Milford chronicle., 1908-08-07

] Ahen As tuEuCu " oAAAoy WIN
smile
1T is very pleasant to see you on
your own ground. hope your family
are we'll"
Thank you; yes. My father and
mother are here somewhere"
"And Captain Claiborns2"
Hes probably sitting up all night
to defend Fort Myer from the crafts
and assaults OF the enemy. hope you
will come to see US. Mr.. Armitage."
Thank you. You are very kind" he
said grAvely. 81 shall certainly give
myself the pleasure very soon."
AS Shirley passed on with Chauve-
net Mrs. Sanderson launched upon the
girls praises. but she found him sud
denly preoccupied
'The girl has gone to your head
Why didn't you tell me you knew the
/ Claibornss?"
Il don't remember that you gave Inc
a chance. but I'll say now that intend
to know them better"
She bade him take her to the draw
ing room. As they went down through
the house they found that the an
nouncemept Of the Emperor Johann
Wllhelm's death had cast a pail upon
the company. All the members Of the
diplomatic corps had withdrawn at
once as a mark Of respect and sympa-
thy for Baron Won Marhof. and at mid
night the ballroom held all Of the com.
pany that remained. Armitage had not
sought Shirley again. He found room
that had been set apart for smokers,
threw himself into a chair, lighted q
cigar and stared at a picture that had
no interest for him whatever. He put
down his cigar after a few whiffs, and
his hand went to the pocket in which
he had usually carried his cigarette
case.
'"Ah, Mr.. Armitage, may offer you
cigarette?"
He turned to find Chauvenet close at
his side. He had not heard the man
enter, but Chauvenet had been in his
thoughts. and he started slightly at
finding him so near. Chauvenet held
In his white gloved hand a gold cigar
cite case, which he opened with a de-
llberate care that displayed its embel
lished side. The smooth golden surface
cleaned in the light, the helmet in
blue and the white falcon flashed in
Armitage's eyes. The meeting was
clearly BY intention, and a slight smile
played about Chsuvenet's lips in his
enjoyment Of the situation. Armltage
smiled up at him in amiable acknowl-
edgment of his courtesy and rose.
"You are very cOnsiderate, monsieur.
was just at the moment regretting
our distinguished hosts oversight in
providing cigars alone. Allow me-"
He bent forward, took the Outstretch-
ed open case into his own hands, re-
moved a cigarette, snapped the case
shut and thrust it into his trousers
pocket-Rll, as it seemed, at a single
stroke.
"NIy dear sir" began Chauvenet
white with rage.
"AIy dear NJ. Chauvenet," said Armi-
tage, striking a match, Il am indebted
to you for returning trinket that
value highly"
The fame crept half the length Of
the stick while they regarded each
other Then Armitage raised it to the
tip IL his cigarette, lifted his head and
blew a cloud Of smoke.
"Are you able to prove your property,
Mr.. Armitage?" demanded Chauvenet
furiOusly.
My dear sir, they have saying in
this country that possession is nine
points Of the law. You had it-nOw !
have it-wherefore it must be miner
Chauveners rigid figure suddenly re-
laxed. He leaned against chair with
a return of his habitual nonchalant air
and waved his hand carelessly.
Between gentlemen-sO small mat
terP'
ITO be sure, the merest trlhe." laugh
ed Armitage with entire good humOr.
And where a gentleman has the
predatory habits Of a burglar and
hOusebreaker''-
"Then lesser affairs. such as picking
up trinkets"-
Come naturally; quite soF' And
ChauVenet twisted his mustache with
an air Of immense satisfaction.
"But the genial art Of assassination
there's a business that requires
calculating hand, my dear M. Chau-
venet."
Chauvenst's hand went again to his
lip.
"TO be sureg he calculated, with
Eest.
But alone-alone one can do little.
For larger operations one requires, l
should say, courageous associates.
Now, in my affairs, would you believe
me, 1 am obliged to manage quite
alone"
"How melancholy" exclaimed Chau-
venet
1T is, indeed. very sadT and Armi-
tage sighed, tossed his cigarette into
the smOldering CRATE and bade Chauve-
net a ceremonious good night.
"Ah, we shall meet again, l dare
sayP'
nTha fhouOht dOaa credit To a gen.