The Lamar register., 1902-07-23


teeth, his eyes blazing as when he
faced the lion upon African deserts.
II cannot resist overwhelming force
of circumstances, and his claim comes
| first" steadily replied the aged father.
handing over the packet.
Then there is but one resource left
us, Stromboloff. and that is to take
by force from this rascally American
what we are refused peaceably. Draw
and stand by me, comrade." snarled
the count, as he noisily ratified his
sw ord from its steel scabbard and pre-
pared for war.
had been half expecting some such ap-
peal to arms, If one might judge from
the celerity with which he. too, whip
ped out a shining blade. which he was
privileged to carry on account of his
connection, unworthily enough, with
the legation.
Jones, seeing what lay in the wind.
was not slow to reach back to the
pocket where he carried seven
shooter, and Merrick followed suit
with swing. proving that if the fra
not be found wanting.
Eye looked into eye. and the count
saw lurking devil in the skyblue orbs
of the Yankee that somehow he did
not fancy-Jones was one of those Pc
| culiar men who could smile eXasperat-
ingly even when committing hari kari.
So the count, having mentally COM
puted his chances of surviving an en-
counter. and finding them next to
| nil, decided to defer the reckoning
until n more opportune time. when
he would be able to bring more pow
erful factors to bear
Father Anselmo touched a bell.
Almost Immediately half a dozen
| strapping big monks entered the
apartment proving that this body
| guard could not have been far away
at any time.
The count had thrust his sword back
in its sheath with an angry move
ment. and stood there with his arms
folded. looking defiance.
Before we quit these walls, rever-
end father. I demand once more that
you place in my hands the packet you
solemnly promised to deliver. II
could prove my position. This 1 have
done, and you have 1t on the homer
of name Frenchmen are at present
pleased to particularly honor"
There was no change in the old
monks demeanor: he had weighed his
chances and decided upon his plan of
action, nor could threats or cajoler-
les have any further influence upon
him.
81 as positively refuse. Count Leon
and in order that you may have no
doubts as to what my action in the
premises might be. l have here in
your presence solemnly delivered to
the accredited agent of NJ. Darragh the
packet that was committed to my care
when Father Jean passed to immortal
ity.'
Jones smiled broadly as his hands
eagerly fondled the little sealed pack
age, while the count glared his un-
speakable rage.
Now, depart from under this roof,
ungodly men. and pray you come here
no more. But for the honor in which
all true Frenchmen hold your name.
Count Villebois. would be tempted to
complain of your desperate action to
those high in authority. who know
how to punish as well as reward. With
the passing of this legacy into the
hands of this worthy man my interest
in the matter entirely ceases"
"And mine only takes renewed
lease of life." roared the baffied Afri-
ha fttrn
panied tne doorkeeper out of the room.
Neither of our friends had any de-
sire to linger within those gloomy
walls. and lost no time in saying fare
well to the venerable father who had
proved so good friend in time OF
need.
1t had ceased raining. but gloom
hung heavy all around them. gloom
and fog better suited to old London
than the gay French capital.
Perhaps it was an accident. but
neither of them were of a mind to be-
lieve so. Rather were our friends
ready to suspect that the count and his
Muscovite ally had something to do
with the cabs disappearance. since
such men never lose an opportunity
to harass an enemy when the oppor
tunity arises.
Nor did their suspicious arise in
vain. Without the least warning the
two friends suddenly found themselves
set upon by a squad of roughs. such
as may be recruited at small expense
from the slums of any great city.
When Jones saw the nature of the
gang thus brought SO rudely to their |
attention. he scorned to avail himself
of the potent weapon of his outer coat. |
Tho voruin yere not worth such ex