The Argosy — page 288: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Missing Rubies. 269 speaker, Wouriski waited in silence for him to go on. ‘The look was a command, and Stavieski willingly obeyed. ** And then, just as I was going away, I saw a note lying open upon the table. It contains only a few lines; but I have preserved it care- fully. Read it for yourself.” Michael handed the note to his companion, who scanned it silently and returned it, with the look of expectation still on his face. He did not ask a question ; he simply waited to hear more. “T took possession of the note, Wouriski, and came away from the house. Casimir—vwell as we love him—is no longer a kindred soul. He has become dead to Poland ; he has almost forgotten his wrongs. To him, therefore, it is best to say nothing about the thoughts that have come tome. ‘They have come, I verily believe, as messages from the dead. But Casimir would not listen to me if I told him so.” Wouriski shook his head. “He would not listen, even if I were to tell him ofall the evil that this daughter of perdition is doing now. He would not believe that she is spying and betraying still. But I know it, my friend ; and you know it also. As to our principles, there is no need to'remind you of them; would that they were shared by Casimir! We hold that when the life of any man inflicts deadly injuries on other lives, he forfeits his right to live. We hold that it 1s not only a sinless, but a meritorious deed to send a murderer to his doom. And Paulina Lorenski is a murderess. She slew your father—the kind old gentle- man who had ever been her friend—as surely as if she had stabbed him with her own white hands. And Paul—if Paul still breathes, he prays that every breath may be his last! Has she not done wrong enough? Is not her measure of iniquity full ?” It is full,” Wouriski answered solemnly. The two stood looking at each other fora moment with gleaming eyes. And then, turning to the note again, Stavieski went on speak- ing : ‘‘We shall want the assistance of a third person, if our plan is to be carried out. There is a man called Reichardt—a German—em- ployed at some livery stables, close to this place. He can be depended on to any extent, and we will make use of him on Sunday night.” “You have yet to tell me your scheme for Sunday night,” said Wouriski, thoughtfully. ‘* The Greggs will be absentall day, I know. Mrs. Gregg said that they were going into the country and would not return till near midnight. To-day is Thursday. Is there time to make all your preparations ? Do we run much risk if we fail ?” “We run no risk at all if we fail to capture her. There is plenty of time, my friend. The preparations are simple and few.” COM () NOOKS (SO) am