The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1894-12-05
BAR HARBOK.
"A Wild, Weird Tale of Love
and Adventure.
BY A MOS LEE.
published DY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH
THE AUTHOR
iIcopwigh,ed, 1887. by q. ". Dillingham; - Az
| Rights Reserredl

quite recovered from tho shock, and, al
though failing to discover why she should be
held in DURANGO vile, is reasonably happy
and perfectly well, as hearty meal shs
has just completed, can testify. More
anonn
If not 60 worried about her friend, Lydia
would have laughed outright. The idea of
purloning Princess, and afterwards send
ling comforting notes in this chatty, conf
ldcntial manner was extremely absurd and
lweil-nigh incredible. However, hero was
Che note, and no doubt Natalie was safe.
! Lydia breathed more freely, and actually
began to almost enjoy the novelty Of the
isituation. She felt inclined to lie on her
loars, rs it were, and await the next devel-
lopment in the case
''ITho could have stolen the pigcon"
asked she of Baudray. "Who has gone
away from the inns
"My only guests who have left are Mon
sieur Fairfax and Monsieur Oxford and his
valet Monsieur Falri.-x left two days ago,
land sailed from Havre to America yestcr-
Gay. Monsieur Oxford and bis valet left
last night, anl after they had gone, my
little one counted her birds. and locksd them
isecurely in the dovc-cotc. They were all
right in number last night, and this morn
ing the door WIS still locked; but yet one
was gonen
The mystery began to deepen.
fAh clever Fairfax Observing that an
ordinary paddock secured The door of the
dovo-cote, on the morning after the ball at
the Marchiencss', when he arose so early,
he cxpcrinentcd,with his bunch Of keys up
on the lock, and found one that would I'M
lock it. Driving through the village with
Dix two nights afterward, he paused be-
fore the inn, and requested Dick to hold the
reins a moment. Richard, now having
learned to acquicsce, did as he was told,
and asked no questions. jean, the watch
dog, was inclined to bark, but recognizing
Fairfax voice, approached the latter, wag-
ging his tell propitiously. From capacious
: coat pocket Fairfax produced little basket,
md, unlocking tho door OF the dove-cote,
quickly seized the first inmate upon which
he could lay hands, and thrust it into the
basket. Jean looked on with interest, I'M
Ggining it might prove meal for
him. Fairfax flung him some tid-bit from
his pocket; the dog took it, and lay down
contcntedly to cat it. Every one was asleep,
and the pair departed as they ccme-unob-
served.
Lydia drove toward the chateau once
more, and for the first time became aware
of the fact that she was extremely hungry,
having eaten no dinner.
Over a hastily-prcparcd tea, sho and
Madame X. discussed the situation, and
both came to the CONCLUSION that there was
really nothing to be done.
Meanwhile, the surrounding gchtry-who
Ind but just heard the ncwC-from all
sides were beginning to flock towards the
chateau. The two ladies found themselves
holding an impromptu Soiree
By virtue of his age and Natalie's friend
ship for him, tho old Marquis was spolles-
man of the party, and, although there were
as many opinions as people present, he,
after perusing the several notes, and learn
ing every thing from Lydia, succeeded in
convincing all assembled that nothing could
be done, and that Natalie would, undoubt-
eddy, receive no harm.
Tho mystery surrounding the affair still
afforded ample topic for conversation, and
it was not until long after midnight that
The extemporaneous gathering was broken
up
What remained now was to place the
matter in the hands Of the detectives and
70 notify the parents Of Natalie.