Milford chronicle., 1908-06-19

be waiting for?"
IF you are waiting for events-for
events-if you expect something to
happenw
Armitage laughed at the old gentle
mans earnest manner, asked if he
might smoke and lighted a cigarette.
waiting doesn't suit me. thought
you understood that. l was not born
for the waiting list. You see. / have
strong hands. and my wits are-let US
say-average"
Won Stroebel clasped his own hands
together more firmly and bent toward
ArmitGGe searchingly.
is il tiue"-he turned again and
glanced about-"is it positively true
that. the Archduke Karl is dead"
Yes; quite true. There is absolutely
no doubt of it," said Armitage. meet
ing the old mau's eyes steadily
1.-THE report that he is still living
somewhere in North America is per
sistent. We hear it frequently in vi
emma. have heard it since you told
me that story and gave me those pa
pers in Paris last year"
Il am aware of that" replied John
Armitage. but I told you the truth
He died in a Canadian lumber camp
We were in the north hunting. You
may recall that he was fond of that
sort of thing"
"Yes; remember. There was moth.
ing else he did SO WE'LL grOwled You
Sroebel.
And the packet l gave YOU
The old man nodded.
"Fhat packet contained the Arch
duke Karl's sworn arraignment of his
wife. 1t is Of great Importance in
deed to Francis, his, worthless son, OF
supposed son. who may present him
self for coronation one of these days!
Not with Karl appearing in all
parts Of the world. never quite dead
never quite alive. and his son, Fred
erick Augustus, lurking with him in
the shadows. Who knows whether
they are dead?'
Il am the only person on earth in a
position to make that clear" said
John Armitage.
"Then you should give me the dOcu
ments"
NO. prefer to keep them. I as
sure YOU that l have sworn proof OF
the death of the Archduke Karl and Of
his son. Frederick Augustus. Those
papers are in box in the Bronx Loan
and Trust company in New Yorh
city"
Il should have them! 1 must have
tbemr' Numbered the old man.
IN due season, but not just now
In fact, l have regretted parting with
that document l gave you in Paris. II
is safer in America than in Vienna
If YOU please. / should like to have it
again, sir"
The palsy in the old mans hands had
increased, and he strove to control his
agitation. but fear had never been
reckoned among his weaknesses, and
he turned stormily upon Armitage.
THAT packet is lost, l tell you! he
blurted. as though it were something
that he had frequently explained be
fore. 1T was stolen from under my
very nose only a month ago! That's
what I'm here for. My agents are aft
err the thief, and l came to Geneva TO
meet them, to find out why they have
not caught him. Do you imagine that
l travel for pleasure at my age, Mr.
John ArmitageY
The packet has been stolen?" oh
served Armitage calmly. Whom do
you suspect Of taking it,
The old man leaned upon the table
heavily.
That amiable Francis
THE suggestion is not dismaying
Francis would not know an Opportuni
ty if it offered"
But his mother-she is the devh!
blurted the old man.
PRAY drop that" said Armitage in
a tone that caused the Old man to look
at him with a new scrutiny. Il want
the paper back for the very reason that
1t contains that awful iudi, tment Of her
l have been uncomfortable ever since
l gave it to you, and 1 came to ask
you for it that l might keep it safe in
my own hands. But the document is
lost. Am l to understand that Francis
has it?'
Not yet But Rambaud has it, and
Rambaud and Francis are as thick as
thieves"
u don't know Rambaud. The name
is unfamiliar"
"He has a dozen names-one for ev-
cry capital. He even operated in Wash
ington. 1 have heard. He's a blackmah-
er who aims high-a broker in secrets.
a scandal peddler. He's a bad lot, l tell
you. I've had my best men after him.
and they've just been here to report
another failure. If you have nothing
better to do began the old man.
Yes, that packet must be recover
ed" answered Armitage. IF your
agents have failed at the job it may be
worth my while to look for it"
His. quiet acceptance Of the situation
irritated the minister.
''You entertain me, John Armitage