Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-06-12
CHAPTER Nv.
And the Professor, Too.


Antwerp by the first train. But 1t was
only the word OF the baron against
his own powers Of perspicacity. AMI
Charlie did not see why he should
yield SO easily.
In other words, ne was not ready to
believe in the story the wonderful
baron had related, without more
abundant proof
Perhaps he might even doubt 1t until
the action of airline Brand convinced
him Of her guilt, or her own sweet
lips confessed it,
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 a man who
had been lounging just inside the en-
,trance of the Steen courtyard.
When Stuart started to move away.
the gentleman appeared to lose the
last vestige of control which he pos
sessed.
He ran after the retreating figure.
The 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 cheerfulness. or mayhap
Artemus DESTROYS of overtaking him.
He was Immediately undeceived.
fiorid-faced gentleman, who look
ed as though he might have been DIAL
lying with the wine too long, but with
hot passion glowing in his eyes. was
close upon him.
Even as Charlie stepped back a pace,
thinking the man was drunk, or In a
great hurry to catch train, to his in
tense surprise the stranger slapped
into Charles face a pair Of kid gloves
he carried.
Luckily, Stuart had cool head for
one of his race, or they would have
had it out then and there in the re-
spectacle street of the Steen.
He saw that the man had grew
ance, though utterly in the dark as TO
what its nature might be.
See here! Who are you?" asked
NSSaarlie.
fAha. am Herr Professor Richter
of Dresden"
Charlie shook his head.
'.-,tffl am cropping in the dark. 10
my knowledge | never had the pleas
\. sseeeof meeting you, professor
The German scowled angrily.
(which is one good thing for you,
,-;r: and now that you have met me.
you shall give me the satisfaction of
a gentleman. Tomorrow morning it
must be, with pistols-or do you prefer
swords? Blood alone can wipe out the
base insult"
Suppose you tell me, Herr Profess
sor, how | have offended you. Surely.
! 1t could not be matter serious enough
I to call for duel"
How" roared the German. dancing
up and down, his eyes glaring, his
hands working as though eager to
clutch the others throat. After. des-
troying my honor. you profess ignor-
ance, scoundrel, Then will tell you,
even though every gossip in Antwerp
learn OF my shame. BY running away
with my wife,"
WHAT"
Charlie was so staggered by the &C
cusation that he could hardly catch his
breath.
He had passed through some
strange experiences during his life.
but this was really the first time he
had ever been accused OF such an es-
capade.
but, Herr Professor, swear to
you | never set eyes upon the lady in
question"
"You lie, rascal, Did not with my
own eyes see you put her in the car
riage, and stand there watching her
drive away! You are guilty."
Poor Charlie felt as limp as a dish
rag.
This connection with Artemus and
his irrepressible dramatic fever was
bringing about the most agonizing e.
suits.
well, all | say is. must have done
1t In my sleep. But | gave you my
word, and II | cannot prove my in
nocence. will give you the satisfac-
tion you demand"
Tomorrow, at sunrise?" eagerly
"As you say There Is my card, pro-
fessor. Leave the particulars at my
hotel"
Stuart stood looking after the learn
ed disciple.
"She the wife of that bow-legged,
heavy-brained scholar? Perish the
thought! There is another internal
mistake about it. This queer old town
is all upset, it seems"
Then he suddenly remembered the
card she had given him, with her ad-
dress; as he had not thought to look
at it. so he hastily drove into his peck
ct 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 II 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.
come what might.
Oh! sublime faith! II would re-
quire mountains to crush a positive
belief In the conviction of his own eyes
and his own intuition.
Dinner came next
He could amuse himself with a
Thousand and one theories bearing
upon the case.
Charlie was enjoying his dinner
with a fair amount Of satisfaction,
considering what a load he carried