Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-03

fetal polish evidently foreigner: and the
thrd-the third was Ambassador Boissegur
Good morning gentlemen Grimm
greeted them: then tremendously. NJ. Bols-
segur. your carriage is waiting at the door.
The three men came to their feet instantly.
and the of the evil face drew revolver.
Grimm turned and faced him placidlv. Do
you know what would happen if YOU killed
me-: he inquired pleasantly. GU wouldn {
live three minutes. Do YOU imagine l came
in here blindly: There are dozen men guard
ing the entrances to the house. pistol shot
would bring them in. Put down the gun,
Eyes challenged eyes for one long. tense
instant and the man carefully laid the weapon
on the table. Grimm strolled over and picked
it up. after which he glanced inquiringly at the
other man, the Ambassadors second guard.
And you are the gentleman. dare say. who
made the necessary trips to the Ambassador
house. probably using his latch KEY. he re-
marked interrogatively.- first for the letters
to be signed. and again for the cigarettes:
There was no answer. and Grimm turned
questioningly to Boissegur-
Yes. monsieur the Ambassador burst out
suddenly. His eyes We're fixed unwaveringly
on Miss Thorne'S face.
And your escape. monsieur
Il did escape. monsieur. last night. the
Ambassador explained but they knew it I'M
mediately. They pursued me into my OWE
house these two and another and dragged ME
back here, Non Dten, monsieur. ceSt-
Grimm. There won't be any ransom. You are
free to go now.
But there are others" Boissegur interposei
desperately two more somewhere below.
and they will not allow-they will attack
Grimms little eyes narrowed a little, ami
he turned to Miss Thorne.
Il shall escort NJ. Boissegur 10 his carriage.
Miss Thorne." he said calmly. These men
will remain here until | return. Take the re-
volver If either of them much wags his
re
No" she smiled family. d" am not afraid
Grimm and the Ambassador went down the
stairs. and out the front door. Grimm was
just returning to enter the house, when from
above came a muffled. venomous crash-a
shot He took the steps going up two at &
time Miss Thorne was leaning against the
door frame. as if dazed: the revolver lay at her
feet. \ door IN 4 far corner stood open: ana
Gathering footsteps echoed through the house.
One of them leaped at me. and | fired
she gasped :" He struck me; but Im-Im
not hurt.
She stopped quickly. picked up the revolver.
and made as If to follow the dying footsteps
Grimm stopped her. 1t doesn't matter.
he said quietly Let them go" And after
awhile, earnestly. If had dreamed of such
such thing this. should never have con-
senteG to allow you
Il understand she interrupted. and for
one instant her outstretched hand rested on his
arm. The Ambassador.
Perfectly safe. responded Grimm. Two
of mv men are with him.
THE Ambassador from France sat alone at
his desk Miss Thorne was ushered in,
and laid sheet of paper before him.
That code message was sent from the En-
bassy here to the cable Office a few minutes
ago" Miss Thorne stated tersely, coldly. Its
your resignation isn't it
Yes" admitted Boissegur.
1t hasn't been sent, of course. she con-
tinued. land may add that it won't be sent.
Understand. monsieur. that YOU will not offer
your resignation to your Government-you
must not Do you understand: Must not
She met his eyes squarely. and finally he
lowered his lids before the unflinching stare
Il understand. mademoiselle. he said very
slowly. and he tore the paper 10 bits. 4 Will
not resi- gn.'
A Nd at that particular moment Grimm was
sitting with his feet on his desk. idly
dreaming Of the mystic light that lay in two
wonderful blue-gray eyes.