Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1908-11-27

the alert 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 to reflect that the
shadow had chosen for his exploit
what is probably the most conspicu
GUS and the best guarded spot in
America. 1t was not yet 10 O'clock
but the streets were comparatively
free of people. He slackened his pace
gradually and threw open hts over
coat, for the night was warm, to give
an impression of ease, and when he
treasury building he paused and
studied II in the glare of the electric
lights as though he were IL chance
traveller taking preliminary view of
the sights of the capital. A man still
fingered behind him. dra wing nearer
uOhs at W hCu tllCr Hdu
sidewalk comparatively free to them
selves. The fellow was short. but Of
soldierly erectness and even in his
lettering pace lifted his feet with the
quick precision of the drilled man.
Armitage walked to the corner of
Pennsylvania avenue and Fifteenth
street, then turned and retraced 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.
quickening his own pace, amused him
self by logging the fellows steps
closely for twenty yards, then passed
him.
When he had gained the advantage
Of few feet Armitage stopped sud
denly and spoke to the man In the
casual tone he might have used in adj
dressing a passing acquaintance
'My friend" he said, there are two
policemen across the street. If you
continue to follow me l shall call their
attention to you"
Pardon me-
You are watching me. and the thing
won't do"
Eyes, Tm watching you, butt
But the thing won't do! If you are
hired
"Nein! Nein! You do me a wrong
SIR"
Then If you are not hired you are
your own master, and you serve your
self Ill when you take the trouble tc
follow me. Now I'm going to finish
my walk, and l beg you to keep out OF
my way. This is not a place where
liberties may be infringed with i'm
punity. Good evening, sir!'
Armitage wheeled about sharply, and
as his face came into the full light OF
the street lamps the stranger stared al
him intently.
Armitage was fumbling in his peck
ct for coin. but this impertinence
caused him to change his mind. Two
policemen were walking slowly TOWARD
them, and Armitage, annoyed by the
whole incident, walked quickly away.
He was not wholly at ease over the
meeting The fact that Chauvenet hat
so promptly put spy as well as the
Servian assassin on his trail Quickene(
his pulse with anger for an instant an(
then sobered him.
He continued his walk and PAUSED
presently before an array of books IL
a shop window. Then some one stop
nod n his ciHn on6 no lnl-nnd II n n
find the same man he had accosted a
the treasury building lifting his hat
an American soldiers campaign hat
The fellow was an extreme blond, will
q smooth shaved, weather beaten face
blue eyes and light hair
Pardon me. You are mistaken.
am not spy. But 1t Is wonderful; 1
is quite wonderful
The mans face was alight with dis
eovery, with an alert pleasure tina
awaited recognition.
my dear fellow. you really becom
annoying" and Armitage again thrus
his hand into bis trousers pocket. /"
should hate awfully to appeal to tn,
police, but you must not crowd me to-
far"
The man seemed moved by deep feel
ing. and his eyes were bright with ex
element His hands clasped tight.
the railing that protected the glas
window Of the bookshop. AS Armitag
turned away impatienly the man ejat
ulated huskily. as though some ovel
mastering influence wrung the word
from him.
Don't you know me? l am Oscal
Don't you remember me and the grea
forest. where l taught you to shoe
and fish? You are
He bent toward Armitage with