Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1908-12-17
CHAPTER v.
In Which Joseph RouletabiIle Makes
q Remark TO NJ. Robert Darzac
Which Produces lis Little Effect.

| - 1OULETABILLE and had been
~ walking for several minutes by
lINl the side of a long wall bound
S ing the vast property of NJ
| Stangerson and had already come
within sight of the entrance gate when
our attention was drawn to an indi-
vidual who, half bent to the ground,
seemed to be SO completely absorbed
In what he was doing as not to have
seen us coming toward him. At one
time he stopped so low as almost to
touch the ground. At another he drew
himself up and attentively examined
the wall. Then ne looked into the
palm of one of his hands and walked
away with rapid strides Finally he
set off running, still looking into the
palm of his hand. Rouletabille had
brought me to standstill by a GEES
ture.
Hush! Frederic Larsan is at work.
Don't let us disturb himr'
Rouletabille had great admiration
for the celebrated detective. / had
never before seen him, but knew him
well by reputation. At that time, be-
fore Rouletabille had given proof of
his unique talent, Larsan was reputed
as the most skillful unraveler of the
most mysterious and complicated
crimes. His reputation was world
wide, and the police Of London and
even of America often called him
to their aid when their own national
inspectors and detectives found them
selves at the end of their wits and re-
sources.
No one was astonished, then, that
the head of the Paris police had at
the outset of the mystery of the vel
low room telegraphed his precious
subordinate in London, where he had
been sent on big case Of stolen Sc
curities, to return with all haste. Fred
eric had made all speed, doubtless
knowing by experience that if he was
interrupted in what he was doing ii
was because his services were urgent
ly needed in another direction, so, as
Rouletabille said, he was that morning
already 'at work" We soon found
out III WudI IL
What he was continually looking at
In the palm of his right hand was
nothing but his watch, the minute
hand Of which he appeared to be not
ing intently. Then he turned back,
still running, stopping only when he
reached the park gate, where he again
consulted his watch and then put 1t
away in his pocket struggling his
shoulders with a gesture of discourage
ment He pushed open the park gate.
reclosed and locked it, raised his head
and through the bars perceived us.
Rouletabille rushed after him, and
followed Frederic Larsan waited for
us.
M. Fred" said Rouletabille, raising
his hat and showing the profound
respect, based on admiration, which
the young reporter felt for the cele-
brated detective, 'can you tell me
whether NJ. Robert Darzac is at the
chateau Mt this moment? Here is one
of his friends of the Paris bar, who
desires to speak with him."
ST really don't know. NJ. Rouleta-
billie" replied Fred. shaking hands
, with my friend, whom he had several
times met in the course of his difficult
investigc tions II have not seen him. ="
1.-THE concierges viii be able to in
form us, no doubtF" said Rouletabille,
pointing to the lodge, the door and
windows of which were close shut,
1.-THE concierges will not be able to
give you any information, M. Rouleta'
billie"
"Why notP'
Because they were arrested half an
hour ago."
Arrested" cried Rouletabille. Then
they are the murderersp'
Frederic Larsan shrugged his shoul-
ders
When you can't arrest the real muir
derer.' he said, with an air Of supreme
irony ''you can always indulge in the
luxury of discovering accomplices,"
1 Ibid you have them arrested, NJ
Fred?
"Not Il | haven't had them arrest
ed. In the first place, ! am pretty
sure that they have not had anything
to do with the affair and then be-
cause
Because of whatY asked Rouleta-
bile eagerly.
because of nothing" said Larsan,
shaking his head.
"Because there were no accom-