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Show AUTHOR OF JMACmrm" "ARCmUSA"lTCM iLLusmmmjvROFfa.wEiu QPYRJCMT 907 BY P-MSYNOPSIS. CK-- ) He waved the sheet slowly to and fro, to dry the ink. Its only a preliminary agreement," he said, but its binding as far as it goes and Ill attend to the rest. Youll have to give me a power of attorney for my lawyer in New York. By the by. If you decide to come, you can do that in Venice, where theres a real But live consul. Thats necessary. for all matters of business herein set forth, we are now already The Mme. da Cordova and Rufus Van Torp Company, organized for the purpose of building an opera house in the city of New York and for giving public performances of musical works In the same, with a nominal capital hereafter to be agreed upon. Thats what we are now. He folded the sheet, returned it to his inner pocket and held out his hand manner. in a cheerful, business-lik"Shall we shake hands on it? be asked. By all means, Margaret answered readily, and their eyes met; but she drew back her hand again before taking his. "This Is purely a matter of business between us, she said, you understand that? It means nothing else? "Purely a matter of business, answered Rufus Van Torp, slowly and gravely. CRAWFORO 'Baraka, a Tartar girl, became enamored, A a golden bearded stranger who was prospecting and studying herbs In the vicinity of her home in central Asia, and Tevealed to him the location of a mine f rubies hoping that the stranger would love her In return for her disclosure. They were followed to the cave by the girls relatives, who blocked up the entrance, and drew oft the water supply, leaving the couple to die. Baraka's cousin JSaad, her betrothed, attempted to climb down a cliff overlooking the 'mine; but the traveler shot him. The stranger was revived from a water gourd Saad carried, dug his way out of the tunnel, and departed, deserting the girl and carrying bag of rubies. Baraka gathered all the gems she could carry, and started in pursuit. Margaret Donne (Margarita da Cordova), a famous prima donna, becamengaged In London to Konstantin Lowealthy Greek financier. Her f;othetl, a friend Leven. was Countess known as Lady Maud, whose husband had been killed by a bomb in St. Petersburg; and Lady Maud's most intimate friend was Kufus Van Torp, an American, who had become one of the richest men in the world. Van Torp was in love with Margaret, and rushed to London as He soon as he heard of her betrothal. offered Lady Maud $5,000,000 for her pet In winning charity if she would aid him the singer from Logotheti. Baraka approached Logotheti at Versailles with rubles to sell. He presented a ruby to Margaret. Van Torp bought a yacht and sent it to Venice. He was visited by Baraka in male attire. She gave him a of ruby after the American had told aherman fiavlng Been in the United States she one the the of description answering loved. The American followed Margaret to the Bayreuth "Parsifal festival. Margaret took a liking to Van Torp, who presented her with the ruby Baraka had given him. Count Kralinsky, a Russian, arrived at Bayreuth. Van Torp believed film to be the one Baraka was pursuing. CHAPTER XII. Baraka was arrested In London on the a jewcharge of stealing from Pinney, eler, the ruby she had sold to Logotheti. On the morning after the transacTwo Btrangers were the thieves. Lady Maud believed that Logothetl's association last described. Van Torps attentions with Baraka were open to suspiVan tion was arrested by a sensational cion, and so informed Margaret. the scare-heaTorp believed that Kralinsky was manabout a thief and a ruby cowboy he had known in his young hood. Logotheti secured Baraka's re- worth $50,000. Some disaffected collease, and then, with her as his guest, league in London had known, or went to sea on his yacht Erinna. Baraka the stone was where on the her for cleverly guessed, revenge plans explains man who had deserted her and left her that had been stolen from Mr. to die. Logotheti succeeds In moderating and had informed the police; tier rage. Lady Maud arrived In Bayreuth. Margaret and Van Torp entered the young fellow who tremendous a build to Into an agreement spoke like an English gentleman had opera house in New, York. e ' d Pin-ney- nice-lookin- g J CHAPTER XI, Continued. He turned the page round, and hande jt to her. The writing was large and perfectly legible, but very different from the commercial hand of most American business men. Any one' word, taken at random, might have seemed unformed, at first sight, hut the appearance of the whole was Maroddly strong and symmetrical. garet read the clauses carefully. She herself had already signed a good jnany legal papers in connection with her engagements and her own small .fortune, and the language was not so unfamiliar to her as it would have been to most women. she asked, Shall I sign first? when she had finished. My own same? Or my stage name? Tour own name, please, said Van Torp without hesitation. "The others only binding in your profession, because you appear under it, and its your business style. She wrote Margaret Donne at the foot of the page in her large and rath-o- r irregular hand, and passed the paper back to Van Torp, who signed it walked directly into the arms of the s man waiting for him on the pier in New York, the stone had been found sewn up in his waistcoat, and his pleasant career of liberty had ended abruptly in a cell. Mr. Van Torp whistled softly as he read the account a second time. Then he neatly cut the column out of the paper, folded it with great precision, smoothed it with care and placed it in next to a cheap little his pocket-boophotograph of Mme. da Cordova as Juliet, which he had bought in a music shop in New York the day after he had heard her for the first time, and had carried In his pocket ever since. He took up the mutilated newspaper and looked up and down the columns, and among .other Information which he gathered in a few moments was the fact that Logothetls yacht had passed Capt Saint Vincent, going east, owner and party on board. The previous telegram had not escaped him, and if be had entertained any doubts as to the destination of the Erinna, they vanished now. She was certainly bound for the Mediterranean. He remembered having heard that plain-clothe- k many steam yachts coming from England put Into Gibraltar for coal and fresh provisions, coal being cheaper there than In French and Italian ports, and he thought It very probable that the Erinna would do the same; he also made some deductions which need not be explained yet The only one worth mentioning here was that Logotheti would be likely to hear in Gibraltar that the ruby had been found and was on Its way back to England, and that as he would know that Margaret would be anxious about it, since he had already given It to her, he would hardly let the occasion of communicating with her go by. As for writing from Gibraltar to any place whatsoever In the hope that a letter will arrive In less than a week, it is sheer folly. Mr. Van Torp had never tried it, and supposed it possible, as It looks, but he was tolerably sure that Logotheti would telegraph first, and had perhaps done so already, for the news of his passing Cape Saint Vincent was already 24 hours old. This was precisely what bad happened. When Mr. Van Torp opened his door, he came upon Margaret and Mrs. Rushmore on the landing, on the point of going out for a walk, and a servant had just brought the prima donna a telegram which she was reading aloud, so that the American couid not help hearing her. she read Cruising till wanted, Ruby found. Address, quickly. yacht Erinna, Naples. She heard Van Torp close his door, though she had not heard him open It, and turning round she found herself face to face with him. Her eyes were sparkling with anger. I couldnt Very sorry, he said. help hearing. Its of no consequence, for I should have told you, Margaret answered briefly. He argued well for himself from her tone and manner, but he chose to show that he would not force his company upon her just then, when she was in a visible rage, and instead of stopping to exchange more words he passed the two ladies hat in hand, and bowing rather low, after his manner, he went quietly downstairs. Margaret watched him till be disappeared. "I like that man, she said, as if to to herself, but audibly. I cannot help It. Mrs. Rushmore was more than delighted, but had tact enough not to make any answer to a speech which bad probably not been meant for her ears. she said, "you would Perhaps, rather not go out just yet, my dear. Margaret was grateful for the suggestion, and they turned back Into ' their rooms. Meanwhile Van Torp had reached the door of the hotel, and found Lady Maud standing there with her parasol up, for the sun was streaming In-was waiting for you, she said simply, as soon as he reached her side, and she stepped out into the street. I thought you would come down, and I wanted to speak to you, for I did not get a chance last night They were both watching me, probably because they thought I was ill, and I had to chatter like a magpie to keep up appearances. "You did it very well, Van Torp If I had not seen your face said. at. the window when I got out of the automobile yesterday I shouldnt have guessed there was anything wrong. But there is something very wrong something I can hardly bear to think of, though I must, until I know the truth. They turned into the first deserted street they came to. I dare say I can give a guess at what it is, Van Torp answered graveI went to see him alone yesterly. day on purpose, before he started, and I must say, If it wasnt for the beard Id feel pretty sure. He had a beard when I married him, and it was like that just like I that! F.nJed Abrun'.ly in a Cell. Lady Mauds voice shook audibly, for she felt cold, even in the sunshine. I didnt know, Van Torp answered. That alters the case. If were not mistaken, what can I do to help you? Lets see. You only had that one look at him, through the window, is that so? Yes. But the window was open, and its not high above the ground, and my eyes are good. He took off his hat when he said good-bto you, and I saw his face as distinctly as I see yours. When .youve been married to a man she laughed harshly you cannot be easily mistaken about him, when youre as near as that! That is the man I married. I'm Intimately convinced of it, but I must be quite sure. Do you understand? Of course. If hes really Leven, hes even a better actor than I used to think he was. If hes not, the resemblance is just about the most exIts true I only traordinary thing! saw Leven three or four times in my life, but I saw him to look at him then, and the last time 1 did, when be made the row in Hare court, he was doing most of the talking, so I remember his voice. Theres only one difficulty, Lady Some one else may have Maud said. been killed last June. It may even have been the pickpocket who had Such tilings stolen his pocket-book- . 'Jut have happened, or do in loo.--! this is certainly the man you met in New York and who sold you the stone you gave me, Is he not? Oh, certainly. And that was at the end of July, and Leven was killed late in June. Yes. That only leaves a month for him to have been to Asia thats Yes, sir. He got here this morn gilt vase full of Immense pink roses, absurd. Utterly, totally, and entirely impos- with stems nearer four feet long than lng from Vienna in his motor, sir, and sible, asseverated Mr. Van Torp three. Mrs. Rushmore admired them sent his things with his man, and his compliments to you and the ladies, One of two things. Either this man very much. How did you know that I love and he will come on board in time for Is your husband, and if he is, hes not the man who found the rubies In Asia roses above all other flowers? she dinner. That was all, I think, air. My dear Mr. Van Torp, you Lady Maud heard, and made a Or elbe, if he is that man, hes not asked. scarcely perceptible movement of the Leven. I wish that heathen girl had are a wizard. I'm sure! Lady Maud and Margaret entered, head by way of thanks to her friend, been here yesterday! She could have told in a minute. Shed better have and kept up a polite little chorus of while listening to Margaret's enthusibeen here anyway than cutting around admiration; but they both felt uneasy astic praise of everything Bhe saw. Mr. the Mediterranean with that fellow as to what they might find in their re- Yan Torp and his man departed, just spective cabins, for Margaret hated aa Potts appeared, accompanied by a Logotheti ! English stewardess Yes, Lady Maud answered grave- pink, and Lady Maud detested gild- very But about myself if Leven Is ing, and neither of them was especial- in a smart white cap. Lady Maud was ly. ajjve, what is my position I mean 1 ly fond of rosea. They left Mrs. Rush- unusually silent, but she smiled pleasdon't really quite know where I am, more very happy in her quarters and antly at what Margaret said, and the went on. Lady Mauds turn came next, latter mode up her mind to drown her do I? and she began to understand, when anger against Logotheti, and at the would have but "Anybody you thought of marrying again already," ob- she saw a quantity of sweet wood vio- same time be avenged on him, in an and served Mr. Van Torp, looking up side- lets on her table, just loosened, In an orgy of luxurious comfort, Bea-alsunshine. The capacity of a perfectly ways in her eyes, for she was taller old Murano glass beaker. Thank you, she said, bending to healthy and successful singer for enthan he. "Then youd really be in a joying everything, from a halfpenny bad fix, wouldnt you? But as it is, I smell them. How kind of you!" There was not a trace of gilding or bun and a drive to a hansom to a mildont see that it makes much difference. The mans going under a false pink silk. The cabin was paneled and lionaires yacht and the most expenname, so he doesn't mean to claim fitted In a rare natural wood of a sive fat of the laud, or sea, has never been measured. And If they do have tint. you as his wife, nor to try to get a creamy-whitdivorce again, as he did before. Hes "Beg pardon, my lady," said Stemp. terrible fits of temper now and then, just going to be somebody else for his This and Miss Donnes cabin com- who shall blame them? They are alown good, and hell get married that municate by this door, and the door ways sorry for it, because It Is bad Each for the voice. way, maybe. Thats his business, not aft goes to the dressing-room- . Mr. Van Torp reached hla quarters, yours I dont suppose youre going cabin has one quite Independent, and to get up in church and forbid the this bell rings the pantry, my lady, and prepared to scrub and dress comand this one rings Miss Donnes fortably after a week at Bayreuth and banns, are you?" I that a railroad journey. would, like a shot! said Lady maid's cabin, as I understand Maud. So would you. Im sure! your ladyship has not brought her own Lady Maud did not begin to dress at maid with her." Think of the other woman! once, ns there was plenty of time beVery nice," Bald Lady Maud, smell- fore dinner; she left the stewardess to Thats so, answered Van Torp without enthusiasm. "However, weve ing the violets again. unpack her things, and came out upon gangway outside her cabStemp threw open the door of com- the got to think about you and the present, and decide what well do. I sup- munication to the cabin he had pre- in door to breathe the atr, for It was pose the best thing is for me to put pared for the prima donna. The two warm. The city lay half a mile away him off with some excuse, so that you cabins occupied the whole beam of the In the afterglow of the sunset. But she felt none of that healthy can come on the yacht. vessel, excepting the gangway Please do nothing of the sort!" on each side, and as she was one of pleasure which a lovely sight naturally the largest, yachts afloat at the time, gave her. She was At a crisis of her cried Lady Maud. life, and the exquisite evening seen "But I want you to come, objected there was no lack of room. was the battlefield of a coming strugCarnations, at this time of year! her friend. arman cried half seeing Margaret, gle, with herself, or with another, she "I mean to come. Do you think Im ful of her favorite dark red ones, in a hardly knew. In half an hour, or in afraid to meet him? r silver before the mirror. an hour, at most, she was to sit at ta- Van Torp looked at her In some surYou really seem to. know everything! ble with a man she fully believed to prise, and not without admiration. Thank you so much! be the husband for whom she had ' There isnt anybody like you, anyShe buried her handsome face in the been wearing mourning, out of mere But theres way, he said quietly. splendid flowers and drew in a deep, decency, but with the profound Inward going to be a cl:cus on that ship if warm breath, full of their sensuous satisfaction of being free. hes Leven," he added. If he makes perfume, the spicy scent of a laden (TO BE CONTINUED.) a fuss Ill read the riot act and lock clove-treunder a tropical sun. him up. Spider Colonies. Thank you again!" she said enOur native spiders are notable for Oh, no," answered Lady Maud, who thusiastically. Thank you for everytheir extreme unsociability. Of those was used to Mr. Van Torps familiar thing, the delightful journey, and this which are spinners each one convocabulary, why need there be any lovely room, and the carnations! structs its web apart from those of trouble? You've not told him I am She stood up suddenly to her height, And those which hunt pur-- , coming, you say. Very well. If he in sheer pleasure, and held out her its kind. sue their prey alone, aaya the London sees me suddenly after he has been hand to him. He pressed It quietly, Globe. on board a little while, hell certainly and smiled. In other countries, however, there betray himself, and then I shall be Do as you would be done by, he are spiders which live In communities, sure. Leven Is a man of the world and one such, a native of Mexico, la was or is God knows which! But said. That's the companys rule. She laughed at the allusion to their described by M. L. Dlguet. It Is known he to if it is he, and be doesnt want of which Lady Maud knew aa the mosquero and makes a large recognized, hell behave as If nothing agreement,for they had determined to nest In oaks and other trees. Here had happened, after the first moment nothing, the spiders live gregariously and along of surprise. ' At least I shall be cer- keep It secret for the present Mr. Van Torp had not found an op- with them In the nest la found a mitain. I must be positively sure whether Leven is alive or dead, for portunity of speaking to Lady Maud nute beetle and another species of spito know der. The beetle Is said to act as what I have got back in these last alone, but he wished her be when scavenger. Parts of the nest of the Kralinsky expected. might two months Is my whole life. A mere he said, before leaving the mosquero are hung up In the houses "Stemp, first at at and ten recognition sight have you heard from the during the wet season to get rid of the yards is not enough. It may be only cabin, flies. count? a marvelous resemblance, for they a someone has double say every where In the world. "They used to say, too, that if you met your double' one of you would die, observed Van Torp. "Those things are all stuff and nonsense, of course. I was just thinking. Well, be continued, dwelling on his favorite monosyllable, if you decide to come on the yacht, and if the man doesn't blow away, we shall know the truth in three or four days from now, and thats a comfort. And even if he turns out to be Leven, maybe we can manage something. Lady Maud chose not to ask what her friend thought he could manage; for she had glanced at his face when he had spoken, and though it was half turned away from her, she saw his expression, and it would have scared a nervous person. She did not like him to be in that mood, and was sorry that she had brought him to it. But Mr. Van Torp, who was a strong man, and had seen more than one affray in his ranching days, could not help thinking how uncommonly easy it would be to pick up Count Kralinsky and drop him overboard on a dark night next week, when the Lancashire Lass would be doing 22 knots, and there might be a little weather about to drown the splash. neat-lookin- g r, e six-fo- six-fo- wine-coole- "r e CHAPTER XIII, The millionaire did things handsomely. He offered to motor his party to Venice, and as Margaret declined, because motoring was bad for her voice, he telegraphed for a comfortable special carriage, and took his friends down by railroad, and they were all very luxuriously comfortable. Kralinsky was not on board the yacht when they came alongside at sunset la two gondolas, following the steam-launcwhich carried the load of luggage and the two maids. Stemp led the way, and Mr. Van Torp took the three ladies to their cabins; first, Mrs. Rushmore, who was surprised and delighted by the rich and gay appearance of hers, for it was entirely decorated in pink and gold. On the writing table stood a tall. She Buried Her Handsome Face In the Splendid Flowers. |