Putnam patriot., 1908-09-11
Armitage searell.nsly

'
 T am aware of that" replied John Arinitage. but I told you the truth He died in Canadian lumber camp. We were in the north hunting. Ton may recall that he was fond of shat sort Of thing
 Yes; 1 remember. There was noth- ing else he did so we'll growled you Streehei
 And the packet l gave you
 The old man nodded
 That packet contained the Arch duke Karis sworn arraignment of his wife. It is of great importance in- deed to Francis. his worthless son. or supposed son. who may present him self for coronation one of these daysr
 Not with Karl appearing in ail 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?"
 T am the only person on earth in a position to make that clear" said John Armitage.
 Then you should give me the decu= ments.'
 No I prefer 10 keep them I as sure You that l have sworn proof ef 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 York city"
 Il should have them! must have them.. thundered the old man
 Tn due season, but not just now Tn fact, I have regretted parting with that document gave you in Paris It is safer in America than in Vienna If you please. l should like to have il again. sir.
 The palsy in the old mans hands had increased. and he strove to control his agitation. but fear had never been reeke. | among his weaknesses. and he turned stormily upon Armitage.
 That packet is lost. tell you.' he bluried. as though it were something that he had frequently explained be lore. II =NaS ctpitu HUH uDdcl III. very nose only d month ago, That's what I'm here for. My agents are aft. CT the thief. and eame to Geneva to meet them, to ind out why they have not caught him. Do you imagine that l travel for pleasure at my age. MT John Armitagei
 The packet has been stolen?" ob served Armitage calmly, Whom do you suspect of taking it:''
 The old man leaned upon the table heavily.
 That amiable Francis
 The suggestion is net dismaying Francis would not know an opportuni ty if it offered
 But his Inother-she is the devil!' biurted the old man.
 Pray drop that. said Armitage in q tone that caused tAe old man to look at him with new scrutiny "l want the paper back for the very reason that il contains that awful indictment of her | have been uncomforta ble ever since 1 gave 1t to you, and l came to ass you lOf II that I AIA-A4t RNNtf 4e "7es' Y %+- my own hands. But the document is lost. Am l to understand that Francis has itt"
 Not yet But Ranbaud has 1t. and Ralnbaud and Francis are as thick as thieves
 T don't know Rambaud. The name Is unfamiliar.
 He has d dozen names-one Tor ev ery capital. He even operated in Wash ington have heard He $ a blackmaii ar who aims hish-a broker in secrets. il scandal peddler He's bad lot. tel you. I've had my best men after hin 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. IT yoar 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 De. John Artnitage. You speak Of that packet as though II were pound of tea. franeis and us friends Winkelried and Rambaud. are not ehasers of frefies, l would nave you know If the archduke ana his son are dead. then few more oea,h> ard Franets gerld rule the empire. Karl was a genius: therefore he could not be king. He threw away aeou' 5,o wears of work that had been done for him by other people. a-d hs ca ioIed YOU into sharing his exile ioo threw away your life for him Ban Buf YOU seem sane enough.
 The prime minister concluded "'p his rough bur. and Arrnitage iaueneo outright v,
 -Wby the devil don't yon go 10 VI .nna and set yourself up like gentle man?" demanded the premier.
 Like genilemanG" repeated Af'nf .a,e -It Is too late. 1 should die ih s,enna in week Moreover. l an sa.a and If fs well when one has st, raIped that beatihe advantage to stay dead ,.
 .Frapcis is troublesome biaes v,ard 2 declared the old man "isli "a God he would form the dying haoit so that might have few years ih peace. buf he is forever turning up - sou,e mischief. And what can you oo as.o,,, I,. Can we kick him out of the army without 2 seandas pon "" spn,,ose he could go to bndai~' " ,narrow and make things inferes.hs for us if he pleasedt Hes as inh o' ,raason as be can stick. teii you
 Armitage nodded and smiled
 .I asre say he said in English aho w,a, tbe old statesman siared al n'th he said ln German NO do4D' 'e1 @