The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-05
fContjnued.)

(Continued)
 Neither of us spoke or made q sound during the instant that she clung to me. the faint. weil-remembered per tune of her hair. her dress. in my nos trils. But as sue started away, and | knew that she had the letter-case the knock came again. Then. before could be sure whether she wished for time to hioe, or whether slfe would have me cry "come in." without seem- ing to hesitate, the door opened. For d second of two Maxine and l. and group of figures at the door were mere shadows in the ever deepening pinK dusk: but could scarcely have counIea ten before the long expected light sprang up. Ihad turned 1t on in more than one place: and sudden, brilliant illumination showed me a tall Commis- sary of Police, with two little gen. darmes looking over his shoulder.
 I threw a glance at Maxine, who was still yelled. and was relieved to see sne had found some means of putting Lne 1etter-case out of sight. Having as- certained this, I sharply enquired ln French what in the devils name the Commmissary of Police meant by walk ing into an Englishman's rooms Witn- out being invited; and not only tnat' but what under heaven he wanted any way.
 He was far more polite than was
 "Ten- thoIsand pardons, Monsieur. ha anofog,zed. T knocked twice, but haarinR no answer, entered, thinking that perhaps, after all. the salon was unoccupied. Important business must be my excuse. l have to requesg thaI Monsieur Dundas will first place in nay hands the gift he has brought from London to Mademoiselle de Rensie."
 T have brought no gift for Made moiseIle de Renzie," I preyaricated boldly; but the mans knowledge or my name was oniinous. If the Paris police had contrived to learn 1t already, as well as to find out that ! was tne bearer of something for Maxine. It looked if they knew enough to play the game in their own way what ever that might be.
 aPerhaps I should say, the thing which Mademoissele 1ent--to a friend in England, and Monsieur has now kindly returned" amended the Com missary of Police as politely, as patient ly as ever. ,.Really, I don't know what you are talking about" said struggling m5 shoulders and looking bewildered-or hoping that I looked bewildered. All the while I was wondering, desperate ly, if this meant ruin for Maxine, or if she would still find some way ot saving herself. But all could do Tor her at the moment was to keep calm, and tell as many lies as necessary. l hadn't been able to lie to Diana; but I had no compunctions about doing 1t now, if 1t were to help Maxine. The worst was. that I was far from sure it would help her.
 'I trust, Monsieur, that you do not wish to prevent the French police from doing their lduty." said the officer, his tone becoming peremptory for the first time. 'Should you attempt 1t. should unfortunately be- compelled to order that Monsieur be searched"
 You seem to forget that you're deal- ing with 8 British subject" said l.
 "who is offending against the laws of a friendly country" he capped my words You can complain afterwards. Monsieur. But now-
 "why don't you empty your pockets. Mir Dundas," suggested Maxine, lightly, yet contemptuously, and show them that you've nothing in which the police can have any interest? suppose the next thing they propose. will be to search me-"
 T deeply regret to say that will be the next thing, Mademoiselle. unless satisfaction Is given to me-" returned the Commissary Of Police.
 Maxine threw back her thick veil: and if this were the first time these men had even seen the celebrated