Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-11-18

CtutDOTHC HuUtCU up known banner.
Mc nag. Here they
are" called Claiborne and flung open
the door as Shirley, her father and
Baron Won Marhof rode up under the
billowing ensign. Dick stepped out to
meet them and answer their questions.
Mr.. Armitage is here. He has been
hurt, and we have sent for a doctor.
but = and he looked at Shirley.
"If you will do me the honor to enter
all of you.' And Armitage came out
quickly and smiled upon them.
Eve had started off to look for Dick
when we met your man." said Shirley,
standing OH the steps, rein in hand.
''What has happened, and how was
Armitage injured?' demanded Judge
Claiborne.
"There was battle" replied Dick
grinning. land Mr.. Armitage got in the
way of bullet"
Her ride through the keen morning
air had flooded Shirey's cheek with
color. She had been awake much of
the night. On returning from the ball
ut the inn she found Dick Still absent.
and when at 6 o'clock he had not re-
turned she called her father, and they
had set off together for the hills, to-
ward which, the stableman reported.
Dick had ridden. They had met Os
car just outside the Springs and had
returned to the hotel for Baron Won
Marhof. Having performed her office
as guide and satisfied herself that Dick
was safe. she felt her conscience eased
and could see no reason why she should
not ride home and leave the men to
their council. Armitage saw her turn
to her horse, whose nose was exploring
her macintosh pockets, and lie stepped
quickly toward her
"You see, Miss Claiborne, your broth
err is quite safe, but very much hope
you will not run away. There ar.
some things to be explained which it H.
only fair you should hear"
wait, Shirley, and we Will all so
down together" said Judge Claiborne
reluctantly.
Baron Won Marhof, very handsome
and distinguished, but mud splashed.
4aN tiSd licLSN " u pOSl III lLt
driveway and stood OH the veranda
steps, his hat in his hand, staring, n
look of bewilderment Oh his face. Ar
mitagc, barcheaded, still in his riding
leggings, his trousers splashed with
mud, his left arm sleeveless and sup
ported by a handkerchief swung from
his neck, shook hands with Judge Ciai-
borne.
Baron Won Marhof, allow me to pre-
sent Mr.. Armitage," said Dick, ana Ar
mitagc walked to the steps and bowed.
The ambassador did not offer his hand.
Wont you please come in?" said
Armitage, smiling upon them, und
when they were seated he took his
stand by the fireplace, hesitated u mo
msnt, as though weighing his words.
and began:
Baron Won Marriott 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 l am glad that we shall
have the benefit of Judge Claiborne's
| advice"
Judge Claiborne il; the counsel OF
our embassy" said the ambassador
His gaze was fixed iE,,ently on Armi
tage's face, and he |. D led himself for
ward in his chair impAtiently. grasp
ing his crop nervonsly across his knees
You were ;.n.:el; to find me, baron
and may have seemed hard to catch
but believe we have been working al
cross purposes to serve the same III
terests."
The baron nodded
Yes; dare say" he remarked dryly
"And some other gentlemen of moi
quite your own standing have Mt til:
same time been seeking me. 1t vii
give me great pleasure to present one
Of tlem-one, believe. will be enough
Mr.. Claiborne, vii! you kindly allow
NJ. Jules Chauvenet to stand In the
door for moment? want to ash