CHAPTER XI

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13748, 10 September 1908, Page 6

CHAPTER XI

In which Dan Conquers a Kingdom and Loses His Footing.

The words had a strange effect upon the millionaire. His lace, that had been as a mask, suddenly tearfully clumped; so livid and so strained ;i lookit bore that Dan instinctively 101 l back. He had struck home at last !

"Your terms? The miHionaire still clutched the telephone receiver. "For the present, silence as to Anne Basset's meeting with Luke Fisher. Later, we'll discuss the matter moie fully. For the moment your silence buys mine." He spoke firmly, crushing back the doubt that made him falter.

His chance shot had found its mark, but at any moment Scott might discover that the blow was aimed at random. He was convinced, however, ol one thing: Scott was as ignorant ol the blue diamond's whereabouts as he. If not, the millionaire would have challenged his knowledge. Fiir a moment Scott's keen eyes studied Garret's fact, as if to tear the secret from him. The next he had accepted defeat, with the dangerous quietness of a man who having received a momentary rebuff, gathered his forces close for the next encounter.

He rang up Harris, and informed that zealous officer there was nothing to add to the information already given him.

"If I may ask," said Garret, "what have you told the inspector?" "The truth," was the re-ply, "up to the time Fisher left this house."

"Did you not mention Anne's meeting with you, then?" "No; I reserved that until T had proof of her purchase of the chloral. I suggested there might be a woman in the case, and that it would be well to keep a watch upon your premises. That is all. 1 shall not add to the statement. There, however," he settled himself comfortably in a deep chair, and the white look left his face, "my part ends. I can control my own tongue, but not my wife's. To be brief, Lady Minnie has lost a diamond chain. 'She suspects Anne Uasset ol stealing it. I did not share the belief, but this afternoon Jack Eastercalled and confirmed the suspicion. He states he has traced the girl, and discovered that she has the chain. Lady Minnie intends to prosecute." "Did you see Easter, Mr. Scott:-"

"No. I was out at the time. T learnt of liis discovery through my wife. She is fond ot her jewellery, and is obdurate upon the point of Anne's arrest. I can't influence her. It will mean," Aniberley's eyes Hashed dangerously, "two veins' imprisonment at least."'

At tho moment, just when Dan was about to contest the assertion, there enme a sharp knock :)< the door.

"Come in," said Scott. "Oh! I forgot you'd locked it. (Jnrret ; \ou might turn the koy." Dan obeyed ; the bolt shot back ; an agitated mass ot chillon, Lady Minnie fluttered into the room.

(To be continued.)

Cot your piano whero you can rely on quality and value. 'Hundreds of people are taking advnntage of the Dresden Piano Company's time payment system ; and shipment upon shipment of pianos and organs is coming in month after month. "The Dresden," with years of experience, and a remarkable turnover, is ever able to sell the best goods at the lowest market rate. But it is not satisfied with merely gaining a new customer; it aims at making another business friend— and usually does so. Now, with the Dresden Piano Company Limited, absolute quality is guaranteed. Every piano issued is Dorfc.pt material and" workmanship. This reputation is guarded most jealously. Where, for example, will you lind better instruments than the Broadwood, the Lipp, the Ronisch. and tht Stein way— they .are indeed four great pianos. You should certainly either call on or write to the Dresden Piano Company Limited, Wellington, or you could see their local representative," J. W. Henrichs.