new sensation. Mrs. John Heron, of California, had arrived rather late,
on account of an accident to the car of Mr. Hammersley-Fisher, who had
been entertaining the Herons at Narragansett. Mr. Heron, owing to
indisposition, had remained behind, and only the lady's host had
accompanied her to the ball. At the moment of their entrance a dance,
given by several famous Russian professionals, was nearly ended. An
extra dancer had accompanied the party as an understudy of one of its
members who feared a breakdown. Not being called upon to dance, he had
taken up his station near the door, and must have known Mrs. John Heron
by sight, though not her husband. When she came in, accompanied by
Hammersley-Fisher, he shot the latter through the breast, calling out in
English: "Take that, John Heron, for your sins against the Comrades!"
Unfortunately the Russian--or pretended Russian--was allowed to escape
in the confusion, but the police had hopes of getting upon his track.
Mr. Hammersley-Fisher was seriously, but not fatally, injured. All the
guests of Mr. and Mrs. Sands, with the exception of four, had left, that
the house might be kept quiet for the invalid.
The four who remained were Mr. and Mrs. John Heron, Justin O'Reilly, and
Justin O'Reilly's wife.
THE END
_Books by the Same Authors_
CAR OF DESTINY, THE
CHAPERON, THE
EVERYMAN'S LAND
GOLDEN SILENCE, THE
GUESTS OF HERCULES, THE
HEATHER MOON, THE
IT HAPPENED IN EGYPT
LADY BETTY ACROSS THE WATER
LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR, THE
LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR DISCOVERS AMERICA, THE
LORD LOVELAND DISCOVERS AMERICA
MOTOR MAID, THE
MY FRIEND THE CHAUFFEUR
PORT OF ADVENTURE, THE
PRINCESS PASSES, THE
PRINCESS VIRGINIA
ROSEMARY IN SEARCH OF A FATHER
SECRET HISTORY
SET IN SILVER
SOLDIER OF THE LEGION, A