CHAPTER XXVI.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 128, 14 November 1885, Page 3

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE ADVERTISEMENT. LILLIS'S RESOLVE. WANTED.— The English gentleman who bought a blood-stone ring at the shop of M. Balby, Rue St. Honor 6, Paris, on the morning of the 21st of November. The ring was sold by mistake. Is distinguished by a peculiar mark. Is valuable to M. Balby, as can be proved on its return to the above address. All expenses paid by advertiser. Such was the advertisement which Detective Linter gave to Hood, and which Hood and Tony read together. If Linter counted on startling results, he was disappointed. Hood returned the slip with a smile that was almost scornful. "It does not seem to impress your lordship," said Linter, displaying some chagrin. 41 It does not, indeed," returned Hood. " Still I commend your zeal, Mr Linter. Linter looked at Tony. That astute individual answered promptly and flatteringly in these safe words : " If you declare the advertisement a valuaMe clue, Mr Linter, I do the same." Mr Linter put away the slip He said reflectively : "I'm inclined to think so. A blood- stone ring was purchased the morning after the assassination. It was purchased by an Englishman, and that Englishman may have eeen the loser of this," suddenly taking Hood's lost ring from one of the pockets of the open book. At the unexpected sight Hood turned pale, but otherwise showed no emotion, and Mr Linter put back the ring into his pocket. Meanwhile Lillis had left the house. She made directly across the grounds as the nearest route to the station. The gate shut, she leaned and looked back at the Abbey. Tears rose to her eyes. " Poor, dear, misguided mamma I ' she thought, "I will write to you the instant I reach Solicitor Gibbs's, and secure the protective care of his wife. I will then tell you all about this sacred mission of mine andShe broke from the thought with a glad upward look. The sun was shining full and bright in her face. "It is a benison !" she smiled. Brushing away her tears, she turned to j resume her walk. She turned and instantly stopped again. Directly in her path stood Bilsy. His hat was in his hand, and he was bowing respectfully. '• It's my lady's orders, Miss," he said. "I don't understand," rejoined Lillis. "Explain yourself." Bilsy did so. " My lady flays as how, Miss, you're in no wise to cross the park ; begging your pardon, Miss," Hoping to hide the sudden pallor of her cheeks, Lillis turned, and without reply passed quickly into the grounds again. " Can it be ?" she thought, anger, fear, and grief chasing each other across her beautiful face, " can it be I am watched— surrounded by spies ? I will know I" Her head proudly erect, her lovely features proudly composed, she got out of Bilsy 's sight and took a more distant path. She reached it, and was met this time in the person of the loud-voiced footman, who had bo nearly earned hie dismissal that morning. "You are sure," she asked, her cheek flushing with pride as she put the inquiries, " there is no mistake. You received your orders from Lady Melroaa ?" "Not from my lady direct, Miss. Rebecca Hough was the one as spoke 'em. But there's no mistake, Miss." " Rebecca Hough." Breathing the came in abhorrence of the woman, Lillis hastily retraced her steps. "I will" try the iodge," she thought. "It may be mamma is only afraid to have

) me wandering in the lonely park, I will ■ strive to think so. But," her lips curling the next minute in a sad, half bitter smile, r "w the publio highway be safe. Oh ij f why deoeive myself? This is the Earl's I work ! It was his art that hurried her from 1 i the library as I entered. I see it all ! And' too late I see my folly, I should have] I 1I 1 slipped away secretly." ' , ■ She turned into a sheltered park, and! i realising how much time had been lost, in- 1 i creased her speed to a run. . I Within a snort distance of the lodge, Bhe checked her steps. Other steps were apI proaching. As she glided into a refuge, Detecbive Linter, Tony Folger, and Robert Hood appeared. I Tony and the Detective were walking with easy familiarity. Hood walked smilingly beside them. Breathless and panting from her recent exertions, the girl peered through the intervening ivy growth. •They are going to walk to the station with him," she thought, making an instant leap at the truth, "I am utterly defeated this time. And when "—suddenly clasping her hands with a gesture of despair— " and when ahall I not be defeated ? I cannot so much as safely mail a letter. And I am, too, in deadly personal peril. What is to save me ?" She answered the question in a dozen hushed impetuous words. "I'll brave the Earl, and risk all," sho exclaimed. " I'll appeal to Detective Linter. ' The men had already passed the ivied oak ; but, no less swift than determined, she sprang after them.