Part 19 (1/2)

”Who the--” he began again furiously

The intruder's reply was a silent one His excellency would have stepped back but it was too late Mr Heatherbloom's fist struck him fairly on the forehead Behind the bloas the full impetus of the lithe form fairly launched across the spacious cabin The prince went down, striking hard

But he was up in a ile, evaded him The prince'sand he was, lo-Ale hiht At the same time Mr Heatherbloom's ar and finding the vulnerable spots The prince soon realized he was being badly punished and the knowledge did not serve to iet hold of his opponent he could have crushed hiht A stationary table, however, in the center of the roo the wild dashes, the while he continued to lunge and dodge in a , the prince had, at length, to pause His face revealed severalto Mr

Heatherbloom A quiet smile strained his lips; a cold satisfaction shone in the bloodshot eyes

”Co a little from the table

The prince did not respond to the invitation His dazed arded the soot-masked intruder--a nihilist, no doubt! His excellency had had one or two experiences with members of secret societies in the past There was a nest of theed to get aboard the _Nevski_, he had no tiure out The nobleman looked over his shoulder toward a press-button

”Come on!” repeated Mr Heatherbloo, instead, the other way, but he did not reach what he sought Mr Heatherbloom's arm described an arc; the application was made with expert skill and effectiveness His excellency swayed, relaxed, and, this time, re into the dining _salle_--the other, opening upon the deck, he had already tried and found fastened--and drew closer the draperies before the s Then returning to the prince, he prodded gently the prostrate figure

”Get up!” His excellency azed around ”You'll be able to think all right in a moment,”

said Heatherbloom ”Sit down Only,” in crisp tones, ”I wouldn't move from the chair if I were you Because--” His excellency understood; so to murder rand duke--had been assassinated in Russia

”I wouldn't call it that” The prince ainst the nobleman's temples ”If ever a scoundrel deserved death, it is you”

Plain talk! The prince could scarcely believe he heard aright; yet the thrill of that icy touch on his forehead was real His dark face showed growing pallor One may be brave--heroic even, but one does not like to die like a dog, to be struck down by a miserable unclean terrorist--hardly, fro--unfortunately, however, so that must be dealt with--not at first, under these circumstances, with force--but afterward! Ah, then? The prince's eyes see

”What do you want?” he said

”Several things” Mr Heatherblooive orders that the _Nevski_ is to change her course--to head for the nearest American port”

”Impossible!” the prince exclaimed violently

”On the contrary, it is quite possible We have the fuel, as I can testify”

His excellency's thoughts ran riot; it was difficult to collect the head The fellow must be crazy; people of his class usually are, enerally displayed a certain method in their madness, while this one--

”I must remind your excellency that time is of every importance to me,”

murmured Mr Heatherbloom ”Hence, you will do what I ask, _at once_, or--”

”Very well” His excellency spoke quickly--too quickly ”I'll give the order” And, rising, he started toward the door

”Stop!”

The prince did Venoled in his look Mr

Heatherblooive the order; but here--and as I direct” His voice was cold as the glea one on the wall, ”connects with the bridge, of course Don't deny It will be useless”

His excellency didn't deny; he had a suspicion of as co

”You will call up the officer in coive him the order to make at once for the nearest American port You will ask hiet there? Beyond that, you will say nothing, le superfluous word”