The Sauk Centre herald., 1908-08-27

was conscious q moment later that
some one was lettering persistently in
his wake. Armitage was at once on
the alert with all his faculties sharp
ened. He turned and gradually slack
ened his pace, and the person behind
him Immediately did likewise
The sensation of being followed is
at first annoying. Then a pleasant
zest creeps into it, and in Armitage's
case the reaction was immediate. He
was even amused to reflect that the
shadow had chosen for his exploit
what is probably the most conspicu-
Gus and the best guarded spot in
America. 1t was not yet 10 o'clock,
but the streets were comparatively
free of people. He slackened his pace
gradually and threw open his over
coat, for the night was warm, to give
an impression of ease, and when he
had reached the somber facade of the
treasury building he paused and
studied it in the glare of the electric
lights as though he were a chance
traveller taking preliminary view Of
the sights Of the capital. A man still
fingered behind him, drawing nearer
now, at moment when they had the
sidewalk comparatively free to them
selves. The fellow was short, but of
soldierly erectness and even in his
lettering pace lifted his feet with the
quick precision Of the drilled man.
Armltage walked to the corner Of
Pennsylvania avenue and Fifteenth
street, then turned and retraced his
steps slowly past the treasury build
ing. The man who had been following
faced about and walked slowly in the
opposite direction. and Armitage,
quickening his own pace, amused him.
self by dogging the fellows steps
closely for twenty yards, then passed
him.
When he had gained the advantage
Of q few feet Armitage stopped sud-
denly and spoke to the man in the
casual tone he might have used in ad-
dressing passing acquaintance.
"My friend" he said, there are two
policemen across the street. If you
continue to follow me shall call their,
attention to you."
Pardon me-
"You are watching me. and the thing
won't do.''
"Yes, I'm watching you, butt
"But the thing won't do! If you are
hired
"Nein! Nein! You do me a wrong.
SIR"
'Then if you are not hired you are
your own master, and you serve your
self i'll when you take the trouble to.
follow me. Now I'm going to finish
my walk, and beg you to keep out Of
my way. This is not place where
liberties may be infringed with i'm
punity. Good evening, sirv'
Armitage wheeled about sharply, and
as his face came into the full light Of
the street lamps the stranger stared at
him intently.
Armitage was fumbling in his pock-
ct for coin. but this impertinence
caused him to change his mind. Two
policemen were walking slowly toward
them, and Armitage. annoyed by the
whole incident. walked quickly away.
meeting. The fact that Chauvenet had
so promptly put spy as we'll as the
Servian assassin on his trail quickened
his pulse with anger for an instant and
then sobered him.
He continued his walk and paused
presently before an array of books in
a shop window. Then some one stop
ped at his side. and he lokoed up to,
find the same man he had accosted at
the treasury building lifting his hat.
an American soldiers campaign hat.
The fellow was an extreme blond, with
a smooth shaved. weather beaten face.
blue eyes and light hair
Pardon me. You are mistaken. 1
am not a spy But it is wonderful; it
Is quite wonderful
The mans face was alight with dis
covery. with an alert pleasure that
awaited recognition.
"My dear fellow, you really become
annoying" and Armitage again thrust
his hand into his trousers pocket. 81
should hate awfully to appeal to the
police. but you must not crowd me too
far"
The man seemed moved by deep feel
ing, and his eyes were bright with ex-
element His hands clasped tightly
the railing that protected the glass
window of the bookshop. AS Armitage
turned away impatiently the man ejac-
ulated huskily. as though some over
mastering influence wrung the worus
from him:
Don't you know me? am Oscar
Don't you remember me and the great
forest, where | taught you to shoot
and fish? You are'-
He bent toward Armitage with a
fierce insistence, his eyes blazing in his
eagerness to be understood.
John Armitage turned again to the
window, leaned lightly upon the iron
railing and studied the title of book
attentively. He was silently absorbed
for a full minute, in which the man
who had followed him waited. Taking
his cue from Armitage's manner. he