Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-10-14


and told him what I'd seen at the rail
way station. Thinks l. "a tee who is
friendly with Miss Clifford and looking
for her is worth dozen Daft Billys on
job like that
''Quite right, Billy" murmured
Montmorency. approvingly." And then,
I suppose Mr.. Skinner brought you
here and started off by himself to fol-
low up the lucky discovery
'Just So" said Billy; land here he
comes in a rare hurry, to tell where
Miss Clifford has gone to-"
AS h. spoke, the sound of rapidly.
approaching footsteps in the crr;;dor
ceased, the door opened, and Josiah,
looking rather warm and excited,
STROBE into the room.
Come along, both of your he said,
in short, decided tones. "Glad to see
you, Mr.. Montmorency. We've just
time to catch the last train to Yer
sailles. I'll explain as we go down."
The explanation was simple enough.
He left London for Paris that morn
ing, upon receipt Of certain informa-
ton Of private nature from Miss Cliff
ford, of vital consequence to that
young lady. After his fortunate en-
counter with Billy, he had easily ascer-
tanned that the $40 train from the D
platform was the local running to Ver-
sailles Description of the two travel
ers and the telegraph had done the
rest. They were at that moment To-
Gated in the Grand Hotel at Versailles,
as ''Dr. Somerville and niece''
THANK God!' calculated Montmo-
rency.
by the way" said Mr.. Skinner, ''if
this Somerville should cut up rough,
you won't mind lending me hand to
keep him quiet, will your
Not a bit" replied Montmorency,
promptly; "and though I'm not what
used to be, I've still a pretty strong
grip. Do you anticipate scuft1e?"
1T is quite on the cards." assented
JOSIAH "3;:d, in my profession, we new
er oyeric"k such possibilities. Halloa!
here we are at Versailles. Your French
is better than mine. Ask someone
where the Grand Hotel is, will you?"
1t proved to be at no great distance
from the station, and, failing to find
fiacre. they proceeded on foot. Josiah
had already planned out his line of at
tack, rightly judging that, at so late an
hour, surprise visit was most likely
to be successful. He ascertained from
the head waiter that monsieur and
maGcmoiselle were partaking of sup
per i'll the salon.
slip these two louis into his hand"
he whispered to Montmorency, "and
tell him to open the door, announce us
as three friends of Miss Clifford, and
retire
The waiter did as he was hidden. and
they entered, Josiah Skinner taking the
lead
Zara and Somerville We're seated Wis
avis at the table, upon which stood
the materials Of luxurious supper,
though, from the fact that she was
toying llstlessly with some grapes and
he smoking a cigarette, it was clear
that eating was far enough away from
the tn )ughts of both. Somerville dart
ed a keen glance Of surprised inquiry
at the intruders, and then rose to his
feet.
"You have made some mistake in the
number of your room,'' lie said, CURLY.
This is private apartment"
NO" replied Josiah. greatly per-
picked by Zana's seeming unconscious
ness OF their presence; i've made no
mistake, DR.. Somerville."
'Then to what do I owe this intru-
slon? demanded Somerville, brusque-
ly.
80 the fact that Miss Clifford is
with you in this room,' was the reply.
| II am employed to watch over her and
her interests"
Employed by whom?" interrupted
Somerville
| by herself. I have been so en-
ploycd for considerable time past"
Indeed sneered Soinervillc. "And,
pray. who or what are you?'