Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-07-18
sY GEORGE BARTON.

not unusual for him to receive corre-
spondencc from the seat of government.
but this was the first time he had BEEN
honored with a Communication direct from
the cabinet officer who controls the for
eign relations of the nation. He tore the
letter open quickly and read 1t from be-
ginning to end with lvidity. 1T was long
and important and held several enclosures.
the revelations were unusual enough to
make even such a seasoned veteran blink
with establishment. He read the letter
very carefully a second time and as he
concluded glanced at the big calendar on
the wall beside his desk,
CLANCY. we've got to he In Fall River
before Z O'Clock tomorrow night"
Tn young man, accustomed to sudden
calls. saluted and said:
AN right. sir: I'll go home. pack my
grip and meet you in an hour"
Being expeultious, they made their con-
n%ectiCns and were in Fall River an hour
before the appointed time. AS they
lOunged on the wharf watching the boat
get up steam preparatory TO It's all night
trip to New York, the chief turned to his
assistant with his most official manner:
w are here TO identify and shadow a
man and Il woman. The man Is short and
thick set. with a smooth face and n
swarthy complexion. He carries a little
ebony music box. which has u lid decorate
W ~ d IOydI CTOWu. IN ~ 10 Yam
thin and angular. with sharp features and
has a big Maltese cat. which is her in
separable companion"
That's a bully d~escription!" exclaimed
Clancy. enthusiasm getting the better Of
respectful demeanor. "A fellow would have
to be near sighted to miss a couple like
that"
While they were talking. a stranger
came along the pier, warbllng a French
HNnR Tho uatchara wpro all attention
The newcomer Tailed with the descrip-
ton given by the chief Inspector. Around
him hung the heavy aroma of musk. In
his right hand he carried an ebony music
box. with a gilt crown OF its lid. He
walked on to the boat and. poking his
head into the window Of the purser's
-roomL "a return re-
ceived the key of a reserved stateroom.
He marched ava singing blithely.
Barnes rushed up to the little cubby
hole.
who was that men, he demanded.
Count Vclasquez.'' replied the purser
before he had time to consider the pro-
priety of the question.
The chief returned to his assistant. sat
isflcd.
ITS our man all right he said. Hes
travelling under the name OF a Spanish
nobleman. We mustn't lose sight of him.
"Why?' asked Clancy. with a full
knowledge of the fact that he had no
right to ask questions.
you'll know before We reach New
York. In the meantime. don't be sur
prtsed at my actions. And for the love OF
heaven. watch this count to see the eff
feet Of what I do or say on him."
Il suppose" ventured. Clancy, with what
was Intended for whitening sarcasm. that
1t wouldn't he a bad idea to get acquaint-
ed with him.
You must get acquainted with him!"
like a shot.
Tho two men procured a stateroom.
merely as a matter Of form. because
neither had any intention OF sleeping that
night Presently the count's wife, with
her Maltese cat. came abroad and was
ushered to her room. The count himself
strolied about he boat. leaving clouds OF
cigarette smoke In his wake. Everywhere
went he carried the little ebony music
Oox with him. Clancy. who was naturally
q sOciablc disposition, soon managed to
into conversation with the titled for
eigner. In ten minute they were chat
ting away like lifelong friends. The count
noticed that Clancy was looking at the
box he carried. and he remarked in a
n~onchalant manner. with a shrug of the
70 I carry this .littiea Instrument with me
CLANCY with glittering eyes replied:
I'm with you there. count: 1 love music |
too. Give us a tune"
The count was disc0ntered: but he re-
covered quickly:
II ave not the key.'' he said, shrug.
Thought. 'the instrument il out of order.
and must not touch 1t until 1t ia fully
repaired"
Presently Clancy contrived to introduce
Barnes. The count. who was %loQuacious.
wa delighted to meet such an amiable
person. He said ne was travelling for his
health. and Barnes. much to his amuse-
ment. SAID ne was travelling for the health
Of the community.
At this stage Of the game Clancy no.
ticed that the chief carried a package UNI
der his right arm. He was about to ask
him what that meant when Barnes wh,s-
pered huskily:
Tho minute the count lays down his
music box, grab 1t and put 1t In our
room."
The opportunity came almost immed.-
ately. They were at the cigar stand. The
count laid dow his box in order to pay
Tor q box of cigarettes. Barnes stimuli
taneously attracted his attention to scme-
thing on the other side OF the boat. Clan
cy stopped. picked up the box and darted
on In the direction of his cabin. At the
same instant Barnes whisked OF the pack
under HIS arm and deposited a dupli-
cate box ON the floor In place Of the stol-
en- one. 1t was Identical with the first one
IN every detail. and when the count had
pocketed his change and lighted his Gig
arete he picked up the substitute box and,
With a sigh Of satisfaction, placidly walk
Cd away.
h count was a ~companionable man.
After the boat had left Fall River and
started on it's all night run to New York
he invited Barnes and Clancy to join him
In a "ntshtcap'' In the little sitting room
attached to his cabin. They readily as
scented. Il was h finest room on the
boat. with cushioned seats on both sides.
The countess was there with her cat.
After the presentations had been made