The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-06-07

Where are we going now?" he de-
mandedly morosely as they turned TO-
ward the north bank OF the Seine.
Were going to talk to the duke
now. | got his address and the story
OF his so-called marriage from that
man Chevral, while you we're bemud-
ding yourself with those others at the
Blue Rabbit
Their errand proved to be vain, for
monsieur had left his rooms.
They set out to seek monsieur high
and low elsewhere. not to be baffied
till midnight should strike and Miles
Quaintance's millions be finally be-
yond their grasp.
It was already evening before they
returned to the Rue st. Honore, and,
once more Flooding YEARLY upstairs,
found the oaken outer door Of mon
sieur's apartment wide.
''WeIl walk right in," said Arend-
sen determinedly. and did so. CLOSE
both these doors, and bolt them"
who's there?" asked a curt voice
which came from a curtained doorway
at tho other end OF the corridor. rs
that you, Tissot-Latour?"
Arendsen strobe forward without
hesitation. and, pushing into the room
found the duke on his feet, very angry
at getting no answer to his inquiry.
who the devil are your" demand
monsieur. regarding this unexpected
intruder with pardonable asperity.
Arendsen held up a huge hand, and
zone moment" said he. looking over
his shoulder for Seager.
Tell him that we're here on behalf
MtCo hn In.
structed that individual. and Seager
bowed to the duke with ironic cere-
mony.
"You mean the Duchess des Reves!"
cried the duke eagerly, and accepting
their presence without further COM
ment. You mean the duchess! where
is she? What has happened to herr"
$50 she Is your wife?" Seager ask
ed sourly. Are you quite sure
The dukes face flushed darkly, but
with a great effort of will he control
ed himself. and answered, Yes. am
quite sure"
There seems to be no doubt about
It." Seager told Arendsen, and the lat
ter gnawed his mustache for a mo-
ment In silence.
Then the marriage must be an
nulled," he announced. Tell him all
he needs to know, and ask him how
much he'll take to stand In with US
1t will pay him best to agree"
He sat listening attentively. head
forward, frowning, while Seager made
matters clear TO the staring duke
having promised his story with the
curt warning that they three were
quite alone. entirely cut of from com
munication with the outer world, q
fact further attested by the urgent
ringing Of the door bell, which no one
answered.
Monsieur knew that he was helpless
In their hands. He could easily under
stand, too, that they were desperate
men. Seager had told him their side
OF the story In cunning details. They
had staked their all and were determ-
ined to win.
Were waiting your answer to our
proposition" Seager reminded him
sternly.
ut needs no answer" returned the
duke. but, since you think that 1t
does--I refuse"
Tell him that he does so at the
risk OF his wife's life, as well as MS
own" Arendsen suggested craftily.
81 refuse" he repeated. with stub
born fixity OF resolution. my own
life is as nothing to me-and you two
will pay very dearly for any harm
which may happen Nine. la Duchess
des Reeves"
Arendsen started up with an oath
which he could not repress. AT mid
night Miles Quaintance's millions
wohld fall prey to charity. And. since