Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-10-19

ual glance. Otherwise, why the amaze
ment of the Bretts and Madame de
WARMER In first seeing me? How else
could explain the events of the
nightf They had drurged me. or at
tempted TO 90 so. that l might be
oblivious to inconvenient inquiries or
greetings. The hat and cloak of Sir
Mortimer, which Dr. Starva had pro
cured In some manner. were unusual
enough In character to be readily rec
ognized by the servants Of the hotel.
Sir Mortimer was known to be I'll. and
my condition would arouse no sus-
picion.
All the facts as 1 swiftly reviewed
them fitted neatly. The inference was
unmistakable:
This was the suite OF Sir Mortimer
Brett. They had come for the packet
of papers they were now reading. The
presence OF Sir Mortimer Brett with
them had gained them ready adrnis.
sion to his rooms.
And now that they had found the
papers?
Had served my purpose? Was the
invitation to Madame de vsrnier's
chateau ruse cleverly planned SIM
ply to bring me 70 this hotel as Sir
Mortimer?
In that case I must be alert that
they did not slip through my hands.
leaving me here IN Sir Mortimer's
rooms to explain my predicament on
the morrow as best 1 might.
Or was this the prelude to other ad-
ventures even more exciting7 Was
the game only Just begun7
Still I watched them intently. while
these perplexing questions demanded
an answer. They had finished the pa
pers now. DR.. Starva was seated in
sullen gloom; Madame de WARMER
sided to and fro in angry indecision.
A loud knock on the door opening
into the hall startled me almost as
much as themselves. Madame de Var
nier thrust the papers into the bosom
OF her dress; then, while Dr. Starvs at
a sign from her answered the sum
mons, she hastily restored the room to
J outward signs OF order.
What is It? Who is there7" Starya
demanded IN an agitated voice.
1T is Henri, the concierge" replied
the intruder.
tomorrow, to-morrOW.
But there is an English gentleman
who says that he must see his Excel
lency."
1t would be difficult to say whether
this startling request alarmed them
more than Il did myself I listened
breathless. DR.. Starva's presence OF
mind seemed TO have quite deserted
him. He drew n revolver from his
pocket Madame de WARMER made a
eontemptuous sign expressive of his
folly. He thrust It into his coat again;
renewed his approximations TO the con.
oierge. But the man was persistent.
At last. at a signal from Madame do
WARMER he was admitted 70 the room.
The presence OF Madame de WARMER
startled him. For the first time she
spoke.
My dear man. be discreet. Behold
me. a woman. and at this hour OF the
night in gentleman's apartment Is
not that reason that you exercise
your discretion"
II was cleverly done. her pertuba--
ton and distraction. She made her
appeal dramatically. her hands clasped
In her anxiety.
Madam Is mistaken II she thinks
am not discreet" protested the little
man. II it We're possible I would
shield madam. But he stands without.
in the hail this stubborn Englishman.
Madam can save her reputation only
by retreating 20 the bedroom. Have
no fear. l shall not betray madam"
il was time for me 10 beat a hasty
retreat. But my curiosity still held
me.
Have I not told you" fiercely IN.
terrupted DR.. Starva. that II Is not
HIS Excellency who is here with
madam? II is a Mr. Haddon. and
madam is HIS nurse and am his
physician. Tell this stubborn English.
man that, imbecile"
Monsieur will please be reasonable.
cannot help using my eyes"
use them yourself II you will" des-
perately replied Starva. But at least
you need not tell this Englishman the
truth"
1T is impossible to deceive him"
persisted the concierge. "AIl day he
has been waiting for his Excenency.
A quarter OF an hour ago he was
smoking in the garden below. He has
seen the light shining through the
shutters OF his Excellency's apartment.
He knows that it is the apartment Of
his Excellency."
you can tell him that you have
placed Mr.. Haddon In these rooms for
the night only" persuaded DR.. Starva,
producing his pOcketbook.
mo. monsieur" replied the con-
cierge sorrowfully. his eyes on the
notes held toward him, 1T is impossi-
BILE. He will tell the manager and Il
shall lose my place"
Go 10 this Eaglishman," inter
rupted Madame de WARMER; demand
his business. Say that his Excellency
is i'll. very H. There have been DAYS
that he has not slept His physician
and his nurse have grave fears for his
life If he is aroused. To awaken him
is perhaps to bring on again a crisis
of the nerves. But as soon as he
awakes we will summon the English
man"
Il 60" the servant assented reluct-
"a