Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-13
By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIn1
tainly q possibility. !"

tdluiy pOSSlDlilty.
 ''The government department of your country to which you are attached" Duncombe repeated thoughtfully. Let me understand you. You mean the se- cret service police?"
 M. Louis glanced little nervously over his shoulder.
 Never mind what mean, Sir George" he said quickly. There are things which we do not speak of open ly. This much is sufficient I represent a power which can influence and direct even the criminal courts of justice of France"
 What bribe have l to offer you?' Duncombe asked. Information? You know more than do. am afraid you have been misled."
 T think not" NJ. Louis said quickly. q will tell you what we want. A pa- per was left in your charge by Miss Phyllis Poynton at the time she was visiting at Runton House"
 What of itT' Duncombe asked.
 The Frenchman's face was suddenly tense with excitement. He recovered himself almost at once, bSt his voice shook. and a new earnestness found its way into his manner,
 Miss Poynton and her brother are with us," he said Tt is we who have been their benefactors. You know a good deal of their peculiar circum- stances. A sudden need has arisen for the production of that paper within twenty-four hours. Give it to me now, and I will run the greatest risk have ever run in my career. will tear those warrants through"
 Have you any authority from Miss Poynton" Duncombe asked.
 ''There was no time to procure 1t" NJ. Louis explained. Events march rapidly today. To be effective that pa per must be in Paris tomorrow. The necessity for its production arose only a few hours ago."
 You ask me, then" Duncombe said slowly, ito hand over to you paper which was placed in my charge by Miss Poynton?"
 Tn effect-yes!"
 "I cannot do itr'
 M. Louis shrugged his shoulders.
 'I do not insist" he remarked. T may be permitted to remind you, how ever, that have offered great price,"
 "Perhaps.' Duncombe answered quietly.
 NJ. Louis turned to his assistants.
 "Sir George Duncombe will accom- pany us." he said. T can give you ten minutes, Sir George" he added, fin case you care to change your clothes"
 And supposing I refuse to come" Duncombe asked.
 NJ. Louis smiled.
 You would scarcely be so foolish" he remarked. Tn that case l should send the policeman here to the nearest station with the warrants and a de- mand for help. Our documents are in perfect order and our case complete. You would scarcely be so foolish. I think. as to set yourself in direct oppo- sition to the law"
 Duncombe was silent for several mo- ments. Then he rang the bell. M. Louis looked at him inquiringly. but before he could frame a question the butler was in the room.
 Pack my things for a week, Groves" Duncombe ordered. "I am going away tonight"
 The man bowed and withdrew. NJ. Louis merely shrugged his shoulders.
 "A weekr' he remarked. You will be fortunate if you ever see your home again. Come, Sir George, be reasona- ble! I give you my word of honor that it is altogether to the interest of Miss Poynton that those papers be imme- diately produced. If she were here herself, she would place them in my hands without moments hesitation"
 Possibly" Duncombe answered. "suppositions. however, do not interest me. I undertook the charge of what she gave me, and I shall fulfill my trust"
 M. Louis turned to the policeman.
 ''Oficer." he said. this is Sir George Duncombe. Do your duty"
 The man stepped forward and laid his hand upon Sir Georges shoulder.
 "very sorry. sir" he said. "I am forced to arrest you on this warrant for the murder of Florence Mermillion on the night of the 7th of June You will be brought before the magistrates at Norwich tomorrow"
 Duncombe waved his hand toward the sldeboard.
 If you gentlemen" he remarked. would care for a little refreshment before you startT'
 Tt is against the rules. sir, thank you" the man answered. T should be glad to get away as soon as possible"
 Duncombe filled both bis pockets with cigars and cigarettes. Then he turned toward the door.
 T am quite ready" he said.
 They followed him out There was a few minutes delay waiting for Dun- combe's bag.
 Your address. Sir GeorgeT Groves inquired as he brought 1t down.
 "A little doubtfuL- Duncombe an- swered: T will wire"
 Tn front. please. Sir George" M. Louis insisted.
 So they drove od, Duncombe in the front seat. the other three behind The car gathered speed rapidly. Tn less than an hour they were half way to Norwich Then suddenly the driver took a sharp corner and turned down a long. desolate lane
 You're of the main road Dun comhe explained You should have