The Lamar register., 1902-07-23
CHAPTER II.


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 a 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
tielt. as the head of the order was
engaged at the time with other visitors
who mad. strange to say. also come
uron very important business.
When they were alone Merrick sug-
gested the possibility of the good ia
Tiers 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 a sneeze twice repeated, a 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 IL
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. a 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 a successful advocate, and
could present SO plausible case that
few men might hold out against his
specious plea.
AS he advanced in the direction of
the trio he raised his hand in a dra-
matte as well as supplcating manner.
and first of all sincerely begged par
don for disturbing the peace and sane
tity of so sacred place.
Then he told how he had come to
see Father Anselmo upon very import
ant business, and hearing the voice of
his rival in the adjoining room, he had
even dared profane 1t with his pres
ence. for which he would always be
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 for
some one to come bearing a message
from Father Jean.
Good father" said the suave. Am
erican, producing a paper from his
pocket, there is the claim I make.
Upon your Judgment l stand ready to
stake my all. There you will find sub
stantial evidence to also prove my
identity"
And while the venerable prelate was
reading, the four men surveyed each
other as mortal enemies might do
Jones calm and scornful, filled with the
keen pleasure of coming triumph. the
others frowning.
All, Father Anselmo had finished
reading, and looked from one to an
other of the rival claimants ere rem
dering his decision.
Father, I have your word to de-
liver the packet to me. your solemn