The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-11-20

ing under an I'M
Claiborne hauled up known banner.
inc jag. 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.
"AIr. Armitage is here. He has been
hurt, and we have sent for doctor,
butt and he looked at Shirley.
eff you will do me the honor to enter
all Of your And Armitage came out
quickly and smiled upon them.
1--WE had started off to look for Dick
when we met your man." said Shirley,
standing on 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 q bullet"
Her ride through the keen morning
air had flooded Shirley's cheek with
| color. She had been awake much of
the night. On returning from the ball
at the inn she found Dick still absent,
| and when at 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 he stepped
quickly toward her.
"You see, Miss Claiborne, your broth
er is quite safe, but very much hope
| you will not run away. There are
some things to be explained which it is
only fair you should hear"
"Wait, Shirley, and we will all go
down together" said Judge Claiborne
reluctantly.
Baron Won Marhof, very handsome
and distinguished, but mud splashed,
had tied his horse to a post in the
driveway and stood on the veranda
steps, his hat in his hand staring,
| look of bewilderment on his face. Ar
mitage, bareheaded, still in his riding
leggings, his trousers splashed with
mud, his left arm sleeveless and sup
ported by handkerchief swung from
his neck. shook hands with Judge Clai-
borne.
Baron Won Marhof, allow me to pre-
sent Mr.. Armitage," said Dick. and Ar
mitage walked to the steps and bowed.
The ambassador did not offer his hand.
won't you please come in?" said
Armitage, smiling upon them, and
when they were seated he took his
stand by the fireplace, hesitated q mo-
ment, as though weighing his words,
and began:
"Baron Won Marhof. 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 am glad that we shall
have the benefit of Judge Claibornes
advice"
Judge Claiborne is the counsel of
our embassy" said the ambassador
His gaze was fixed intently on Armi-
tage's face. and be hitched himself for
ward in his chair impatiently, grasp
ing his crop nervously across his knees.
You were anxious to find me, baron.
and | may have seemed hard to catch,
but believe we have been working at
cross purposes to serve the same In
terests."
The baron nodded.
Eyes; dare say" he remarked dryly.
And some other gentlemen of not
quite your own standing have at the
same time been seeking me. 1t will
give me great pleasure to present one
Of them-one. believe. will be enough,
Mr.. Claiborne. will you kindly allow
NJ. Jules Chauvenet to stand In the
door for moment? / want to ask
him question"
Shirley, sitting farthest from Armi-
tage, folded her hands upon the long
table and looked toward the door into
which her brother vanished. Then
Jules Chauvenet stood before them all,
and as his eyes met hers for second
the color rose to his face, and he broke
out angrily:
"This is Infamous! This Is an out
rage! Baron Won Marhof. as an Aus
.rian subject ! appeal to you for pro-
lection from this manp'
Monsieur, you shall have all the
protection Baron Won Marhof cares to
' give you. but first wish to ask you a
question-just one. You followed me