Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-22

zest creeps into 1t, and in Armitage's case the reaction was immediate. He was even amused to reflect that the shadow had chosen for his exploit what is probably the most conspicu- ous and the best guarded spot in America. It was not yet 10 o'clock, but the streets were comparatively free of people. He siackened his pace gradually and threw open his over coat, for the night was warm. to give an impression of ease, and when he had reached the somber facade of the treasury building he paused and studied 1t in the glare of the electric lights as though se were a chance traveller taking preliminary view of the sights of the capital A man still fingered behind him. drawing nearer now, at a moment when they had the sidewalk comparatively free to them selves. The fellow was short. but of soldierly erectness and even in his loitering pace lifted his feet with the quick precision of the drilled man. Armitage walked to the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Fifteenth street, then turned and retraced his steps slowly past the treasury build- ing. The man who had been following faced about and walked slowly in the opposite direction. and Armitage, quickening his own pace, amused him. self by logging the fellows steps closely for twenty yards, then passed him. a".."
 When he had gained the advantage of few feet Armitage stopped sud | denly and spoke to the man in the casual tone he might have used in ad- dressing a passing acquaintance.
 My friend" he said, there are two policemen across the street. If you continue to follow me shall call their attention to you"
 Pardon me-
 You are watching me, and the thing won't do." Yes, I'm watching you, butt
 But the thing won't do! If you are hired"-
 ""Nein! Nein! You do me a wrong, sir" .-r
 Then if you are not hired you are your own master, and you serve your self ill when you take the trouble to follow me. Now I'm going to finish my walk, and beg you to keep out of my way. This is not place where liberties may be infringed with i'm punity. Good evening, sir"' Armitage wheeled about sharply, and as his face came into the full light of the street lamps the stranger stared at him intently.
 Armitage was fumbling in his pock- ct for coin, but this impertinence caused him to change his mind. Two policemen were walking slowly toward them. and Armitage. annoyed by the whole incident. walked quickly away.
 He was not wholly at ease over the meeting The fact that Chauvenet had 50 promptly put spy as well as the Seryian assassin on his trail quickened his pulse with anger for an instant and then sobered him.
 He continued his walk and paused presently before an array of books in a shop window. Then some one stop ped at his side. and he lokoed up to find the same man he had accosted at the treasury building lifting his hat, an American soldiers campaign hat. The fellow was an extreme blond, with a smooth shaved. weather beaten face, blue eyes and light hair
 Pardon me- You are mistaken. am not spy. But it is wonderful; it is quite wonderful"-
 The mans face was alight with dis covery, with an alert pleasure that awaited recognition.
 "My dear fellow. you really become annoying" and Armitage again thrust his hand into his trousers pocket 'I should hate awfully to appeal to the police. but you must not crowd me too far" ss..
 The man seemed moved by deep feel ing, and his eyes were bright with ex- citement. His hands clasped tightly the railing that pro,ecteu the glass window of the bookshop. AS ArnIitage turned away impatiently the man ejac. ulated huskily. as though some over mastering influence wrung the words from him:
 Don't you know me? am Oscar. Don't you remember me and the great forest where I taught you to shoot and fish? You are'-
 He bent toward Armitage with fierce insistence, his eyes blazing in his eagerness to be understood.
 John Armitage turned again to the window, leaned lightly upon the iron railing and studied the title of book attentively. He was silently absorbed for full minute. in which the man who had followed him waited. Taking his cue from Armitage's manner, he appeared to be deeply interested in the booksellers display. but the excitement still glittered in his eyes.
 Armitage was thinking swiftly, and his thoughts covered a very wide range of time and place as he stood there. Then he spoke very deliberate ly and cooIly. but with a certain per. emptory sharpness.
 GO ahead of me to the New Ameri-