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The single partition did not extend to the roof by a foot or h the narrow aperture to render dimly visible the principal features of this apart-chaht glea on numerous burnished ornaments, while a carpet of soft skins concealed the floor To this I gave brief attention, ure of a wo outstretched on a slightly raised cushioned couch, her face concealed by the denser shadows of the wall, sound asleep

Cautiously I crept forward, hesitating to touch her lest so sudden an awakening ht cause alarnize at once as by her side

"Madame," I whispered softly, my lips as close as possible to her tiny ear, "I seek brief ith you to-night"

She htly, for at my faint whisper I perceived that her wide-opened eyes were scrutinizingyou make no noise"

"You need have no fear," returned a soft voice in purest Spanish "You do me honor by so unexpected a visit; I bid you welcome, Geoffrey Benteen"