The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-08-25

1
about the lighted thoroughfares OF the
capital with conscious pleasure in the
movement and color OF life. He lei
his eyes follow the Washington monu
ments gray line starwari. and he stop.
: ped to enjoy the high poised equestrian
! statue OF sherman. 70 which the starry
dusk gave something OF legendary and
old world charm.
Coming out upon Pennsylvania ave
nue., he strolled past the White House
and at the wide flung gates paused
while a carriage swept by him at the
driveway. lie saw within the grim
face OF Baron Won Marhof and uncon-
sciously lifted his hat. though the am
bassador was deep In thought and did
not see him. Armitage struck the
pavement smartly with his stick as he
walked slowly on, ponderlng. but he
was conscious a moment later that
some one was lettering persistently In
his wake. Armitage was at once on
the aler. with all his faculties sharp
ened. He turned and gradually slack
ened his pace. and the person behind
him Immediately did likewise
The sensation OF being followed Is
at first annoying. Then a pleasant
zest creeps into It, and In Armitage's
case the reaction was immediate. He
was even amused 10 reflect that the
shadow had chosen for bis exploit
what is probably the. most conspicu-
Gus and the best guarded spot IN
America. II was not yet 10 o'clock.
but the streets were comparatively
free OF people. He slackened his pace
gradually and threw open his over
coat for the night was warm, TO give
an impression OF ease, and when be
had reached the somher facade Of the
Treasury building he paused and
studied IL IN the glare Of the electric
lights as though he were a chance
traveller taking preliminary view OF
the sights OF the capital A man stu
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
soidierly erectness aud even In his
lettering pace lifted his feet with the
quick precision OF the drilled man.
Armitage walked. 10 the corner OF
Pennsylvania avenue ana Fifteenth
street. then turned and retraccd 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.
qulckenlng his own pace. amused him
self ~ DIGGING the fellows steps
closely for twenty yards. then passed
him.
When he had gained the advantage
OF few feet Armltage stopped sud.
denly and spoke 10 the man In the
casual tone lac might have used In al.
dressing a passing acquaintance.
My friend" he SAID there are two
policemen acrOss the street IL you
continue TO follow me shall call their
attention TO you"
Pardon me-
"You are watching me. aud the thing
won't do"
Yes. I'm watching You. but
But the thing won't do! II you are
hired
"Neln! Nein! You do me a wrong.
sir"
Then II you are not hired you are
your own master. and you serve your.
self III when you take the trouble tn
follow me. Now I'm going To finish
my walk, and beg you To keep out of
my way. This is not q place where
liberties may be lnfringed with i'm.
lpunity. Good evening. sir!'
Armitage wheeled about sharply. ana
as his face came into the full light Of
the street lamps the stranger stared al
him intently.
Armitage was fumbling In his pock.
ct for a coin. but this lmpertinence
caused him TO change his mind. Two
policemen were walking slowly toward
them. and Armltage. annoyed 10y the
whole incident. walked quickly away.
fle was not wholly at ease over the
meeting. The fact that Chauvenet had
so promptly put spy as well as the
Seryian assassin on his trail quickened
his pulse with anger for an instant ana
then sobered him.
| lie 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 10
mud the same man he had accosted ut
the treasury building lifting his hat.
an American soldiers campaign hat.
The fellow was an extreme blond. with
smooth shaved. weather beaten face. 1
blue eyes aud light hair.
Pardon me. You are mistaken. I
am not spy. But It Is wonderful: II
Is quite wonderful
The mans face was allght with dis
coyery. with an alert pleasure that
awaited recognition.
"My dear fellow. you really become
annoying" and Armitage again thrust
his hand into his trousers pocket. II
should hate awfully to appeal TO tho
police. but YOU must not crowd me too
far"