Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-08-01

Z 80
~ few hours after the
kXM Claibornes' departure
80 While he waited MT
Armitage employed his time TO advan-
tage. lie carefully scrutinized his
wardrobe, and after a process Of elirni-
nation and substitution he packed his
raiment ia two trunks and was ready
TO leave the Inn at ten minutes notice
Between trains. when not engaged in
watching the incoming travellers. he
smoked a pipe over various packets Of
papers and letters, and these he burned
with considerable care. AL the French
and German newspaper accounts OF
the murder Of Count Won Stroebel he
read carefully. and even more particu-
larry he studied the condition OF Affairs
In Vienna consequent upon the great
statesman's death. Secret agents from
Vienna and detectives from Paris had
visited Geneva ia their study OF this
astounding crime and had made much
fuss aud asked many questions. but
Mr. John Armitage paid no heed 70
them. He had held the last conversa-
ton OF length that any one had en-
joyed with Count Ferdinand Won
Stroehel but the fact OF this Interview
was known % no one unless 10 one or
two hotel servants. and these held a
very high opinion OF Mr.. Armitage's
character, based on his generosity in
the matter OF gold coin. and there could
or course be no possible relationship be
tween so shocking a tragedy and a
chance acquaintance between two trav.
elers. Mr.. Armitage knew nothing that
he cared 20 impart 90 detectives and q
great deal that he had no intention OF
imparung 70 any one. He accumulated
remarkable assortment Of time Ia
hles and advertisements OF transatlan.
tic sailings against sudden need and
even engaged passage on three steam
ers sailing from English and French
ports within the week.
lie expected that the person FOR
whom he waited would go direct 10
the Hotel Monte Rosa FOR the reason
that Shirley Claiborne had been there.
and Armitage was not mistaken
When this person learned that the
Claibornes had left he would doubt
conclusion that was reached by Mr.
Armitage. who at times was slngularIy
happy in his speculauons as to the
mental processes Of other people
Sometimes. however, he made mis-
takes, as VIII appear.
The gentleman for whom John Armi-
tage had been waiting arrived alone
and was received as n distinguished
guest by the landlord
NJ. Chauvenet inquired for his friends
the Claibornes and was clearly annoy.
ed 10 find that they had gone. and no
sooner had this intelligence been con.
yeyed TO him than he. too. studied time
tables ana consulted steamer adver
tisements. John Armitage In various
dircreet ways was observant OF NJ
Chauvenet's activities, and bookings at
steamship offices interested him so
greatly that he reserved passage on
two additional steamers and ordered
the straps buckled about his trunks
for IL had occurred TO him that he
might find Il necessary 20 leave Geneva
in a hurry.
II was not likely that NJ. Chauvenet
being now under his eyes. would escape
him, and John Armitage. making
leisurely dinner, learned from his
waiter that NJ. Chauvenet. being worn
from his travels. was dining alone In
his rooms.
At about s O'Clock. as Armitage turn
ed the pages OF Figaro IN the smoking
room. Chauvenet appeared at the door.
scrutinized the group within and passed
on. Armitage had carried his coat hat
and stick into the smoking room. 10 be
ready for possible emergencies, and
when Chauvenet stepped out into the
street he followed
1t was unusually cold for the season,
and fine drizzle filed the air Chau-