Our Short Story. THE STOLEN HEIRESS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143769, 18 April 1912, Page 8

Our Short Story. THE STOLEN HEIRESS.

By ARTHUR APPLIN,

Author of “The Gamester's Wife, “The Chorus Girl,’' “The Priest of Piccadilly,” etc.

CHAPTER XL ALL THAT MATTERS. When Martin reached South Kensington, after having seen Mrs. Smitilers, he was surprised to see Colonel Blaze Davidson waiting with Peggy and Yvette in the motor cur. The hitter made a grimace. “This is a most extraordinary affair,” the Colonel muttered. “1 should have been informed at once. I m still all at sea. I can hardly believe my cars!”

Peggy welcomed Martin gladly, giving his hand a warm and _ grateful clasp. As they drove along, Yvette explained what she called their plan of campaign, while Colonel Davidson muttered interjections. “Can’t -believe my ears. What's the world coming to!” Martin noticed that he took no notice of Yvette. When Drayton Gardens were reached Peggy jumped out and rang the bell; the Colonel and Tvctl-e followed. Martin was to wait in the ear. If by any chance Lesson made a scene, he was to drive oif with Dolores directly she appeared. “We’ll get .her out all right, my boy,” Colonel Davidson fumed, “and if the police don’t arrest Lesson tonight, I’ll thrash him within an inch of his life,” Yvette was first inside the hall when the servant answered the bell. She caught the sound of voice, -'ram the drawing room; she whispered to Peggy and the latter commenced to mount the staircase. “This way, please.” the servant said, holding open the dining-room door. But the Colonel and Yvette followed Peggy. Paul Lesson appeared at the head of the staircase. When he recognised his visitors he advanced to meet 'hem. “Good gracious, this is a surprise! Nothing wrong at Rook Hall, I hope!” He tried to bar the way,- Peggy pushed him aside. “Wo felt anxious about Doloresthought we’d run up and see her. She’s in the drawing-room, isn’t she? I heard her voice.”

With an effort Lesson kept control of bis features and his voice. There was nothing in the Davidsons’ behaviour to excite his suspicions. He gave a savage glance of interrogation at Yvette.

They all entered the drawing-room together. Dolores was seated on the sofa, Ella was standing beside her. Peggy took her friend in her arms and kissed her boisterously, and as she did so, she was able to whisper a warning, and instructions in her oar. For a few minutes they all talked amicably and naturally together, Colonel Davidson pretending to he very angry with Dolores. Any suspicions Ella or her brother might have entertained were lulled.

“By the way, I loft my purse in my bedroom this morning, Ella; if yon don’t mind, I’ll rim upstairs and look for it.” Yvotte spoke!

She left the room. The Colonel promptly took his cue. In his heart, he hated subterfuge—but Peggy was in command and Peggy always had her own way. He gave Yvette time to play her part, then spoke: “1 think a short spin round tho parkin the motor would do Dolores good,” he said. “She looks a hit pale.” “Yes,” Peggy cried.' “We’ll go together—father can wait here. Run and put on your hat, dear.” Lesson rose to his feet, but Peggy had already opened the door. As Dolores made her exit, she ran into Yvette’s arms.

“You things arc downstairs in the motor car outside,” she whispered. “Mr. Martin is waiting for you—go. quickly. He’ll explain- ” Dolores, looking a little bewildered, obeyed. Peggy and Yvette re-entered the drawing-room. Lesson would have pushed past them, but Colonel Davidson buttonholed him. “Now, a little drive will do her no end of good!” “She mustn’t leave the house,” Lesson stammered. “If you’ll give me five minutes alone, I’ll explain.” He turned to his sister. : “Ella, toll Dolores to wait upstairs until I send for her.” As Miss Lesson rose from her seat, two sharp hoots of a motor horn echoed from the road below. Paul Lesson leapt to the window. He was just in time to see the Davidson’s car rolling away and in the tonneau, close, together, James Martin and his ward. He lost self-control, self-restraint. A peal of mocking laughter from Yvotte Libertie made him even forget the first law of nature —self-protection. lie turned on Colonel Davidson with an oath. “What does this mean? Answer me —it’s a plot ” Peggy was proud of her father at that moment. Ho twirled his grizzled moustaches.

“It means that General Kenyon was an old comrade of mine. It means I’vo discovered your infamous plot to rob his daughter and obtain her fortune. You’re an infernal scoundrel—and I ivish yon good-day,” Lesson was ton staggered to speak, too surprised to move —until the Davidsons and Yvette were halfway downstairs. Then he rushed after them. “Stop!”

Yvotte ran to the door, and holding it open, beckoned to a passing taxicab. At the same moment, she saw two men whose appearance she recognised, approaching the house. As General Davidson and Peggy descended the steps, she darted back and planted herself in front of Lesson, closing the door. She did not notice that the latch had failed to catch. Peggy was calling to her. "Don’t wait!” she cried. She heard the throb of the engines of the taxicab. Lesson ceased struggling with her. She mocked him with her eyes, raised her set lips close to his fullyHe understood then. And he cursed her. “You’ve done thie! Yon shall pay dearly for it—yon little fool!” (To be continued.)