The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

4, The Price Of Liberty OR. A MIDNIGHT CALU CHAPTER XLIII. David Steel stood contemplating the weird scene witli almost doubt- ing eyes. In his wildest moments he had never imafjined anything more dramatic than this. The can- dle in its silver sconce that Mrs. Hen.son had snatched up hetorc her flight was perilously near her flimsy dress. Hcnson caught her once more in a tierce grip. David coukl stand it no longer. As Henson came by him his right arm flashed out, there was a dull thud, and Henson, with- out having the lea.st idea what had happened, foil to the ground with a very hazy idea of his surroundings for a moment or two. Equally unconscious that she had a protector handy, Mrs. Henson turned and fled tor the house. A minute later and she was followed by Henson, still puzzling his racking head to know what had happened. David would have followed, but the need for caution flashed upon him. If he stood there perfectly still Hen- son would never know who his an- tagonist was. David stood there waiting. As he glanced round ho saw some little object glittering near to his feet. It was the ruby ring! "Be you there, sir?" a rusty voice whispered close by. "I am, Williams," David replied; "I have been waiting for some time." Williams chuckled, making no kind ofi apology for his want of punctual- ity. "I've been looking after our man, sir," he said. "ITiat Dutch chap what Miss Enid said you'd come for And I saw all that business in the shrubbery just now. My! if I didn't feel good when you laid out Henson on the grass. The sound of that smack was as good as ten years' wages for me. And he's gone off to his room with a bar;in of vinegar and a ream of brown paper. Why didn't you break his neck?" David suggested that the law took a prejudiced view of that kind of thing, and that it would be a pity to hang anyone for such a creature as Heginald Henson. 'â- Our 2nan is all right?" he asked. "As a trivet," said Williams. "Sleeping like a babby; he is in my own bed over the stable. I'll show you into the harness-room, where Hiss Enid's waiting for you, sir, and then I'll go and see as Iletison don't come prowling about. Not as he's likely to, considering the clump on the side of the head you gave him. I take it kind of Provi- dence to let me see that." Williams hobbled away, chuckling j that," she said; "but Chris was al to himself and followed by David, ways so clever. Hut tell me, what There was a feeble oil-lamp in the I was Henson doing in the gard^-n harness-room. Enm was waiting just now? Williams .says he was ill there anxiously. treating my aunt, but that seems "So you have put Henaon out of hardly possible even for Heginald." the way for a time," she sold. "Ho "It was over a ring that Mrs. Hen- passed me just now using awful Ian- son had," David explained. "She guage, and wondering how it had all was running away with it and Hen- come about. Wa.sn't it a strange j son was trying to get it back. You thing that Van Sneck should come , se 'Perhaps it is. But 1 am horribly afraid of our dear friend Reginald, all the same." "Our dear Reginald will not trou- ble us just yet. lie came down as far as London with Itell. llf course he had heard the news of Van Sneck's flight. Was he di.sturbed?" "1 have never seen him in such a pa.ssion before, Mr. Steel. And not only was ho in a par.sion, but he was horribly afraid about some- thing. And he has made a discov- ery." "He hasn't found out that your sister " "Is at Littimor Castle? That is really the most consoling part of the business. He has been at Litti- mer for a day or two, and ho has not the remotest idea that Christo- bel Leo is our Chris." "A feather in your sister's cap. She has quite captivated Littimer, Bell says." "And she played her part splendid- ly. Mr. Steel, it is very, very good to know that Hatherly has cleared himself in the eyes of Lord Littimer at last. Did Reginald suspect " "Nothing," Steel said. "He is ut- terly and hopelessly puzzled over the whole business. ."Vnd Rell has managett to convince him that he is not suspected at all. That busi- ness over .she Reml^nmdt was really a brilliant bit of comedy. Hut what has Henson found out?" "That Chris is not dead. He has seen Walker and the undertaker. But he does not know yet that Dr. Bell I was in the house that eventful night, ] which is a blessing. As a matter of fact, Reginald has not been quite the same man since Rollo nearly killed him that exciting evening. Hi.i nerves seem to be greatly shaken." "That is because the rascal feels the net closing round him," Steel said. "It was a line stroke on your sister's part to win over that fel- low Merritt to her side. I supplied the details per telephone, but the plot was really Miss Chris's. How on earth should we have managed without the telephone over ..his bus- iness?" "I am at a loss to say," Enid smiled. "But tell me about that plot. I am quite in the dark as to that side of the matter." David proceeded to explain his own and Chris's ingenious .scheme for getting MerrUt into their power. Enid followed the story with vast enjoyment, "tempered with the fact that Henson was so near. "I should never have thought of lamp with a shaking hand. Quite unstrung, she hold out her Angers for the ring. "It is just possible," she said, hoarsely, "that you possess the key of the situation. If that ring is what I hope it is wo can tumble Hen- son into the dust to-morrow. We can drive him out of the country, and Tie will never, never trouble us again, llow did you get it?" "Mrs. Henson firopped it and 1 picked it up." "Please let me see it," Enid said, pleadingly. "Let nie be puj out of my misery." David handed the ring over; Enid regarded it long and searchingly. With a little sigh of regret she passed it back to David once mora. "You had better keep it," she said. "At any rate, it is likely to be valuable evidence for us later on. But it is not the ring I hoped tj hpc. It is a clever copy, but tlie black pearl.i are not so flne, and the e:i- graving inside is not so worn as it used to be on the original. It ig evidently a copy that Henson hcs had made to tease my aunt with, to olTer her at some future date in i-e- turn for the largo sums of money that she gave him. No; the original of that ring is popularly suppoHud to be at the bottom of the North Sia. If such had been the caseâ€" seeing that Henson had never handled it before the Great Tragedy came â€" the original must be in existence." "Why so?" David asked. "Itecause the ring must have been copied from it," Enid said. It is a very faithful copy indeed, and could not have been made from mere dir- ections â€" take the engraving inside, for instance. The engraving forms the cipher of the house of Littimor. If Henson has the real ring, if wo can find it, the tragedy goes out of our lives for ever." "1 should like to hoar J.he story," said Steel. Enid paused and lowered the lamp as a step was heard outside. But it was only Williams. "Mr. Henson is in his bedroom still," he said. "I've just taken him the cigars. He's got a lump on his head as big as a billiard-ball. Thinks he hit it against a branch. .â- \nd my lady have locked herself in lior room and refused to see any- body." "Oo and look at our patient," Enid connnanded. Williams disappeared, to return presently with the information that Van Sneck was still fast asleep and lying very peacefully. "Looks like waiting till morning, it do," he said. "And now I'll go back and keep my eye on that 'ere distinguished philanthropist." Williams disappeared, and Enid turned up the lamp again. Her face was pale and resolute. She motion- ed David towards a chair. "I'll tell you the r.tory," she said. "1 am going to confide in you the saddest aiwl strangest tale that ever appealed to an imaginative nove- list." hero? "Not very," David said. "He Is evidently looking for his master, Reginald Henson. I have not the slightest doubt that he has been hero "A ring!" Enid gasped. "Did you happen to see it? Oh, if it is onlyâ€". But he would not be so silly as that. A ring is the cause of all the trouble. Did you see it?" CHAPTER XLIV. "I am going to tell you the story of the great sorrow that has darken- ed all our lives, but I shall have to go a long way back to do it," Enid .said. "I go back to the trou- blous day of Charles, as far back as the disastrous fight at Naseby. Of course I am speaking more from a Royalist point of view, for the mtimers were always followers of the Court. "Mind you, there is doubtless a deal that is legendary about what I am going to tell you. But the ring given to my ancestor Rupert Littimer by Prince Rupert himself is an actuality. "Na.seby was over, ami, so the legend goes. Prince Rupert found a near neighbor of Rupert Littimer; indeeil, the ("arfiix estates still run parallel with the property round Littimer CasUe. "Now, (-aifax was huted by all those who were attached to the for- tunes of the King. Seeing that he was of aristocratic birth, it was held that ho hail violated his cnsto and creed by taking sides with the Roundheads. History has told us that he was right, and that the Cavaliers, picturesque us they wore, were lighting a dubious caiiso. Hut 1 need not go into that. Carfax was a hui'd, stern man' who spared no- body, and many were the stories told of bis cruelly. 'He and RupiMt Littimer were es- pecially at daggers drawn. I be- lieve that both of them had been in love with the same woman or some- thing of that kind. And the fact that she did not murry either made little dirferenco to the bitterness be- tween them. "Well, t:arfax was pressing close on Rupert, so close, indeed, that un less some stralegy wore adopted the brilliant cavuby leailer was in. dire peril. It was there that my ances- tor, Rupert l.illimer, came forward with his .scluMup. He offered to dis- guise himself and go into the camp of Carfa.x and take him prisoner The idea was to steal into the tent of Carfax and. by threatening him with his life, compel him to issue certain orders, tlie result of which would be that Prince Rupert could get away. 'â-  'You will never come back again, friend,' the Prini-e said. "Rupert Littimer said ho was pre- pnied to run all risk of that. 'And if I do tlie iou .shall tell my wife, sir,' ho saiil, 'And when the child is born, tell him that his father died as he should have done for his King and for his country.' " 'Oh, there is a child coming?' " Rupert asked. "Littimer replied that for aught he knew ho was a father already. And then ho went liis way into the camp of the foe wiili his curls cit short and in the guise of a country- man who comes with vahinble in- formation. And, what is more, he schemed his way into Carfax's tent, and at the point of a dagger com- pelled him to write a certain order which my ancestor's servant, who accompanied him, saw carried into effect, and so the passage for Prince Rupert was made free. "The ruse would have succeeded all round but for some little accident that I newl not go into now. Rupert Littimer was laiil by the heels, his disguise was torn olT, and he stood face to face with his hereditary foe. He was told that he had but an hour to live. " 'If you have any favor to ask, Say it,' Carfa.x .said. " '1 have no favor to ask, proper- ly so-called,' Littimer replied; 'but I am loth to die witliont knowing wliother or not I have left anybody to succeed meâ€" anybody who will avenge the crime upon you and yours in the years to come. Let mo go as far as Henson Orange, and I pledge you my word I will return in the morning I ' many times before. William! "I not only saw it but I have it i him.self de-^porately situated and m says ho is asleei). Pity to wake him I in my po.ssession," Davi'd replied. jiro puril of cnt)turo by Cromwell's Enid turned up the flaring little troops, under one Colonel Carfax, Just yet, don't you think?" Remarkable Progress e Til at tliere is no better company with which to place your Life Insurance than THE MANUFACTURERS LIFE ' ?-3 clearly shown by the following comparison : â€" DEO. 31, 1804. DEC. 31. 1904 Insurance In Force $9,555,300 $37,668,468 Policies issued during me year 2.no,?55 r,lor,l48 Policy Reserves 628,429 5,255,077 Assets 821,320 6,112,344 Income 296,468 1,659,107 SURPLUS (not Including Capital Stock) 50,309 • 471,869 The ten years tlnriiig which these incrcjis \s have taken place cover the period of the present management of the Conipuay. Cer- tainly such magnificent success guarantees POSITIVI^ PROTECTION TO POLICY-HOLDERS APPLY FOR RATE& TO The Manufacturers INSURANCE HEAD OFFICE, Life COMPANY TORONTO, CANADA. U\it Carfux laughed the .sugges- tion to .scorn. The Court party wero all liars and perjurers and their word was not to bo taken. " 'It is as I .say,' Rupert Littimer repealed. 'My wife lies ill at Hen- son (1 range and in sore trouble about me. And l should like to see my child before I die. " 'Then you shall have the chance,' Carfax sneered. 'I will keep you a close prisoner here for two da.vs, and if at the end of that time noth- ing happens, ,\ou die. If, on the other hand, a child is born to ,vou, then yo'i shall go fiom hero a free man.' "And so the compact was made. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the ca.so may be, the slory got abroad, and some Indiscreet iierson carrietl the news to Dame Littimer. Ill as she was, .she insist eri upon getting up and going over to Carfax's camp at once. She had barely reached there before, woU, long ere Rupert Littimer 's probntion was over, he was the father of a noble boy. They say that the Roundheads made a cradle for the child out of a leather breastiilate, and cniiiod it in triumph round the canip- And they held the furious Carfax to his word, and the stor.v spread and sprenil until it came to the ears of Prince Rupert. (To bo Continued.) HOW Il'IO COUUD TFOLL. Tobacconist/â€" "Yes, I want a boy here. H'avo .vou hud any experi- enco'?" You I llf \d Applicnnt â€" "Lots!" ".Suppo.se 1 .-ihould mix up the price marks on these bo.vcs, could you tell the good cig'ars from tlwj bad ones'.'" "Kasy 'nough." '•H'ow'?" "The wust cigars is in thi- boxes Wet's j'.ot the puiliest i»ictins." EARN A Oomfortable Living WITH A Chatham Incubator Poultry raising with a Chatham Incubator is ,-i very profitable and easily managed occupation. Unless you want to g-o into it extensively it need take but very little of your time. Government reports show that the demand for chickens in Canada is greatly in excess of the supply and Great Britain is always clamoring for more. That means a steady market and good prices for chickens. You cannot raise chickens success- fully with a setting hen. She is wast- ing time setting when she should be laying. Wliile she la hatching and brooding a few chickens siie could be laying five or six dozen eggs. The percentage of chickens she hatches is much less than that produced by the Chatham Incubator. It will pay jou to own a Chatham Incubator, Chatham Incubators contain every improvement of importance in Incu* bator construction that has been pro- duced, Thoy are made of thoroughly seasoned wood, with two walls, case within case. Between the.se walls mineral wool is packed forming the very best insulation. Each piece of the case is mortised and grooved and screwed, making the whole as solid as a rock. Chatham Incubators are equipped with .scientifically perfect regulators which are an infallible means of regulating the temperature. No cash to pay until October, 1905. We will start you raising poultry for profit with a Chatham Incubator without one cent of money from you until next Fall. That means that you can take off seven or eight hatches and make considerable money out of the Incubator before the first payment becomes due. We couldn't make this offer if we were not certain that if you accept it you will get complete satisfaction, if we were not positive that the Chatham Incubator will pay you a handsome yearly income. This is a straightforward offer. We make it to show our supreme confi- dence in the Chatham Incubator. We want you to accept this offer as we are sure of the satisfaction our .Incu- bator will give. Evffy machine we have put out so far has made other sales in the same neighborhood Dur offer ia to aend you a Chatham Inoubator at once, freight prepaid by ua without one oent ofcaah from you, You make your firat payment in October, 1905. The balance to be paid In October, 1906, or if a Caah Buyer you get it oheaper. Could any offer be fairer or more generous ? Smith Kai.i.s, Ont., Nonmber IHlh. IWI. The Incubator ami Brooder th»t I boii|;bl from j-oiir cffent, 00 timo. I w!ih now to jtav the whole emoiint thli fftll. If you win give mo a tliaoount. I em Terr mii--b plftaied with both In':ub»tor and UroMer. ana woold not be without thera. became I clearetl thie S9U0Q, more than the liiciibator end Brooder cost me. Youra reepectfnllr. MKS. \V. HYBLOP. Write us to-day for full particulars of our offer and mention this paper. Don't put it aside for another time as this special proposition may be with- drawn at any time. THE MANSON CAMPBELL CO.. Limited Dept. at Chttlmm, Ont. HAMTAn-URERS Of Chatham Fanning Mllh and Cbatbam Farm acolei. niMTitinuriNU wakehousrs at Montreal, tJnc. Itrandon, Man., CalcarT. AJla., New WeiiliDiiialer, B.C., Halifax. U.S. FAruiRiM AT Chatham, Ont., and Detroit. Mich, 12 QUICK RKCOVKRV. Agonl/cd Youthâ€" •"t>h, Aliss (J i. sol- do, don't tell inc thero. is no hope for i iiiv! " j Mi.ss Oriseldaâ€" "There in ab.^oliile- ly none, iH)or bo.v. Vou nin.s-tn't think of it. Why diiln't .you fall in love with my sister Panndn',' .Slie •Is much better lilted for you than ' I am. Agoni^eil Youthâ€" "Why, I thouglil â-  5:he wns engager! to thnt^prig of n .Spoonamoro! Ifjt Lim't n.<iking loo hiuch, Mii.'?s CrriseU'ft. won't you ' le.a."KS say a good word to her for .J.le?" THK VTOLF.NT KND. A lad lately proyeiited himself at the shop of a local butcher, and, whi>n I ho burly pio|)riotor appeared, gave a small order, "You don't buy so much iimnit now a.s you did in the sunmior," remark- ed the butcher. â- '.No,'' responded tht! lad, "and It's becnu.'-o father has become a vogotariaii," â- ''Well, my lad," came the grave rotoit, "you give your father warn- ing from ino thnt, as a rule. wt>gc- tnrinns come to a wiolent ('iwl. Take a bullock â€" 'e's a wogetarian. Wot'sp the result'.' Why, 'e's cut olT sudden, in his wery priuio!" -lACIc-vS IIKUOLSM. "Of coiir.se 1 love you. Jack; but If I thought you'd done something very brave 1 wtmld love .vou a loti iinn-o?" "Well, I've promised to marry you on m.v present salary." "Korgive me, dearest, that'.i simp- l.v heroic." "Cornvlin hnil Just tho most gvn- eioiiH liirthday party," oxclniUH-d tho swi-ot ihing III hliio. 'No woiuler," o.xtaiincd tht^ one in ctrcen. "It was her twcnty-thii-rl birthtlny. and she isn't going to have another loi fivo yenrB."