Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-08-02

dress; as he had not thought to look
at it, so he hastily drove into his pock-
ct and drew out the case in which he
had placed it fresh from her hand,
only to receive a sad shock as he
read:
MADAM SOPHIE RICHTER,
Hotel de la Praix, Antwerp.
Dresden"
Well, there it 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 faithl 1t 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
upon his mind, when Artemus, who
had been given his address, made his
appearance.
Stuart Immediately decided to make
a full disclosure.
An opportunity came in good time
whereby they could converse without
being overheard.
Then Charlie let loose.
He fairly staggered his companion
with his first volley, containing the
account of the famous baron and his
charge that Airline Brand was the most
dangerous as well as notorious adven
turer in all Europe.
While Artemus was yet gasping
from the effect of this hot shot, Char
lie poured in grape and canister. He
sketched the dramatic advent of the
professor on the scene. the challenge
to a duel he had flung at the supposed
disturber of his family peace, Charles
amazed questions concerning yellow
hair and blue eyes, and finally the SOL
emn agreement that had been reach
ed between them.
Charlie. having exhausted his roper
toire, now turned the tables.
What became of you, my dear
boy?" he asked.
Il waved you farewell" Artemus
said.
Then you were not in the second
coach?"
"Ay, ay. You see. the fair lady
neglected to favor me with one of her
cards, and l was compelled to adopt
measures of my own in order to dis
cover her residence. She went to the
hotel in the Rue de Mennisters."
That's the De la Paix," with a
frown, remembering the card he held.
"Yes, my boy, the same. l was sat
isfied that l had found out just where
she put up but curiosity induced me
to waylay the doorkeeper, he who
opened the carriages and exercised
the functions of factotum. So, put
ting a bit of silver in his hand, l ask
ed him who the lady might be-she
with the veil over her face. He
scratched his head as though a bit
puzzled himself, and then suddenly
answered, as though at random:
Mile. Brand"
Charlie had been listening eagerly.
He gave vent to an exclamation of
satisfaction.
'Artemus, you are brick!"
so" continued the other, with a
grim smile, as though he could scent
something that had not yet become
visible to the naked eye, 81 came to
the conclusion the young lady had
given us her true name, after all,
though she hinted at possessing an
other
"Yes; why did she say that?" mused
Charlie. But one thing seems clear
there is an Airline Brand; after all; and
tonight l am bound to discover what
relation, if any, connects her with this
bold, intriguing countess, or the run
away wife of the Herr Professor
either that, or tomorrow l am booked
for a duel"
Charlie Stuart saw the shades of
night close in upon the old city of
Antwerp with a sigh of deep satisfac-
ton.
Reaching the hotel he boldly asked
to see Madam Sophie Richter.
Some time elapsed while he waited.
He was on needles and pins-hung
up. as it were on tenter-hooks by sus-
pense.
THE lady awaits meinherr in the
little parlor over yonder," at last came
the message.
Charlie drew in long breath and