he started
up suddenly, the idea sweeping him off his feet. "By God, I make one
more effort; just one more effort! And if that fails, I give it up; it
shall be the last! This time I swear it shall be the last. Yes, I go,
I demand an interview. It is my right." He was as full of hope now as
he had ever been. As a gambler eagerly stakes his last bet, so Von
Barwig hastened to finish dressing and go to her, to make his one last
appeal.

As he brushed his coat hurriedly, there came a knock at the door.
"Come in," said Von Barwig rather impatiently, thinking that it was
Poons. He did not feel in the mood just at that moment for casual
conversation. "Come in," he repeated in a louder voice, and to his
utter amazement in walked Beverly Cruger.

Von Barwig could only stare at him in speechless astonishment. He was
literally dumfounded. Young Cruger evidently saw this, for he seized
Von Barwig's hand and shook it warmly.

"How do you do, Herr Von Barwig?" he said.

"Thank you, well! Sit down," the old man managed to gasp out, as he
pointed to a chair. "You come from her, from Miss Stanton?" he
articulated in a voice just loud enough to be heard by the younger man.

"Yes," said Beverly, taking off his gloves and placing them on the
table. "I want to have a little talk with you. May I?"

Von Barwig did not answer his question.

"Did--she--did she send you?" he asked. His eyes glistened; his very
life seemed to depend on the answer.

Beverly nodded. "Yes, she wanted me to ask you a few questions. Are
you sure you have the time to spare?"

Von Barwig laughed from sheer joy. Time! to some one who came from
her! He could only nod in acquiescence and wait for the young man to
speak.

"How many letters have you received from Miss Stanton?" asked Beverly.

Von Barwig looked at him. "Not any," he replied, shaking his head
sadly.

Beverly made no comment, but he made a mental note. It was not his
intention at that moment at least to acquaint Herr Von Barwig with all
that had passed between Helene and himself as to the letters that had
failed to reach their destination.

"Didn't receive one, eh?"

"No, not one," said Von Barwig, in a low voice. "Has she written?" he
asked falteringly.

Beverly made no reply, but thought a moment.

"How many letters have you sent Miss Stanton?" he asked.

Von Barwig hesitated. "Perhaps--perhaps some five or six," he said
apologetically.

"Hum!" commented Bever