Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-09-12

Geutrofhe hocttu UP known banner.
me nag Here they
are" called Claiborne and flung open
the door as Shirley, her father and
Baron Won Marhof rode up under the
billowing ensign. Dick stepped out TO
meet them and answer their questions
"AIr Armitage Is here. He has been
hurt and we have sent for a doctor.
but and be looked at Shirley.
IF you viii do me the honor 70 enter
all OF your And Armitage came out
quickly and smiled upon them.
1--WE had started OF 70 look for Dick
when we met your man." said Shirley.
standing on the steps. rein in hand.
What has happened. and how was
Armitage injuredT" demanded Judge
Claiborne.
There was n battle" replied Dick.
grinnlng. land Mr.. Armitage got In the
way OF a bullet"
Her ride through the keen morning
air had flooded Shirley's cheek with
color She had been awake much OF
the night On returning from the ball
at the inn she found Dick still absent.
and when az 6 o'clock be had not re
turned she called her father. and they
had set or together for the hills. to-
ward which. the stablcman reported.
Dick had ridden. They had met Os-
car just outside the Springs and had
returned 20 the hotel for Baron Won
Marhof Having performed her office
as guide and satisfied herself that Dick
was safe. she felt her conscience eased
and could see no reason why she should
not ride home and leave the men 20
their council. Armitagc saw her turn
90 her horse. whose nose was exploring
her macintosh pockets. and he stepped
quickly toward her.
"Nou see. Miss Claiborne. your broth
er is quite safe. but l very much hope
you will not run away. There are
some things 20 be explained which Il Is
only fair you should hear"
Walt Shirley. and we VIII all go
down together" said Judge Claiborne
reluctantly.
Baron Won MarhOf. very handsome
and distinguished. but mud splashed.
had tied his horse 20 n post IN the
driveway and stood on the veranda
steps, his hat In his hand. staring. n
look OF bewilderment on his face. Ar
mitage, bareheaded. still IN his riding
leggings, his trousers splashed with
mud, his left arm sleeveless and sup
ported by a handkerchief swung from
his neck. shook hands with Judge ClaI-
borne.
Baron Won Marhof. allow me TO pre-
sent Mr.. Armitage," said Dick, and Ar
mitage walked 10 the steps and bowed.
The ambassador did not offer his hand.
Won't you please come IMP said
Armitage, smiling upon them. and
when they were seated be took his
stand by the fireplace. hesitated a 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 unusuaI-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 impatlently, grasp
ing his crop nervously across his knees
you were anxious 20 find me. baron.
and l may have seemed hard TO catch.
but / believe we have been working at
cross purposes to serve the same In
terests"
The baron nodded.
Yes; 1 dare say" he remarked dryly.
And some other gentlemen OF not
quite your own standing have at the
same time been seeking me. II will
give me great pleasure TO present one
or them-one. / believe. will be enough
Mr.. Claiborne. Will you kindly allow
M. Jules Chauvenet to stand ia the
door for a moment? / want to ask
him a 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 a second
the color rose to his face, and he broke
out angrily:
This is Infamous! This Is an out
ragel Baron Won Marhof. as an Aus
trian subject l appeal to you for pro-
lection from this man.
Monsieur, you shall have all the
protection Baron Won Marhof cares to
give you. but first 1 wish 70 ask you a
quesuon-Just one. You followed me
10 America with the fixed purpose
or killing me. You sent a Servian
assassin after me-a fellow with a
reputation for doing dirty work-and
he tried to stick a knife into me
on the deck of the King Edward.
shall not recite my subsequent expert
eness with him or with you and NJ.
Durand. You announced at Captain
Claiborne's table at the Army and