The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1902-06-06
CHAPTER ii.
The Last Resort.

| AZ just nihC " tiONh lhob oahhS NO
cab came to a halt in front of a
sombre pile of masonry known to Pa
risians as Capuchian monastery.
This vehicle contained our two ad-
venturers. Jones gave the heavy old
style knocker few bangs that re-
sounded harshly among the lofty cor
ridors within.
This summons brought lay brother
at once to the door, for no appeal can
ever be sighted by those whose vows
have made them brothers to the poor
of their faith.
| Jones announced that he had a
most important communication for the
reverend father which could not pos
sibly be postponed until another day
that he had come over land and sea
for this one purpose, and grave results
might follow further delay.
| The doorkeeper's hesitation seemed
| quite swept away by such logical rea-
soning, and he asked the two gentle
men to enter, which they did with con-
siderable readiness.
The brother led them into an
apartment and begged them to be pa
tient, as the head of the order was
engaged at the time with other visitors
who had, strange to say, also come
upon very important business.
When they were alone Merrick sug-
gested the possibility of the good ia
theirs other callers being those per-
sons whom they least desired to meet
at such a critical time, and somehow
this idea gave Jones so much uneasi-
ness that he jumped to his feet.
Just as Jones gained his feet he
heard sneeze twice repeated, sneeze
that seemed to possess an individual
ity, as is frequently the case.
The effect upon Jones was magical,
for his companion saw him give sud-
den start, while his jaws came together
with a snap.
That is the time you struck the
nail squarely upon the head, my boy.
The count is here in this building -
after all, he has gained a point on us,
since he even now talks with the holy
father, seeking to present enough in
fiuence to secure possession of the
secret dossier. You can hear the
murmur of their voices in yonder Ii
brary" was what Jones said, impress
sively. Come, my friend, we must
shy our castors into the ring, and re-
member, Jones, he pays the freight"
Merrick was close upon the heels of
the redoubtable Jones when the latter
pushed the door wide open and thus
unceremoniously entered the adjoining
apartment.
Neither Jones nor his companion
gave more than passing glance at the
room, their whole attention being
taken up with the little party gather
ed near the center at the moment
when they so suddenly forced an en-
trance.
These were three in number, the
patriarchial good father, tall, bronz-
ed man in the fatigue dress of a
French infantry captain, and yellow
bearded giant just back of him.
In these two Merrick recognized the
count and his faithful Russian col
league.
Jones should have been called to the
bar, for he had all the clever attri-
butes of successful advocate, and
could present SO plausible case that
few men might hold out against mis-
specious plea.
AS he advanced in the direction OF
the trio he raised his hand in dra-
matte as we'll as supplicating manner
don for. disturbing the peace and sane
tity of SO sacred a place.
Then he told how he had come tc
see Father Anselmo upon very import
ant business, and hearing the voice Of
his rival in the adjoining room, he hat
even dared profane it with his pres
ence, for which he would always bt
profoundly sorry, hoping to have the
good and gracious father hear his side
of the case before delivering up the
documents, which, sealed in a packet
he had held long in trust, waiting fol-
some one to come bearing message
from Father Jean.
Good father" said the suave Am
erican, producing a paper from hi:
pocket, there is the claim make
Upon your judgment stand ready t.
stake my all. There you will find sub
stantial evidence to also prove my
: identity"
r And while the venerable prelate wa.
t reading, the four men surveyed eacl
, other as mortal enemies might do
I Jones calm and scornful, filled with tn,
keen pleasure of coming triumph, tn,
, others frowning.
All! Father Anselmo had finished
a reading, and looked from one to an
other of the rival claimants ere rem
dering his decision.
Father, l have your word to de
liver the packet to me, your solemn
PROMISE" said the count, in a hoars
voice, reading his defeat in the face o