was all over, ‘When the others came up and pried the prisoner from the frantic clasp of the highly wrought butler, the captive was willing to stand quietly with Timmins'’s hand grasping his collar, while they both recovered their breath, “Ow, skittles! But didn't I give ‘im @ nasty cropper, though?” demanded Eppings pantingly. He was white frum exertion and agitation, but his & NE of the most piti- able per. sons in all the world = is the man or woman with a @ person spreada the needa | of unhappiness 3 broadcast, While | the jealous | dividual makes | TURE 4 himecif —miser- able, he also ; succeeds\in mak- tng trouble for acariy every one who *. ed to boast of his victory. ‘ammer ‘Im down? What?" “As fine a tackle as I made,” declared the "Cherul ings, you're a winner. But how did it all happen? How did he get out?” The Countess Vecchi, who, with the help of Mrs, Timmins, had separated Mr. Hewington from the calf, came up just in time to hear this question asked, Before any one could answer she had pushed past Eppings, waved Timmins to be silent and stood glanc- ing from “Cherub” Devine to the prisoner, There was nothing yielding or impulsive in her present manner. She was coldly self-possessed and’ a trifle haughty. i = “IT think I can best answer Mr. Devine,” said she, with just a suspi- clon of sarcasm in her tone, “It was I who released this gentleman from the Icehouse. Timmins, will you please step one side?” “But, M ‘e's such a” — “Timmins!” reproved the Countess. “Hands off, Timmins,” added the “Cherub.” “Oh, I say, ings. “I can't"—— protested Epp- “Well?” demanded the Countess, turning upon the luckless butler sternly. “Nothing at all, ma’am. I begs par- don, ma‘am," “You want to let him go, do you, Countess?” queried the “@tierub.” “Ido.” There was a finality about this response which could hardly be misinterpreted, “Then scoot,” and “Cherub” Devine Pointed a chubby thump over his shoulder, “II can't run any more, really,” declared the stranger. “Well, make it a walk, then,” si ested the “Cherub.” “You heard the Countess, didn’t you? Sh you're to go, and she's hoxs here “Thanks,” said the ex-prisoner, and with a faint grimace in the very face of the baffled Timmins ho started off, Somehow, no one seemed to know exactly what to say, so in silence the little group stood watching the Unhindered departure of the man who a few moments before had been the centre of such a lively disturbance Not until he had disappeared around the first curve of the driveway was — & word spoken. ‘Then “Cherub” De- vine, who had been regarding the Averted face of the Countess with a whimslen! look in his blue eyes, broke the spell. “T suppose,” he began, “you won der why we had him shut up In” “I understand perfectly," said the Countess, “Ho told me all abgut It himself.” “Oh, then you had a talk witb him, ch “E did.” The Countess was looking steadily at him, and she pauned as jf of her action shrugged his shoul- surrounds him. His friend or his flancee is continually harassed with his suspicions or bis direct accusa- tions, No explanation completely | Matisfies him, no devotion inspires his | Benerous trust. If you are in any y tainted with the vice of jealousy you should do | Your best to root it out | “BE. 1." writes: Do you consider |it perfectly proper for « young man | to kiss a lady when they have known each other only w month?’ Nice young persons don't indulge in such demonstrations on so short an acquaintance. “J. B." writes: “I should like to become scquainted with @ Gers. He was beginning to realise that something more than the mere escape of this Count Veoehi had oc- curred, At first he had attributed her changed attitude toward Bimself as due to the presence of others. includ- ing the Count. It was only natural that hould wish to keep her real feelings to herself. But this pose was too reallatic to be comfortable. Hither she was overacting her part, or else her coldness was genuine. She and the Count had met and talked. Could there have bden a reconcilia- tion? The “Cherub” could mot credit that, Was it that the reappearance of the Count had influenced ber tu ‘another way? Was she not trying to keep up sppearances before her father and servants? “I expect he dida’t tell you, though, just why I got so interested tn him, dia he?” and Mr. Devine favored the Countess with one of those instan- taneous winks of his by which be was wont to express mirthful audacity. ’ The answering look which the Countess Vecchi flashed back at him ‘was equally expressive, only it con- voyed very different emotions. “He made eyerything quite clear, Mr. Devine,” aaid the Countess, with significant emphasis, “And while I can hardly approve of your motives, 1 can wish you every success in your new enterprise. Only please do not r toshouse as 2 prison again;” and while he waa atill staring at her wonderingly she had turned and was making her way toward the house, “Whew! Now I ought to be good, I guess!” exclaimed the bewildered Cherub.” . zed about the little group of mystified persons he saw Mr. Hewington, still somewhat daze@ and a good deal rumpled as to appearance from his recent experience with the calf, It eccurred to Mr. Devine that the old gentleman might have sald something which would have en- lightened his daughte: mind. Tak- ing him by the arm, the “Cherub” led Mr. Hewington down the driveway toward the walting car. When they wero out of earshot of the others he observed casually: “Well, our Count Is loose again,” “Our Count, sir! Why, what do mean?" yw, see here, Hewington, don't you go to being mysterious, I'm twisted enough as it ix, You saw Count Vecchi walk off just now, didn’t you?” ‘ount Vecchi! Where? When?" re was no question as to the sincerity of his surprise or alarm. ‘Vhe very pame seemed tv make bim whudder “Oh, com said the “Cherub,” ing Mr. Hewington into a facing position, “Didn't we have the Count cooped up, and didn’t the Countess let him out, and didn't you belp chase him all over the lot” And didn’t pping» nail bim with « Gying tackle, Betty Vincent’s Advice to Lovers. ; young lady who works in fice. We have met, but | have not much time to talk to ber, Would it | be proper for me to ask her to go to | a show some evening?” | I don't see why not 'To Find Out. sirl for about ten months and have taken out a number of times, love this girl and ld like to know whether she loves me How can I find ou ‘The simple and obvious method tn to ask her. my of writes: “I have known @ | | “R. J.) writes: What do you think of @ young man who does not love o| . ae - SS eee Nts ee and then didn’t we let him walk away not three minutes ago because the Countess said the word? Kat" “My dear air, that person was not Count Vecchi. “Wha—a—at! again, will you? did you say?” “Most certainly not, sir, 1 will ad- mit that at first I supposed it was the Count, but no sooner had he been captured than I perceived that some one had mi most stupid blunder.” “But id was the Count-- told me eo himself,” insisted the “Cherub, -: “My dear Mr. Devine.” and Mr, Hewington assumed bis most digni- fied attitude, “if you doubt that Tcan- not recognize the man who"—— “There, thore! I'll teke your word for it. You aay be tan’t the Count, do you? Then who {s he?” exploded the “Cherub."@ Say, let's bave that Wasn't the Conat, “That, sir, is a matter tn whieh I am not deeply interested. I do not eare to discuss it. I have beea bruised and shaken up, and with your permission, air, I will return to the house.” “Well, Til be hanged!” wae the “Cherub’s” only comment as he watehed Mr. Howington walk otiffly away. A fall two minutes he stoog there, trying to bring Into logic sequence the various unexpected phnees of the situation. At last he summed up the result and observed for the benefit of Bis own ears: Well, I guess it’s all over. She couldn't have me if she wanted to, and wouldn't have me if she could. ‘Cherub,’ it looks as if you had lost out both ways, But blamed if I wouldn't like to have a talk with that ringer in the etik bat. 1 won- der which way be went?” turn trip to the city was that the driver of his car aslected a route which did not include the road to the village. It was nearly 8 o'clock when he was landed at hin hotel, and ® before he had finished dinver. The “Cherub” had just ordered his second demi-tasse when he heard hie name being “paged” through the rill room. Holdiag up a forefinger to admit his identity he was handed a cablegram of four ehects, with toll charges marked “collect.” The ever- ready McQuade had lived up to his reputation. In one day he had un- earthed all that was to be learned of the history of Count Luigi Bal- vatore y Vecchi, Then he had con- densed it with admirable ekill, but without sacrificing importast do- tails, and had transmitted it to “Cherub” Devine, regardless of ex- pense. On page one were recorded the facts concerning the birth, parentage and early childhood of the Count. Page two took him on to youth, when he Legan to havd sscupades which bad become matters of public record. Page three was largely devoted to accounts of his rumored engagements and brief statements concerning two duels in which he bad been concerned. It wae while hastily skimming the lost sheet that Mr. Devine was moved to exclaim with expiosive eagerness: “Ah, ba!" which almost caused a disastrous collision between two tray- Inden waiters who happened to be passin Mr, McQuade’s message closed in this manner: “Sent to private sanitariuin in Loyon, Switzerland, Aug. 15, 19——died there Nov, 23, same year, Funeral private, family hushed up affair.” “Nearly two years ago,” commented the “Cherub.” “Then I believe he's kood and dead by this time, But CHAPTER XXII. NE good reason that Mr, Devine. did not see the peeudo Count on his re- why shouldn't the Hewingtons have known?” Further speculations were inter. rupted by the announcement that a pergon Who gave his name ax J. Hinks wus at the desk urking to communicate with Mr, Devine, He mentioned that he was connected with some ageney or other, Did Mr, Devine wish to see the person? “sure” suid the “Cherub.” “Tell hin to trot in,” Mr, J. Binks, @ bristly haired man with an undershot jaw and narrow sot eyes, tiptoed apulogetically in among th o” he whispered ly, “but we got your gent, all right. (le was walking just as cool 4s you like, too, slr, when we nabbed him,’ oarae- certain giri, but who is trying to retain a claim on her affections as be desires to make ler bis wife in the future?" 4 think such a young nat is stor- ing up much unhappiness both. tor (himself and for the girl in the cane ite he persists in bis course “M. OC." writes: "I have Leen pay ing attention to a girl for two years other, though we are only eighteen. The girl's mother considers that it in foolish of um to be so exclusively de- voted to each other, Do you agree?” You are too young to get married, but I see no reason why you should not maintain @ steady friendship so long as you care to do it. » “The deuce you say! the right one?” Sure you got “On, . yes, gir, Trust us for that Silk lid, frock coat, black che, five foet atx, looks Ike a went, but talke straight No mistake, sir, And what's re, eh? Breakin’ and en. foreign enough, out and Make leaving any fuss Breaking be nearer, would when you got him?” “Ite was @ bit hot under the collar, air, when we first gives him the grips full of aurprises @a that one In all’ —— “Hea right about that,” assented Mr, Devine hastily. “But what have you done with him?” botherin’ us, sir, papers and takes ‘om to the nearest station house, Hut in thin case, as I saya to the Chief, says I, ‘this is the pecullar- little 044," broke in “But where's your the man now?’ “Outside, sir, ‘cuffed to Mr, Coo- gan, my side partaer. Now if » would etep around te the sergeant’s desk and swear out"— “But T can’t, Mr. Binks, You and Coogan have done well. Here, epiit that between you,” and Mr, Devine inainuated a yellow-backed note into an anticipatory palm. ‘Now all you have to do ts wnchain your man from Mr. Coogan, lead him th here, and leave him with me.” “And there ain't no eha: “Nome at all, Mr. Binks, All [ want is his company for a few min- utes.” Hinks departed, to reappear with the much-captured individual whom the “Cherub” had first met dodging about the gateway of Hewington Acres. “welt” observed the “Cherub.” “How do you like playing the prodi- gal Count role? Kind of strenuous, ent” A ebrug of the shoulder was the only reaponee to this. “Now don’t let's be grouchy over it” went on Mr. Dev coaxingly. “Whatever your little game was, it's queered. You fooled me all right; but of course you couldn't fool Mr. Hew- ington or the Countess. What wee the idea, anyway?” “[ was just joking, I'm going to make you smart for your share in thia, Mr. ‘Cherub’ Devine.” “How would @ nice thick sirloin, with mushrooms and baked potatoes, strike you? And a few Lattle Neoke to start on, eh? Good! Here, waiter!” Sheppeeds and a pair of piercing dark eyes watched for the effect abrewdly, “suppose I came direct from Count Veceh!, as his personal repre"—— eWon't do,” interrupted Mr. De- vine, “unless you cas show your pass from the O14 Boy. You see, I know just how long the Count’s been dead.” ‘The man smiled and made gesture of impatience. “If you had taken the trouble to ask Mr. Hewington, he would bave told you how mistaken you were.” “You, but I'm better posted (has Mr, Howington. There are the latest returns,” and the “Cherub” tossed over the Inst sheet of McQuade’ nessage. He really had the makings ef « first-clage villain in him, this name- less personage across the table, ee- ing that further pretense along thia line was useleus, he merely shrugged hin shoulders indifferently. “t might have known find out, But what of it?” “Why, not much,” anawered the “Cherub” slowly. “Only—only thin: Home one's been holding up the old wentieman for remittances ever since the Count died, using the Count’s name, Of course, I'm not sure who that somebody was, but the arrow points to you. How about it, eh? In mpite of the pleasant curves about “Cherub” Devine's mouth, and the rounded smoothness of his pink cheeks, he could at times convey an impression of great determination, and from his blue eyes could come keen glances, Tee man across the table noted these ¢tBings, His air of in difference vanished, Ile Cumbled nervously with the table silver, In- aide of two minutes he had broken down completely and was making a full confession, to which “Cherub” Devine Hstened with placid satistac- tion and indulgent node of encourage: ment. ‘The interview ended amicably, By the time it waa over the ex-prisoner had recovered his composure and de- slight ou would | Veloped an appetite for sirloin steak, 1) We both think « xreat deal of each | | hi Also he had accepted Mr. Devine's offer to become bin guest for the night CHAPTER XXII. ND early next morning there arrived at Hewington Acres once more a cheerfully au. dacious “Cherub” Devine, who seemed quite unaf- fected by the forbidding austerity with which Eppings chose to regard Joyntess arouad, eb?” Devine. asked Mr. h 4 Le te me ee 21: 1914 4 “Sorry, air, but the Countess Veccht bega to be excuncd, air,” was hia re- " port. “Well, well! That'a sad, isn't It, ppinga? Now, what. about the old Bentioman?” ut T Counters." After some moments, during which he paced up and down the reception hall, Mr, Devine waa ahown into the library with as much formality as if Nor was the ton, when he thin was hia first visit, attitude of Mr, Howl roxe to receive the reassuring. “Pardon me,” he began, coldly, “but I had been led to believe that—er—I hardly expected, you know, that"— “Eve been looking wp that Count of yours,” he remarked. Mr. Hewing- ton became interested at once. by yes?” he urged. “And he tv — He's been defunct for nearly two years. | had a man Investigate the records, and {t's all “Impoasible, Mr. Devine! Why- why—I have been in communication with him.” ‘That was. your mistake. You've deen in communication with a smooth young chap who couldn't resist the chance to play a new benco game for all It wan westh. How were the let- tera signed which came from the Count after he was sent to that sani- ington.” tarium?" “By his secretary, I belleve. Per Mr. F.C, That was it” muliahly. “Sure! And the F. C. stood for Francois Cunetto, I've had a heart tosheart talk with Francois, and god his whole history, It helpa a lot to know @ man from the grousd up, doean't it?” “I have wo doubt it does, Mr. De- vine, but” —— “Oh, I'm coming to that; but I want to put Cunetto's case to you iret. As you might guess by bis name, he's half French and halt Ttalian, which in not a bad combina- tion, There was good blood on both sides, but no money on either, sv that's why be didn’t finish the medi- cal course that he came over here to take, When his funds run out he goon back to Italy, drifts up into Switserland and gets a job’ anain- tant house doctor in this sanitarium where they were trying to cure Count Vecchi of seeing pink-whiskered tad- poles and other variegated fauna. “Really, now, Mr. Devine!" protest- od Mr. Howington. “Why shy 00 at the facts?” asked the “Cherub.” “Count or no Count, that was his complaint. Why, his Berves were in such shape he couldn't even sign his name to a letter. And that's where young Dr. Cunetto was fet in, When the Count’s remittance from you was overdue be dictates a letter to Francois. He gets him to cash your check too, and Francole learns the whole story about the run- away Coudtess and her rich father. ‘Then the Count dies. A delayed check comes in, and the doctor is tempted to see that the money fen't wasted. Also he observes that the passing of the Count is kept quist. It occuse te Bim that you hadn't been notified of the éad event. ‘That being the case, he sees po reason why the remittances shouldn't continue, so he beeps you posted on the dates when they're due. Bee how it works out?” “Why, the scousérel!” exclaimed Mr. Howington. “I've been awindiedt | shall write to him at once ané”—— “No need to write. He's over here. He's coming to call om you this after- noon.” ‘The impudent rascal! Why, I-I shall bave Bim apprebended.” In the resslun of righteous indignation Hewington could be pietur- impressive. Mr. Devine ch with tempted appre- “Cherub.” that much, “Cherub.” glory be!” Mr. euquely paused to ciation before replying. “L hope not,” eaid the “Cherub” mildly, ‘That would complicate things, We didn’t treat him very well the last time he was here.” “The last time?” echoed Mr. ington, “Yoo. He was the chap we bad sbut up in the icehouse, you know, Hi was scouting around to see what aty! ou lived In before he played bis Hew- The unprincipled wretch:” “Ile len't an honest as be might be; but then, circumstances have been hy pered, “Guess I never knew what it ogainat bim. was to be happy before, anyway.” “I shall refuse to hear a word from ‘Nor I, Cherub, dear,” said the declared Mr, Uewington Countess Vecchi. Now, that's too bad, He's coming to refund the amount he tricked you out of. You see, I've taken him on my private staff id advanced him ix months’ pay, so he could start square, [en't that better than get occasion THE SHIP OF CORAL WILL BEGIN IN ting Into @ legal snarl with him, en?” vine. What is your motive in hat- ing unearthed all this?” “It has something to do with the “The Counters! Kindly leave my daughter out of this discussion.” ‘ot much!” declared the “Cherub.” ‘ay, you might just as well get ured to it now as later, whole lot of your daughter, Mr. Hews “Indeed, air! Your impudence is ase tounding. If trust that you are not #6 presumptuous an to suppose that your—er—your regard is fa any means ure returned?” “That just describes Hewington. At toast, I did have some such fdea until this fool Francote muddled things up for me. Do you know what he told the Countess?” “I am not at all Interested, str.” “Maybe not, but I wast yeu tt Isten, just the came; and. I. want You to let him tell his revised stery to the Countess. Why, see heré, thinks I locked that chap up intereated in didn’t mean to tell any but be was posing as the Count, she couldn't see him, end it naturally slipped out. to put me in, wasn’t it?” Howington shook his’ “But. great Scott!" proteste@ the “He meant that I was ia love with the Count: And say, he guessed right, I've been in love with her ever sings the first minute 1 saw her, and ite getting worse every hour, know just how it is with her. she's never had @ fair chance to say yet; but now that I've found out that Count of yours ts out of the way, I mean to ask her once more if she thinks T'll do.” “Well, Cherub, why don’t you?” From behind a tall revolving book- case which hid from view a corner of the library, appeared the Countess Vecchi, flushed and amiling. Her brown eyes were alight, yet @ mischievous umile played about her mouth cornera, “Adele!” came from Mr. “T've been listening, you see,” she confessed. “I couldn't help it. I came in to find father, and I heard you tell- ing him about that—that maa you had locked up. The one who told you he was Count"-— i “Yea, but let's forget him,” suid the “There im’t any Count, ° “I know,” eald the Countess, “I understand now. I heard all you said,” “Did you? Honest?” demanded Mr, Devine eagerly. “About hew 1—| The Countess Vecchi nodded and dark eyes dropped. his arms and looking at shorter range. into her brown eyes, he was reason- ably sure that he would. “I couldn't be happier if some one had handed me the moon,” be whis- Not @ strikingly brilliant dialogue for two young persons to indulge in at such a moment, but possibly quite up to the standard, considering the By H. de Vere Stacpoole | sult of lost gold, Sorcery i et inane oe bait. as 0 understand, Mr. De Pray, Mr. Devine, I think @ case, Mr, his wite, He'd guessed 1 don't. (The End.) Island” story of southern seas; \