Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-16
By MEREDITH NICHOLSON


 in his eyes.
 There is no doubt of 1t. It was an atrocious crime. The count was an old man and feeble when we saw him the other day. He wasn't fair game for an assassin" said Claiborne.
 "No; he deserved better fate," re- marked Armitage. -
 He was a grand old man." said Shirley as they left the shop and walk ed toward the carriage. Father ad- mired him greatly. It is terrible to think of his being murdered"
 "Yes; he was wise and useful man," observed Armitage, still grave. He was one of the great men of his time."
 His tone was not that of one who discusses casually bit of news of the hour. and Captain Claiborne paused a moment at the carriage door, curious as to what Armitage might say fur ther.
 And now we shall see"- began the young American.
 "We shall see Johann Wilhelm die of old age within a few years at most, and then Charles Louis, his son. will be the emperor-king in his place, and if he should go hence without heirs his cousin Francis would rule in the house of his father, and Francis is corrupt and worthless and quite necessary to the plans of destiny for the divine or der of kings"
 John Armitage stood beside the car riage quite erect, his hat and stick and gloves in his right hand, his left thrust lightly into the side pocket of his coat. "A queer devil" observed Claiborne as they drove away. "A solemn GUS toner and not cheerful enough to make a good drummer. By what sin gular chance did he find you in that shop"
 T found him, dearest brother, if l must make the humiliating disclosure"
 T shouldn't have believed it! l hardly thought you would carry it so far"
 And while he may be salesman of imitation cut glass he has expen- sive tastes" ....
 Lord help US, he hasn't been buy ing you watch?"
 No; he was lavishing himself on a watch for the foreman of his ranch in Montana" -:.
 "Humph! You're chafing."
 Not in the least. He paid-I couldn't help being witness to the transaction-he actually paid 500 francs for watch to give to the foreman of his ranch-his ranch. mind you. in Montana. U. s. A. He spoke of 1t in- cidentally, as though he were always buying watches for cowboys. Now, where does that leave us?'
 I'm afraid it rather does for my theory. I'll look him up when I get home. Montana isn't good hiding place any more. But 1t was odd the way he acted, about old Stroebels death. You don't suppose he knew him, do youy'
 "Its possible. Poor Count von Stroe- bel! Many hearts are lighter now that he's done for"
 "Yes, and there will be something doing in Austria now that he's out of the way" .~
 Four days passed, in which they de. voted themselves to their young broth CT. The papers were filled with ac. counts of Count von Stroebers death and speculations as to its effect on the future of Austria and the peace of Flu rope. The Claibornes saw nothing of Armitage. Dick asked for him in the hotel and found that he had gone, but would return in few days.
 It was on the morning of the fourth day that Armitage appeared suddenly at the hotel as Dick and his sister waited for a carriage to carry them tt their trains He had just returned, an( they met by the narrowest margin. H. walked with them to the door of tht Monte Rosa.
 "We are running for the King Ed ward and hope for a day in Londor before we sail. Perhaps we shall SCI you one of these days in America, said Claiborne, with some malice. i must be confessed, for his sisters ben eft.
 ssThat is nossible- I am very font . of Washington" responded Armitag carelessly.
 "Of course you will look us up," per : sisted Dick T shall be at Fort Mye for awhile, and 1t will always be { pleasure"-
 : Claiborne turned for last wor, with the porter about their baggage and Armitage stood talking to Shirley who had already entered the carriage
 "Oh, is there any news of Count vo Stroebel's assassin?" she asked, notin the newspaper that Armitage held i his hand.
 "Nothing. It's a very mysteriou and puzzling affair.". .....
 Its horrible to think such thin possible He was wonderful old mar But very likely they will find the mul derer."
 "Yes; undoubtedly"
 "The secret police will SCOUT Europ in pursuit of the assassin" she ot served.