The Green Forest tribune., 1908-10-30

small likelihood of lis remaining there long enough to risk capture. His most i logical plan of action would be to seek refuge under the British flag on board the frigate now lying in the harbor.
 Thus unused the chief as he reached the water front and gazed across the black expanse of water to where the lights of the EnglisA man-of-war twinkled in the offing. It was after midnight and a profound silence i reigned along the shore, a silence in- terrupted only by the tapping of the water against the wharve5. M. Claude caught sight of long, low wooden pier jutting out from the land. and he 1 turned his steps toward it. In few seconds of walking he reached the end and glancing down saw a small boat moored by rope to the piles, tossing i gently to and fro with the tide. Here l then was a means of escape for We're. l did he but know of it. The chief glanced back to the wharf as the l thought occurred to him and uttered fierce exclamation. There was a man showing off in a boat from the spot he had just left. By the light of the moon he could see the gigantic figure plainly as it swung to the oars. It was Vere-escaping from him bearing the documents that would blast the fame of Blanche Leclaire.
 M. Claude stopped and swiftly sev- cred the rope that moored the boat to the pier. In another instant he was bending to the oars with savage en- ergy.
 Vere's boat shot straight fer the mouth of the harbor 1T. the direction of the British frigate's anchorage. NJ. Claude, still in the shadow of the pier, bncked water suddenly and brought his craft to halt as he perceived that We're in passing would steer directly before his bows. He waited with bated breath as the black dot drew near, wondering if the Englishman would glance around and notice his presence. But We're did not see the danger that lurked in the shadows; his mind was fixed cn the big ship swinging lazily at anchor in the of fing He had successfully eluded his pursuers on land, and he laughed ex- ultantly as he bent his broad back and sent the sharp prov cleaving rapidly through the black water.
 And in that moment Of fancied tri- umph his fate came upon him. From out the darkness there silently glided a menaeing shape that crashed against the side of his vessel, an active figure sprang upon him and a million lurid fires famed before his eyes as a crash, ing blow descended full on his tenn pie. The oars slipped from his nerve. less grasp and his huge bulk collapsed into an inert mass at the bottom of the boat.
 Replacing the life preserver in his pocket the chief hurriedly retrieved the drifting oars and pulled back to land Reaching the wharf he moored the boat to a convenient ringbolt, and proceeded to examine into the condi- ton of his prisoner. He was breath ing heavily but was still unconscious, and M. Claude made a search of his garments with a deXterity born of long practice. In cloth belt next to Vere's skin he dis covered the long sought package of letters that had caused him so many anxious hours, and pocketed them with much heartfelt satisfac- tion Then he walked leisurely to the nearest police station and revealed his identity to the inspector in charge.
 q chanced to witness the affair in Mme Aiavarda's establishment last night" he said, and later was for turate enough to perceive this Mon- sieur We're in the act of making his escape by water. There was no time to summon assistance, and knowing 1 that once aboard the British frigate now in the ofing he would be beyond your jurisdiction 1 took it upon myself to capture him. In doing so l was compelled to use considerable force and you will find him unconscious in the boa where I left him, unless he has recovered his senses, which I hardly think is likely
 q will send my men for him at once, M Claude returned the highly gratifed insrector. The young man whom he first cheated and then as saulted is dangerously i'll, and but for you the ruffian would have surely es- capped the consequences of his ill do- ing
 "You are welcome to my poor ser vices" responded the chief, with an easy wave of his hand. And by the way, I came here on important busi- ness of the state which is now con cluded. Let the credit of the capture lie to your own record and see that my name is not mentioned in connec- tion with the affair It is my wish that my presence in Marseilles should remain secret to all but yourself" :"
 Mme. Rigault summoned to the pre- 1 lecture found the chief awaiting her with smiling features.
 "The fruits of victory, my dear friend and colleague" said M Claude, as he handed her the hardly won pa- pers.
 The little lady's eyes were limpid with grateful tears.
 How can I ever thank you?' she faltered.
 By continuing 50 look upon me as your devoted servant" said the chief gayly My faith, though, madame, your first suggestion as to the means to be employed for the redemption Of those harmless looking documents