Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-31


 thorough mind, he read all the press clippings relating'to the false Baron von Kissel and studied the heraldic emblems of the Schomburgs, As he pondercd he regretted the death of bis eminent brother-in-law. Count Ferdi nand von Stroebel. who was not a man to stumble over so negligible a trihe as a cigarette case. But von Mar. hof himself was not without resources He told the gentlemen of his suit that he had satisfied himself that there was nothing in the Armitage mystery; then be cabled Vienna discreetly for a few days and finally consulted Hilton Clal. borne. the embassy's counsel. at the Claiborne home at Storm Springs.
 They had both gone hurriedly to Washington, where they held long conference with the secretary of state. Then the state department called the war department by telephone. and quickly down the line to the command. ing officer at Fort Myer went special assignment for Captain Claiborne to report to the secretary of state. A great deal of perfectly sound red tape was reduced to minute particles in these manipulations; 1t was also of a private and wholly confidential charac- ter. Therefore he returned to his cot tage at Storm Springs. and the Wash ington papers stated that he was i'll and had gone back to Virginia to take the waters.
 The Claiborne house was the pleas antest place in Storm valley and the library comfortable place for con ference. Dick Claiborne caught the gravity of the older men as they un- folded to him the task for which they had asked his services. The baron stated the case in these words:
 You know and have talked with this man Armitage; you saw the device on the cigarette case. and asked an ex- planation. which he refused, and you know also Chauvenet, whom we sus- pect of complicity with the conspira- tors at home. Armitage Is not the false Baron von Kisse. We have es- tablished that from Senator Sanderson beyond question. But Sanderson's knowledge of the, man is of compara- lively recent date. going back about five years to the time Armitage pur- chased his Montana ranch. Whoever Armitage may be, he pays his bills; he conducts himself like a gentleman; he travels at will, and people who meet him say good word for him."
 He is an agreeable man and re- markedly we'll posted in European poli- ties" said Judge Claiborne. T talked with him-a number of times on the King Edward and must say that liked him."
 "Chauvenet evidently knows him. There was undoubtedly something back of that little trick at my supper party. at the Army and Navy" said Dick.
 Tt might be explained"-- began the baron: then he paused and looked from father to son. Pardon me, but they both manifest some interest in Miss 'r
 We met them abroad" said Dick. "and they both turned up again in 
 One of them is here, or has been here in the valley why not the other" asked Judge Claiborne. ,ss
 But of course ~,lirley knows noth- ing of Armftage's whereabouts" Dick protested. ,*. 5,..s,. 5.@..H.-
 Certainly not" declared his father.
 How did you make Armita ge's ac- quaintance:" asked the ambassador. Some one must have been responsible for introducing him, if you can Temem- ber." ''
 Dick laughed.
 a. ITO Be Continued.l