The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-03

enough to spring away from the table.
Such a mailman, Pronge, a country
man of yours, too Said he was on the
staff of the Cri de Paris and seeking the
whereabout of Prince Victor of Orleans.
Had been informed the prince was seen
in my company today, begged to know
his address, wouldn't accept my denials
that 1 didn't even know the prince. He
positively raved; 1 couldn't get rid of
him.
sAh it is for him of Importance
answered the Frenchman hastily. 1.-THE
prince, you know. for some weeks has
been missing; no one knows where he
is, and all the French journalists are
seeking clues. This man followed
wrong one. Now, again, I implore you
to accompany me-just brief visit
To his infinite disgust Cecil answered,
We'll, you have persuaded me; let us
go then"
Pronge expressed his delight and
swore under his breath. but his annoy
ance at having to leave the house with
Cecil instead of alone changed to alarm
as he quickly discerned his companion
suspected him of espionage. His acute
ness was not at fault. Cecil was no fool
and before he had been five seconds
back in his study something very near
the truth had occurred to him. BY
what strange cOncatenatiOn of events
was it that the Frenchman had been
left alone for fully five minutes in his
fathers study with the desk open and
war office secrets almost exposed to
view? Even were his suspicious wrong
his friend had been guilty of vulgar
prying; he had left him sitting over the
fire and returned to find him standing
close to his fathers writing desk. On
the spur of the moment Cecil deter
mined not to let Monsieur Pronge out
of his sight until he had decided how
to act.
The two men drove to the dance.
Proage exerting himself to the utmost
to Danish suspicion from CeciPs heart
Before they alighted the spy had de-
cided on his plan of campaign. He
dared not remove the precious paper
from his oVercoat pocket While Cecil
was with him; he would yield coat and
hat to the attendant in the clOakroOm
and enter the ballroom, then give his
friend the slip, hurry down, retrieve
them, and make his escape. When the
loss was known some suspicion must
rest on him: he would perhaps have to
leave London, but the French govern
ment would amply reward him for his
success in so promptly and completely
fulfilling their desires.
He felt therefore assured of ulti-
mate triumph and safe from immedi-
ate detection as he stood on the pave
ment paying the cabman when hand
griDDed his arm and voice in his ear
whispered, "You theft
Though his nerves were good Pronge
was DOwerless to repress a start. He
turned to find Harold Rising facing
him with smile on his face, but the
spy's sang froid had momentarily de-
serted him.
What do you mean?' he stammered,
quite out of countenance.
'tTherel your face betrays you"
shouted Rising. st appeal to Fellowes."
But you speak riddles; what is the
joker" Pronge strove desperately to
guess what Rising was talking of.
You bolteds from the club with my
cigar CASE explained his tormentor.
Your cigar case? I have not got it"
Haven't you? Feel in your right
hand pocket"
Pronge obeyed mechanically There
was a cigar case in his overcoat pocket.
However did it come there? Then all at
once the truth flashed upon him. He
was wearing Rising's overcoat; the
club waiter who had helped him on
with his coat had made a mistake. And
Rising was wearing his. The two coats
were of similar cut and material. made
by the same tailor. and owing to the
resemblance in build and height of the
two men the difference of fit had been
so triffing he had never noticed the
servants error.
1T is your coat am wearing" he
gasped.
Exactly" laughed Rising. land I'm
wearing yours He whipped it off as
he spoke. They are as like as two
peas. and the stupid fellow at the club
mixed them up. Now Wen exchange If
you please"
Exchange and the stolen designs for
the gun worth small fortune to him
lying in a rocket Of the coat he was
himself wearing. was there ever so
luckless a mischance! Pronge stood
hopelessly trapped. In the full glare of
the street lamps with Cecil Fellowes
This suspicions confirmed by Pronge's
obvious embarrassment watching him
with Jealous eyes. the simple action of