Rocky Ford enterprise., 1902-08-01
CHAPTER ".


Perhaps II was q rash resolve-pos-
sibiy Charlie Stuart should have ac-
cepted the baron's well-meant warn
ing for its full value. and have left
Antwerp by the first train. But 1t was
only the word of the baron against
his own powers OF perspicacity. and
| yield SO easily.
In other words. he was not ready to
believe In the story the wonderful
baron had related. without more
abundant proof.
| Perhaps he might even doubt II until
the action OF Airline Brand convinced
him of her guilt. or her own sweet
lips confessed 1t.
That was Charles Idea of friend
ship.
with the disappearance OF the baron
from the scene, Charlie supposed the
show was over for the morning.
He was mistaken.
While he stood there on the curb.
prey to distracting thoughts. he was
being closely watched by n man who
had been loungins Just inside the en-
trance of the Steen courtyard.
When Stuart started to move away.
the gentleman appeared to lose the
last yestIge of control which he pos
sessed.
He ran after the retreatinE figure.
Tho patter of footsteps Just behind
him naturally caused Charlie to half
turn: perhaps he thought It might
be the baron. with yet another choice
bit of Information with which to add
to his stock of chccrfulncss. or mnyhao
Artcmus DESTROYS OF ovcrtakins him.
He was Immediately undeecived.
A norid-faccd gentleman. who look
ed as though he might have been dai-
lying with the wine too long. but with
hot passion glowing In his eyes. was
close upon him.
Even rs Charlie stepped back pace.
thinking tho man was drunk. or In n
great hurry to catch a train. to HIS IN
tense surprise the stranger slapped
into Charles face n pair of Kid gloves
ho carried.
Luckily. Stuart had cool head for
one OF his race. or they would have
had u gu, then and there In the re-
spectacle street of the Siecn.
lie saw that the man had srics-
anec. though utterly In the dark a. 10
what its nature might be.
Sec here. Who arp your" asked
Charlie.
AHA! am Herr Professor Richter
of Dresden
Charlie shook his head.
still I am cropping In the dark. 10
my knowledge never had the pleas
urc Of meeting you. professor.
Tn. German seo~icd ansrily.
(which Ia one good thing for you.
sir: and ro~ tina; you have met me.
you shall give me the satisfaction OF
a gentleman. Tomorrow morning u
must be. with piHiois-or do you prefer
swordsT Blood alone can wipe out the
base insult
Suppose you tel me. Herr Profess
sor. how have offended you. Surely.
II could no, be matter serious enough
TO call for a duel
How reared tho German. dancing
up and down. his. eyes glazing. his
hands working as though eager TO
clutch the others throat. After dcs-
,royinE my honor. you profess ignor-
aner, sroundrci' Then will tell you.
even though every gossip In Antwerp
learn of my shame. by running away
with my wifc!"
"wha,r''
ChariI. was so staggered by the az
eusation that he could hardly catch his
breath.
He had passed through some
strange experiences during his life.
bu, this was really the first time he
had ever been accused of such an cs-
capsdc.
but. Herr Professor. swear to
you I never set eyes upon the lady in
question:
You lie. rascal Did not with my
own eyes sec you put her in the car
rage. and stand there watching her
drive away You are guilty."
Poor Charlie felt as limp as a dish
raE.
This connection with Artcmus and
his irreprcasIbie dramatic fever was
bringing about the most agonizing C.
suits.
well. all I say is. I must have done
1, in my sleep. But I gave you my
word. and u I cannot prove my in
nocencc. I will give yod the satisfac-
ton you demand"
Tomorrow. at sunrisc7" eagerly.
AS you say. There lie my card. pro-
lessor Leave the particulars at my
hotel"
Stuart stood looking after the learn
ed disciple.
"shc the wife OF that bowleEged.
heavy Drained scholar7 Perish the
thought There is another Internal
mistake about 1t. This queer old town
Is all upset. it seems
Then he suddenly remembered the
card she had given him. with her adj
dress: as he had not thought to look
at II. so he hastily drove into his pock
et and drew out the case in which he
had placed Il fresh from her hand.
only to receive a sad shock as he
/ read:
MADAM SOPHIE RICHTER,
Hotel de la Praix. Antwerp.
Dresden"
Well. there IL was.
In black and white he saw the mis-
cradle evidence before his eyes.
Still he was grimly determined to
keep his engagement for that evening,