Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-01-27

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it32M state department IL was not nm
usual for him to receive corre-
spondence from the seat of government
out thls was the first time he had beer
honored with a communication direct from,
the cabinet officer who controls the foreign
relauons OF the nation. He tore the letter
open quickly and read It from beginning
10 end with avidity. II was long ana i'm
portant and held several enclosures Tho
revelations We're unusual enough 10 make
even such seasoned veteran blink with
astonishment He read the letter very
carefully a second time and as he con-
ciuueu glanced at the big calendar on the
wall beside his desk
Clancy. we've got 10 be In Fail Rivar
before O'Clock tomorrow night"
The young man, accustomed TO sudden
calls saluted and said:
'All right. sir: I'll go home. mack nv
grip and meeUyo In an hour"
Being expeditions, they made their con-
nections and were in Fall River an, hour
oeIore the appointed time. As they lounged
on the wharf watching the boat get IN
steam preparatory to its all-night trip to
New York the chief turned to his assistant
with his most official manner:
we are here to identify and shadow a
man and 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 lid decorated
with a royal crown. The woman is TALL
thin and angular, with sharp features and
has big Maltese cat, which is her in
separable companion
That's a bully description" 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 warbling a French song
The watchers were all attention. The new
conner tailed with the description given
by the chief inspector. Around him hung
the heavy aroma of musk. In his right
hand he carried an ebony music box. with
gilt crown on its lid. He walked on to
the boat and poking his head into the
window of the pursers room, handed in a
check and in return received the key of a
reserved stateroom He marched away,
singing blithely.
Barnes rushed up to the little cubby hole
Who was that mani" he demanded
Count Velasquez" replied the purser
before he had time to consider the pro-
pSiety of the question.
The chief returned to his assistant, sat
isfed.
IT'S our man all right" he said He's
travelling under the name of a Spanish
nobleman We mustn't lose sight of him"
''Why?'' asked Clancy. with full knowl-
edge 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 surprised at my
actions. And for the love of heaven,
watch this count to see the effect of what
do or say to him"
II suppose" ventured Clancy, with what
was intended for whitening sarcasm that
II wouldn't be bad idea TO get acquainted
with him"
You must get acquainted with him.
came like a shot.
The two men procured a stateroom
merely as a matter of FORM because neither
had any intention of sleeping that night
Presently the counts wife, with her NAL
tese cat came aboard and was ushered into
her room. The count himself strolled
about the boat, leaving clouds OF cigarette
smoke in his wake. Everywhere he went
he carried the little ebony music box with
him. Clancy who was naturally of a
soeiable disposition, soon managed to get
into conversation with the titled foreigner.
In ten minutes they were chatting away
like lifelong friends. The count noticed
ried. and he remarked in a nonchalant man
ner. with a shrug OF the shoulder:
"Ah. my music box. 1 adore music and
so 1 carry this little instrument with me
everywhere"
Clancy. with glittering eyes, replied:
Pm with you there count: love music
too. Give US a tune"
The count was disconcerted but he re-
covered quickly:
IT have not the key" he said. Struggling
his shoulder, Then as an after thought.
''the instrument is out Of order. and must
not touch It until 1t is fully repaired"
Presently Clancy contrived to introduce
Barnes. The Count who was loquacious,
was delighted to meet such an amiable per-
son. He said he was travelling for his
health, and Barnes, much to his amuse-
ment, said he was travelling for the health
OF the community.
At this stage of the game Clancy no.
ticed that the Chief carried a package
under his right arm. He was about to
ask him what that meant when Barnes
whispered huskily:
THE minute the Count lays down his
music box, grab 1t and put II In our
room"
The opportunity came almost immedi-
ately. They were at the cigar stand. The
for box OF cigarettes. Barnes stimuli
taneously attracted his attention 10 some
thing on the other side of the boat
Clancy stopped, picked up the box and
darted on In the direction of his cabin.
At the same instant Barnes whisked on
the package under his arm and deposited
duplicate hoN or the floor in place of the
stolen one. II was identical with the fret
one in every detail. and when the Count
had pocketed his change and lighted his
cigarette lac picked up the substituted box
and. with sigh OF satisfaction placidly
walked away.
The count was companionRble man.
After the boat had left Fan River and
started on its night run 10 New York ne
invited Barnes and Clancy to Join him in
"niChtcap" I'm the little sitting room at
'ached TO bis cabin. They readily assented
II was the finest room on the boat. with
cushioned seats on both sides The Count
ess IVES tier" with her cat. After the pre-
sensations had been made a1d the might
cans" disr0sed ~ she exclaimed:
MY dear Edoua-d YOU are the most
Thoughtful Of menr'
"Ah you are teasing me-" cried the
Carnt shnEing his feminine Singers at the
wcrNan. "N0u ladies' you ladies' YOU ar.