Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-08-30

Peternou Drought In politlcal prisoners
with orders to hold them securely.
Would mein herr be pleased to go
with him to his Office, where he could
be more comfortable, and there await
the coming of the baron, who would
with word set him free?
But mein herr was obstinate.
The baron must come to him. AS
Paul and Silas, in days of yore, made
the governor unbend his dignity and
come to plead with them to go away,
so Charlie meant to keep hold of his
advantage.
So the commandant went away.
Charlie was still smoking, with one
of the keepers for company, and the
door of his cell wide open, when voices
were heard in the corridor.
Then entered the baron.
The great man looked both disturbed
and amused. He had heard the amaz-
ing story of the commandant, and
sifted the wheat from the chaff, so that
he had pretty fair idea as to the
truth.
He marched straight up to Charlie
and stretched out his hand.
MY most abject apologies, my dear
boy. for what has happened. 1t was a
miserable mistake, on my part. l trust
you will forgive me-" he said
Charlie saw he was sincere, and as
his indignation passed away he unbent
his dignity.
Then you know it was Miss Airline
Brand. and not the Countess Isolde,
whom I assisted into a carriage at
the Steen?" he asked, eagerly, deter
mined to put his fears to the test
"Yes; she has assured me she never
saw you, save at distance" returned
the baron.
Then it is all right. Now / am
ready TO leave here and go out with
you, baron" he said, smiling.
ITO breakfast with me, l hope"
Charlie hesitated.
True, he anticipated more or less
pleasure in his coming interview with
Airline. There would be much to hear,
and some surprising things to tell on
his part.
But these would keep little longer;
besides, it is sometimes exceedingly
pleasant; to anticipate a feast.
He had something which he wished
to relate to the baron, seeking in re-
turn his advice and material aid.
Whenever men went to the desperate
length of contemplating crime, in order
to secure wealth, as the so-called Capt
Brand and his confreres had certainly
done when they purposely abandoned
the young girl among those awful
passages amid the Steen dungeons, it
was time the stern arm of the law was
invoked in order to bring them up
with a round turn.
And to whom could he go with a
better show of results than to the
baron?
So, arm in arm, Charlie and Baron
Demetruis. Peterhotf sauntered out of
the prison.
1t was about eight in the morning.
Charlie could imagine the young fell
low standing on the deck of the ves-
sci bound for London, and swapping
his fingers at the baron's dragnet.
He was determined not to give the
slightest clew to his companion con-
cerning Alexander Brand, his plans or
present whereabouts.
A vehicle stood near
Into this Charlie was shown; the
baron followed, and presently they
drew up before palatial abode, where
the widower baron resided in great
style, as became a man of his immense
means.
And over the elaborate breakfast
Charlie found a chance to spin his
little story, the baron proving greatly
interested, as the sparkle in his eye at
| tested.
He could read Charles secret as
easily as though the other carried the
story on his brow.
You have done excellently, Charlie.
my boy" he said, finally; "but it is
just as well you ask my assistance in
unmasking this unholy fraud. He
and his unprincipled accomplices
might be too much for you. Depend
upon it, shall tear the mask from his
face, and that right speedily"
(To be continued.)