Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-10

Baron von Marhof, very handsome and distinguished, but mud spashed, had tied his horse to a post in the driveway and stood on the veranda steps, his hat in his hand, staring, look of bewilderment on his face. Ar mitage, bareheaded. still in his riding leggings, his trousers splashed with mud, his left arm sleeveless and SUD- ported by a handkerchief swung from his neck, shook hands with Judge Clai- borne.
 Baron von Marhof, allow me to pre- sent MT. Armitage," said Dick. and Ar mitage walked to the steps and bowed. The ambassador did not offer his hand.
 Wont you please come in?' said Armitage. smiling upon them, and when they were seated he took his stand by the fireplace. hesitated mo- ment, as though weighing his words. and began:
 Baron von Marhof. the events that have led to this meeting have been somewhat more than unusual-they are unique. And complications have arisen which require prompt and wise action. For this reason am glad that we shall have the benefit of Judge Claiborne's advice'
 Judge Claiborne is the counsel of our embassy" said the ambassador. His gaze was fixed intently on Armi- tage's face. and he hitched himself for ward in his chair impatiently, grasp ing his crop nervously across his knees.
 You were anxious to find me, baron, and may have seemed hard to catch, but believe we have been working at cross purposes to serve the same in- terests"
 The baron nodded.
 "Yes; dare say" he remarked dryly.
 And some other gentlemen of not quite your own standing have at the same time been seeking me. It will give me great pleasure to present one of them-one. believe. will be enough. MT. Claiborne, will you kindly allow M, Jules Chauvenet to stand in the door for a moment? I want to ask him question
 Shirley, sitting farthest from Armi- tage, folded her hands upon the long table and looked toward the door into which her brother vanished. Then Vules Chauvenet stood before them all, and as his eyes met hers for a second the color rose to his face. and he broke but angrily:
 "This is infamous. This is an out rage. Baron von Marhof, as an Aus trian subject I appeal to you for pro- tection from this man.
 Monsieur, you shall have all the protection Baron von Marhof cares to give you. but first wish to ask you question-just one. You followed me fo America with the fixed purpose of killing me. You sent a Servian assassin after me-a fellow with a reputation for doing dirty work-and he tried to stick a knife into me on the deck of the King Edward. shall not recite my subsequent expert ences with him or with you and M Durand. You announced at Captain Claiborne's table at the Army and Navy club in Washington that 1 was an impostor, and all the time. mon sieur. you have really believed me to be some one-some one in particular"
 Armitage's eyes gittered. and his voice faltered with intensity as he ut tered these last words. Then he thrust his hand into his coat pocket, stepped back and concluded
 Who am I, monsieur?'
 Chauvenet shifted uneasily from one foot to the other under the gaze of the five people who waited for his answer then he screamed shrilly:
 You are the devil-an impostor, a liar, thief,'
 Baron von Marhof leaped to his feet and roared at Chauvenet in English
 Who is this man? Whom do you be- lieve him to beT'
 Answer. and be quick about it." snapped Claiborne.
 q tell you began Chauvenet fierce ly.
 "who am I?' asked Armitage again
 q don't know who you are"-
 You do not, You certainly do not~ laughed Armitage. But whom have you believed me to be, monsieur:n