nocent face."

Cad fixed her brilliant black eyes on her partner, and her lovely face
was ashen white and her voice trembled as she asked in what might be
termed a husky voice:

"Are you joking, Oscar, or were you really deceived?"

"I was not deceived, Cad."

There came a look of relief to the Italian girl's face as she said in a
less sharp tone:

"What a goose I was; certainly you were not deceived by that vixen."

Oscar started.

"What do you mean, Cad?"

Again there came a glitter to the girl's eyes as she said in a cold,
incisive tone:

"Oscar, I really believe you are in earnest, and were deceived by that
expert schemer. Brother, that woman was playing you for a fool and I see
you were played."

CHAPTER VIII.

OSCAR AND CAD PLAY SOME FINE DETECTIVE WORK AGAINST THE CUTEST
ROGUE THAT EVER SET OUT TO DOWN A DETECTIVE.

"Cad, what do you mean?" demanded Oscar.

"I mean just what I say, brother."

"You saw that lovely girl?"

"I did.".

"Did you hear her strange tale?"

"I did not; but I watched her face while she was talking to you."

"I did not see you."

"No, I did not come under your gaze."

"And you did see the lovely lady who was talking to me?"

"I did."

"And what was your conclusion?"

"My conclusion was and is that she is one of the most subtle deceivers
that ever set out to hoodwink a good man, for she succeeded."

Again Oscar laughed and the glitter in Cad's eyes became even more
brilliant as Oscar said:

"Cad, had you overheard her story you would not think me quite as big a
fool as it appears you do."

"Tell me the story," said Cad in sharp, quick tones.

Oscar did repeat word for word all that had passed between him and the
woman and then added:

"You see, Cad, how for once you have reached a too hasty conclusion.
That woman was really doing us a great service. I'll bet my life on her
sincerity."

"You will?"

"I will."

"It's lucky I am here to save you from being trapped. Oscar, I am
ashamed of you, but a blond beauty can fool any man, that is plain, and
that woman has fooled you."

"Nonsense, Cad."

"I see through the whole scheme."

"You do?"

"I do."

"All right, sister; I will never pooh-pooh anything you say, but this
time you are at fault."

"I am, eh?"

"Yes, you are."

"Are you sure?"

"I am sure."

"Oscar, I've a revelation for you."

Oscar's face assumed a serious expression, and Cad continued:

"My dear brother, I was