The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-03

hair and beard. both CLOSELY. cropped.
1 saw at once he was not a Brazilian,
and made UP my mind he was the man
called MazanOyitch by Paola and my
companions. If so, he was the person
now in charge of our quest for the
ring, and with this idea I examined
his face with interest.
This was not difficult for the man
sat opposite me with lowered eye-lids
and a look of perfect repose upon his
thin features. He might have been
fifty or sixty years of age but there
was no guide in determining this eX-
no lines of any sort, and his COM
pleXiOn, although of pallid hue, was
not unhealthy in appearance.
1t surprised me that neither he nor
my companions asked any questions.
Perhaps the kilograms had explained
all that was necessary Anyway, an
absolute silence reigned in the car
rlage during our brief drive.
When we came to a stop the little
man opened the door. We all alight-
ed and followed him into a gloomy
stone building. Through several pas
sages we walked, and then our cOnduc-
tor led US into a small chamber bare
except for a half-dozen iron cots that
stood in a row against the wall. A
guard was at the doorway, but ad-
mitted us with a low bow after one
/ glance at the man in black.
Leading US to the nearest cot. Ma
zanOvitch threw back a sheet and then
stood aside while we crowded around
/ it. To my horror I saw the form of
/ Madam label lying dead before us.
4 Her white dress was discOIored at the
7 breast with clots of dark blood.
Stabbed to the heart said the
/ guard, calmly. ct was thus they
+ brought her from the train that ar
rived this afternoon from Matte Gros-
/ so. The assassin is unknown"
Mazanovitch thrust me aside leaned
over the cot, and drew the woman's
! left hand from beneath the sheet.
The little finger had been completely
severed.
Very gently he replaced the hand.
drew the sheet over the beautiful face,
/ and turned away
Filled with amazement at the Ne
mesis that had so soon overtaken this
fierce and terrible woman. was about
TO follow our guide when I found my
self confronting a parsonage who
stood barring my way with folded
arms and a smile of grim satisfaction
upon his delicate features.
1t was Naleour-the man who had
called himself de Guarde on board the
/ Castina-the emperor's spy.
s'Ah, my dear Senior Harcliffei DO
we indeed meet again % he cried.
tauntingly. And are YOU still keeping
a faithful record in that sweet diary
of youFs2 1t is fine reading, that diary
l-perhaps you have it with you now 2''
Let me pass" said T. impatiently.
''NOt yet, my dear friend" he an
sWered, laughing. GU are going to
be my guest, you know. VIII it not
please you to enjoy my society. once
T more TO be sure. And IL shall
not wish to part with you again soon. -
What DO you mean Q" demanded
'Only that I arrest you, Robert
Harcliffe, in the name OF the en-
peror!"
con what charger I asked
Murder. for one returned the
smiling Valcour. eAfterward You max
{ answer for conspiracy
{ Pardon me, senior NaIeour7 SAID
f the little man. ia d soft voice. 1.-THE
: gentleman is already under arrest-ir
p the emperor's name"
Valeour turned upon him fercely
z Bat So eye 6ali as he encountered ths