The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1908-10-15
MEREDITH NICHOLSON.


10 her horse, whose nose was exploring
her macintosh pockets. and he stepped
quickly toward her
"you see, Miss Claiborne. your broth
er In quite safe, but very much hop,
you will not run away. There are
some things 10 be explained which II Is
only fair you should hear"
"Wait. Shirley. and we VIII all 90
down together" said Judge Claiborne
reluctantly.
Baron Won Marhof. very handsome
and distinguished. but mud splashed,
had tied his horse to post 10 the
driveway and stood on the veranda
steps. his hat ln his hand. staring, a
look OF bewilderment on his face. Ar
mitage. bareheaded. still In his riding
leggings, his trousers spashed With
mud. his left arm sleeveless and sup
ported by handkerchief swung from
his neck. shook hands with Judge Clal
borne.
Baron Won Marhof. allow me to pre-
sent Mr.. Armltage," said Dick, and Ar
mitage walked TO the steps and bowed
The ambassador did not offer bis hand
Wont you please come inT said
Armitage, smiling upon them, and
when they were seated be took his
stand by the fireplace. hesltated mo
ment, as though weighing his words
and began;
Baron Won Marhof. the events that
have led to this meeting have been
somewhat more than unusual-they are
unique. And complications have arisen
which require prompt and wise action
For this reason am glad that we shall
have the benefit Of Judge Claiborne's
advice"
Judge Claiborne is the counsel OF
our embassy" said the ambassador
His gaze was fixed intently on Armi-
tage's face. and he hitched himself for
ward In his chair impatiently, grasp
ing his crop nervously across his knees
"You were anxious TO find me, baron,
and may have seemed hard to catch,
but believe we have been working al
cross purposes to serve the same in
terests."
The baron nodded
yes; dare say" he remarked dryly
"And some other gentlemen Of not
quite your own standing have at the
same time been seeking me. 1t Will
give me great pleasure to present one
Of them-one. ] believe, will be enough
Mr., Claiborne, will you kindly allow
NJ Jules Chauvenet to stand In the
door for a moment? want to ask
him question"
Shirley. sitting farthest from Armi
tage. folded her hands upon the long
table and looked toward the door into
which her brother vanished. Then
Jules Chauvenet stood before them all.
and as his eyes met hers for second
the color rose to bis face, and he broke
out angrily:
This is Infamous! This Is an out.
rage! Baron Won Marhof. as an Aus.
trian subject appeal to you for pro.
lection from this mani!
Monsieur. you shall have all the
protection Baron Won Marhof cares to
give you. but first wish to ask you e
Qaestion-just one. You followed me
b America with the fixed purpose
" killing me. You sent Servian
assassin after me-a fellow with a
reputation for doing dirty work-and
he tried to stick knife into me
IN the deck of the King Edward.
shall not reclte my subsequent expert
,nces with him or with you and NJ.
,'nrand. You announced at Captain
! Ialborne's table at the Army and
Navy club In Washington that ] was
IN lmpostor. and all the time. mon
,ieur, you have really believed me to
Ne some one some one In particular"
Armitage's eyes gllttered, and bis
goice faItered with intensity as he ut |
cred these last words. Then he thrust
Ills hand Into his coat pocket stepped
,ack and concluded:
who am I, monsieur?"
Chauvenet shifted uneasily from one
DOT to the other under the gaze Of the |
I've people who waited for his answer;
hen he screamed shrllly:
"You are the devil-an impostor.
lar, a thiefl'
Baron Won Marhof leaped TO bis feet
md roared at Chauvenet In English:
"Who IL this manf Whom do you be-
ieve him to beY''
Answer, aud be quick about itV'
mapped Claiborne.
II tell you began Chauyenet fierce.
y.
who am r asked Armitage again.
Il don't know who you are
you do notl You certainly do not!'
aughed Armitage. But whom have /
ou believed me to be. monsieur
Il thought
Yes, you thought
II thought there seemed reasons to
'elieve"--
yes. aud you believe IL Go on"
Chauvenet's eyes bilnked for mo
nauf a q ha cansider..d the difficulties of I