Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-06-12
By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE
y X Il X X y: y: X X X \: X X X \:

appearance.
Stuart Immediately decided to make
full disclosure.
An opportunity came in good time
whereby they could converse without
being overheard.
Then Charlie let loose.
He fairly staggered his companion
with his first volley, containing the
account OF the famous baron and his
charge that Airline Brand was the most
dangerous as well as notorious advel-
turer in all Europe.
While Artemus was yet gasping
from the effect OF this hot shot, Char
lie poured in grape and canister. He
sketched the dramatic advent OF the
professor on the scene, the challenge
to duel he had flung at the supposed
disturber of his family peace. Charlie
amazed questions concerning yellow
hair and blue eyes. and finally the SOL
emn agreement that had been reach
ed between them.
Charlie. having exhausted his roper
toire. now turned the tables.
What became of you, my dear
boy?" he asked.
81 waved you farewell Artemus
said.
Then you were not in the second
coach?"
"Ay, ay. You see, the fair lady
neglected to favor me with one Of her
cards. and | was compelled to adopt
measures of my own in order to dis
cover her residence. She went to the
hotel in the Rue de Mennisters."
That's the De la Palx," with a
frown, remembering the card he held.
Yes, my boy, the same. was sat
isfied that had found out just where
she put up but curiosity induced me
to waylay the doorkeeper,. he who
opened the carriages and exercised
the functions of factotum. So, put
ting a bit of silver in his hand, | ask
ed him who the lady might be-she
with the veil over her face. He
scratched his head as though bit
puzzled himself, and then suddenly
answered. as though at random:
mile. Brand.
Charlie had been listening eagerly
He gave vent to an exclamation OF
satisfaction.
"Artemus, you are brick"
So" continued the other, with a
grim smile, as though he could scent
something that had not yet become
visible to the naked eye, 81 came to
the conclusion the young lady had
given us her true name, after all
though she limited at possessing an
other"
Yes; why did she say that?" unused
Charlie. But one thing seems clear
there is an Airline Brand, after all; and
tonight | am bound to discover what
relation. IL any, connects her with this
bold. intriguing countess. or the run.
away wife of the Herr Professor
either that. or tomorrow | am booked
for a duel"
Charlie Stuart saw the shades OF
night close in upon the old city OF
Antwerp with a sigh of deep satisfac-
ton.
Reaching the hotel he boldly asked
to see Madam Sophie Richter.
Some time elapsed while he waited
He was on needles and pins-hung
up, as 1t were, on tenter-hooks by sus-
pense.
1.-The lady awaits meinherr in the
little parlor over yonder," at last came
the message.
Charlie drew in long breath aud
entered.
He felt a sensation of tremendous
relief
For the lady. while pleasant and
even handsome in her appearance
was stranger.
He bowed courteously to the lady.
Il am a stranger to you. lady-an
Englishman. Stuart by name. Through
some misadventure | have become
much against my will. assure yon
mixed up in your domestic arrange
ments, and ! have come here to throw
myself upon yoer mercy and beg your
gentle indulgence as an intercessor.
The lady looked astonished.
"Sir. explain. Who seeks to do
you harm, and of whom am to beg
indulgence" she asked.
Madam, there is at large in Ant
werp a man who has sworn to have
the life of the wretch who has robbed
his quiet home of its one bright jewel
who prowls hither and yon, regard
less of his personal appearance
breathing vengeance. and ready to
sacrifice all he has on earth IL he can
but avenge his honor"
"You really mean that the profess
sor is here in Antwerp
Raging around like a mad bull"
"That at last he has left his musty
old books?"
Every much in evidence, assure
you"
Then our strategem worked" she
laughed
Pardon my ignorance, madam
but am inclined to think 1t worked
only too well. since |. an entirely inno-
cent man. an booked to meet the pro-
fessor in a duel tomorrow at sunrise
because. forsooth. he CHANGED to see
me place lady in a cab-a lady who
had golden locks, and whom the old
I mean the jealous professor-chose to
fancy was the wife of his BOSOM"
The lady laughed aloud.
''In duel! He fight for ne! Oh.
charming. II is too good! What will
Cousin Hildegarde say?"
I'm sure | don't know; but I'm
anxious to convince this old fire-eater
that he has gotten hold of the wrong
man. and I am certain you will assist
me to prove my innocence"
'Oh. sir. most certainly; especially
as there is no man in the matter at
all, and the object of our little esca-
pade has been accomplished. Since
you have been put to more or less in
convenience in the premises. II would