The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-06-26
THE SCARLET ARROW
copwigkt By w c. CHAPMAN

to a certain spot tonight and slay me,
It is unnecessary to enumerate the de-
tails Of the scheme, as you are thor
oughly familiar with them Now, in
few hours you will be set at liberty |
and intend you to visit M. Landre,
president Of the Society Of Avengers,
for the purpose of informing him that
lou have executed your commission
and thrown my body into the Seine,
You will present my signet ring to
him as token Of success, return here
and report to me-"
AT the mention of M. Landre's name
the prisoner turned pale. Then he
spoke in defiant accents.
Il refuse" he said sullenly. M
Claude shrugged his shoulders.
"A foolish choice" he said coolly
by complying with my request you
would have won freedom for yon
wretched creature and yourself, with
the stipulation that you must both
leave Paris. AS it is I repeat that she
will linger on IN hellish torment for
ten hours without medical aid and
perish horribly. And for you-there
remains the galleys or scaffold as q
reward for some Of the crimes you
have committed"
, "I'lI do il" Chatelain said sayasaly,
I for her sake, not for my own, curse
you!"
Before leaving the station the chief
2 held a short conference with M. Mar
. tine and the inspector
: you will release Chatelair at ten
: o'clock, M. Blauvert," said his superb
S or. He win return in an hour or so
I and you will detain him until you re-
: ceive furtt er orders from me- How is
y your patient, now, M. Martinez"
+ Resting quietly" replied the sur
geon. Il administered a dose Of NOR
2 phine sufficiently large to satisfy her
craving and she will receive a similar
: quantity at stated periods. while un-
b der my cave"
9 On the day following all Paris was
thrown in.c commotlon by the an
/ nouncement in the newspapers that
a NJ. Claude, head of the prefecture. had
r disappeared, and that the finding Of
his coat on the banks Of the Seine
]. gave grounds for suspicion that the
E. famous chief of police had met with
e foul play. A miniature metal arrow
d scarlet in color and pinned to the gar
ment, recalled the fact Of a simiiai
s. token having figured in several mys
terious murders during the past year
d and left small room for doubt thai
'r M. Claude was the victim Of secre
band of assassins Meanwhile, th'
ID missing man, preserving his identity
(. in a cleverly designed disguise
r strolled leisurely about the boulevardi
K listening to the many coniectures o
is interested citizens as TO his probable
fate. Shortly after midnight he wal
RI closeted with Napoleon III. in the lat
y ter's private cabinet. narrating to thl
I'd astonished emperor the details Of hi
le investigation into the operations o
ly NJ. Landre.
's, You have managed your part witt
n rare skill and diplomacy. Nj. Claude,
re said the emperor at the conclusion o
ut the tale. YET while there appears n
ed doubt ,d NJ. Landre's guilt. l woul
es fain apply another test tn wiring hi
ds bastard soul. lie believes you deaC
ay Well then. we shall see what disma
will seize him when confronted wit
ot- vision from the grave"
er He walked to the western wall {
Is the cabinet and drew aside the tai
ed estry. disclosing small door whic
ks he threw open.
This is an entrance Of which
ed sometimes avail myself, NJ. Claude
Of he said. Remain in the corridor. A
lit Landre is close at hand; l will sen
lat for him, and when he leaves me ! sha
ire request him to retire by this door,"
ny NJ. Landre soon made his appea
h; ance in response to the imperial sur
mons. He was a tall. dark man
-se elegant carriage but sinister cast
m countenance, and certain amount
ed nervous anxiety was perceptible in h
'on manner as he bowed low and seatt
ln- himself at the emperors comman
After few moments OF conyersahs
NJ. Napoleon signifled that the audien'
Tsi- was at an end, and NJ Lsndre arol
to 60.
rs, You win leave by this door" sa
lst- the emperor carelessIy, lifting Ii
es- tapestry which overhung the weste
wall.
my N. Landre bowed again and ope
M. ing the door stepped into the gloom
Ite- the corridor.
Scarcely had he taken one sSep K
one ward when his eyes fell upon sha
art owy form facing him with outstretch
lth- hand pointing menaCingly. T
ere features Of the phantom we're those
CHI a murdered man, and uttering cry
ner horror he sprang back into the ca
and met, falling in swoon at the emp'
aid or's feet. When he recovered !
senses he found himself lying on
ina sofa, while Napoleon. seated at [
ate table. was eying him with sardor
Ible smile
hin II trust you are better NJ. Landr
ter said the emperor Your nerves mi
be badly unstrung, What was the
ked lurking in yonder corridor to occasi
>