Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-07-27

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Stroebel
"And the packet gave YOU
The old man nodded.
"That packet contained the Arch
duke Karls sworn arraignment of his
wife. 1t is of great Importance in:
deed to Francis, his worthless son, OF
supposed son, who may present him
self for coronation one of these days.
"Not with Karl appearing in all
parts of the world. never quite dead.
never quite alive, and his son, Fred
erick Augustus, lurking with him in
the shadows. Who knows whether
they are dead?"
II am the only person on earth in a
position to make that clear" said
John Armitage.
'.rhen you should give me the docu-
ments."
mo. prefer to keep them. l as
sure you that have sworn proof OF
the death Of the Archduke Karl and of
his son, Frederick Augustus. Those
papers are in a box in the Bronx Loan
and Trust company in New York
city"
II should have them! must have
them" Numbered the old man.
"In due season, but not just now.
In fact, l have regretted parting with
that document gave you in Paris. 1t
is safer in America than in Vienna.
If you please, should like to have it
again, sir"
The palsy in3the old mans hands had
increased, and he stroye to control his
agitation, but fear had never been
reckoned among his weaknesses, and
he turned stormily upon Armitage.
"That packet is lost, tell your he
blurted, as though it were something
that he had frequently explained be
fore. TT was stolen from under NJ!
very nose only month ago! That's
what I'm here for. My agents are aft
er the thief. and came to Geneva to
meet them, to find out why they have
not caught him. Do you imagine that
! 1 travel for pleasure at my age, Mr.
John Armitage?"
1.-THE packet has been stolen?" OBJ
served Armitage calmly. "Whom do
you suspect of taking it?"
The old man leaned upon the table
heavily.
THAT amiable Francis
"The suggestion is not dismaying
Francis would not know an opportuni-
ty il it offered"
GTl,rt hic ronfhop-chn 10 tho 6oui1v'
blurted the old man.
pray drop thai" said Armitage in
tone that caused the old man to look
at him with new scrutiny. II want
the paper back for the very reason that
it contains that awful indictment of her
/ have been uncomfortable ever since
l gave it to you, and came to ask
you for it that might keep it safe in
my own hands. But the document Is
lost. Am l to understand that Francis
has it?"
mot yet. But Rambaud has 1t, and
Rambaud and Francis are as thick as
thieves"
II don't know Rambaud. The name
is unfamiliar"
"He has q dozen names-one for ev-
cry capital. He even operated in Wash
ington, have heard. He's blackmail-
er who aims high-a broker in secrets,
scandal peddler. He's bad lot, tell
you. I've had my best men after him.
and they've just been here to report
another failure If you have nothing
better to do"- began the old man.
Eyes, that packet must be recover
ed" answered Armitage. "If your
agents have failed at the job it may be
worth my while to look for it."
His quiet acceptance Of the situation
irritated the minister.
You entertain me, John Armitage.
You speak Of that packet as though it
were pound Of tea. Francis and his
friends, Winkelried and Rambaud, are
not chasers of f1refies, would have
you know. If the archduke and his
son are dead, then a few more deaths
and Francis would rule the empire.
Karl was a genius; therefore he could
not be king. He threw away about
500 years of work that had been done
for him by other people, and he ca
joled you into sharing his exile. You
threw away your life for him. Bah!
But you seem sane enough!''
The prime minister concluded with
his rough bur, and Armitage laughed
outright.
'Why the. devil don't you go to vi
emma and set yourself up like gentle
man 2" demanded the premier.
Like gentleman" repeated Armi-
tage. 1T Is too late. should die in
Vienna in week. Moreover, ! am
dead, and It is well when one has at