The Washington herald., 1906-10-09

discover, but SO closely and faithfully are
! the secrets Of the order kept that It cost
me a further eight years of unremitting
| inquiry and nigh thirty thousand pounds
before I could ascertain one simple little
1 thing-namely, the number of the chiefs
who constitute the inmost circle. At last
1 succeeded, and the day Of my success
was never more despairing. I had jour
neyed to Cairo TO hear the news. The
/ traitor whom I had bought having NUT
tered In my ear a numbeT-three-Was
about 10 whisper names. when a bullet
fired at him point blank from across the
street in which we stood took his life
and a second bullet cut off the lobe of
my left ear That day, gentlemen. PresI-
dent Sadi Carnot was stabbed to death
in France. I did not relax my diligence:
/ DIVINE Providence assisted me, a month
since 1 discovered much of that which
l nave sought for so long and often so
| hOpelessly- The manner of my discovery
need not be discussed. only the fact that
al last, gentlemen, I have acquired power
to name in a breath the three creatures
Who now direct the terrible machinery Of
anarchism and nihilism."
The listeners neither murmured nor
moved; they appeared 10 be frozen and
tongue-tied so pale and still were they.
Mr.. Perigord waited a moment looking
at them expectantly; then with a shrug
OF his huge shoulders once more re
sumed.
you make no remark you ask no
question, most wOrshipful knights OF the
Ninth Arch. You do we'll Come hither
gather closer round me. brothers-so. I
have sent for you because I need your
hnT
secrets. So, Listen. and you shall hear
how vilely can the devil deface God's
handiwOrk. Madame the Countess of
Hobenstein is a beautiful woman is It
not so, and kind? Ha. ha. hal Ny
brothers, the inmOst circle OF which /
have spoken is composed Of three men.
OF one of these Nine. Viyella is the
daughter. Of the second the wife, OF the
third the mistressi"
Prince Carlos sank back in his chair,
uttering "A loud hystericaI laugh Her
husband is dead" he cried
Lord Francis and Won Oeltjen gazed at
their host win dazed and stupid faces.
Yes, he Is dead. they repeated.
Mr.. Perigord frowned. "The Count Won
Hobenstein is dead" he answered grimly.
and drew from his pocket a folded paper.
Read"
1t open; the others stopped over him TO
see. Quickly they fell back
Lord Francis put his hand 10 his head
Won Oeltjen threw out his arms dra-
matically. Only Prince Carlos did not
seem TO understand What does il
mean?' he gasped; "a copy certificate of
a marriage celebrated in New York be-
tween katheTin Viyella and"
Mr.. Frederick Smith, interrupted
PerigoTd. with q queer little smile; "a
common enough name. Is il not?''
But perhaps assumed" suggested
Lord Francis Cressingham.
Undoubtedly assumed" replied Peri
gord.
'Diable, who is Katherin's father?"
muttered the Count Won Oeltjen
And who, in Gods name. is her Iover2''
almost shouted the prince. who seemed
overcome with a sudden frenzy Of rage.
Gentlemen" said Perigord you be-
hold assigned 10 you your tasks. You.
Lord Francis. viii devote yourself heart
and soul to the discovery of the name Of
Madame Niyellas father The task
should be easy, for the woman believes
herself at present in love with you
can give you no assistance except to in
form you that the late Count Won Hoben-
stein some twelve years back married in
Bavaria an American actress who called
herself Kate Staines; the name. however
was assumed.
Are those my orders. sir2"
Yes. Mr. PeTigOrd turned TO the
prince. Your highness is so foolish as
TO remain, in spite Of repeated warnings
still infatuated. We must. therefore. seek
10 turn your madness TO our own account.
a jealous man should make a good de-
tective; you must ascertain the name Of
madame's lover"
The prince, who had retreated several
steps during this speech, here interrupted
nercely- "Never-an action so basel
Mr.. Perigord looked him in the eyes.
and spoke gravely, kindly. as TO an angry
child. Patience. prince. the object is
good, if the method be unseemly. Be
Ieve me. I assign YOU task whose first
aim IS the preservation Of your own life.
For two months has your death been de-
creed twice have you miraCulOusly es-
capped assassination; take care that the
third attempt be not better planned I
nave called upon you to assist me where
l might have commanded a score Of 9th
ers, in order that you might help in the
work OF your own salvation. and AT the
same time lessen your indebtedness IN
ne You force me into explanations. It
was j who fshed you from the pond at
Hehenlinden. You saw me not. for I left
you while still unconscious in order to
track your assassin, but into your tight
clenehed hand thrust a symbol to re-
mind you
Great heaven!" gasped the prince.
"A pencil case engraved with the word
Jehovah Nay, words are useless.
prince. Speak not Of gratitude. but rather
act the part Of grateful man. You viii
do my bidding?"
Ill, yes, all"
1T is well. You, Count Won Oeltjen-"
Sir"
VIII set out at once for Paris. You
will seek out the chief Of police, and say
to him these words. Tunnel, Bordighera.
Perigord,' whereupon that officer will
know how to prevent the nihilists from
undermining the railway over which the
President must presently pass on his
visit 20 Mentone. But be careful. count:
let drop no mention of my wherea bouts" |
The count saluted. And after, sir7'
Return 70 London with all speed. for 7
shall soon have further need Of you. |
You will hear from mei''
Mr. PeTigord rose to his feet and moved /
- - 1