The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1903-03-13

nus miserable Wnfuiu-5i
So he trusted blindly.
II there was pit. he would fall into
Il, hcadlong for love had already
blinded him
or was the Russian bear still on
guard?
Could the hotel be surrounded by
his emissarics ready to entrap the
wonderful adventures?
Having decided to smoke a weed and
take a look around ere retiring to his
bunk, Charlie lighted up and sumter
ed toward the open door leading to the
street
When he stepped out OF the hotel
door he was astonishod to discover
little knots Of men. dressed in the
wCll-knCwn uniform Of the Antwerp
gendarmes, standing near the Hotel de
Ia Palx.
Then II burst upon him that he had
not placed enough significance upon
what the baron had confided to him.
This ala not mean the mere arrest OF
a clever adventures. charged with no
specific crime save that OF enslaying
men OF rank. and compelling them.
through her witchery. 20 contribute
from thcir wealth toward her regal
support II stood for something
grander. something that might yet
shake a greater part OF Europe with a
mighty convulslon, since the conspir-
acy I'm which the Countess Isolde was
connected concerned more than one
imperial throne
Charlie forgot that he had been
sleepy.
His eyes were never brighter than
now.
II seemed that the countess had nm
ally made a stupendous blundor. and
Peterhoiis hour Of triumph was at
hand.
II would mark an epoch In the lives
OF many prominent men In Europe
when Isolde Brabant vanished behind
the walls OF a military fortress.
Some who had been In the tolls
would breathe easy for the first time
In many moons. and drink a bumper
TO her long residence In her new and
exclusive palace.
SO Charlie watched and waited. deep
In reflection.
When his cigar was about half con
sumed, he thought he would saunter
down the street short distance. to
see what effect n any, his appearance
might have upon the officers on guard.
The result was really more than he
had anticipated.
lie had not gone more than dozen
/ PAGES before, without the least warn
ing, he felt rough hand laid roughly
upon his arm.
AS he turned to see what was want
ed. second hand grlpped his other
arm.
A Bonded face looked Into HIS own.
''Mosaiours. am afraid you" he
began.
"Silence!"
Have made little mistake"
silence on your lifel" was Kissed.
He saw frowning pistols.
II was evident that the officers
meant business.
Charlie began to grow a little indlg-
nant
See herel send for the baron!" he
insisted
"He Is engaged"
But he is my frlend-he will be
angry with you for making so ridicu-
lous a blunder"
80. But we carry out his orders.
Now not a word more, mynherr."
"Confound-"
do you hear? Not one word. on
your llfel"
Charlie shrugged his shoulders.
All whistle!-eyidently n signal.
The game was about to be called.
Even as he stood there, held fast by
his captors. he saw man enter the
door OF the hostelry.
IL was Peterhoif.
Another and another followed, until
Charlie had counted round dozen.
Al the same time there was q
stretching OF lines in the street Sig.
nails passed from mouth to mouth
and Charlie understood that the well.
known Hotel dc la Paix was In the
center OF strong Gordon OF officers
through which escape was impossible
Alas! for the CONTEST It was her
hour OF doom
He listened. swayed by contendinG
emotions
Somehow Airline was In his mind.
Perhaps there might be a fight.
Some OF those who would be found
In the society OF Isolde Brabant werl
desperate men. connected with an
archists and nlhlliats, sworn TO re-
duce society in Europe to one dead
level
They might take their lives in theli
hands and endeayor 10 give battle,
Sull. the awful influence OF Peter
hoff's dreaded name was sufficient
under ordinary conditions, TO freeze
the fighting blood in the veins Of
most men, however brave they nigh
be.
To his surprise, he heard no shot
not even a shout or a scream.
The barons sudden appearance II
their midst must have paralyzed thu
conspirators,
Presently they would be troopinl
forth under escort. to be hurried away
TO gloomy prison cells.
And as for himself
Charlie smoked calmly on
/