The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1909-01-22
CHAPTER v.
In Which Joseph Rouletabiile Makes
a Remark to NJ. Robert Darzac
Which Produces Its Little Effect.

In OULETABILLE and had BEEF
R walking for several minutes b!
I'M the side of q long wall bound
u ing the vast property of NJ
Stangerson and had already CONF
within sight of the entrance gate whei
our attention was drawn to an ind
vidual who, half bent to the ground
seemed to be so completely absorbed
In what he was doing as not to have
seen us coming toward him. At one
time he stopped so low as almost t
touch the ground. At another he drew
himself up and attentivcly examined
the wall. Then he looked into the
palm Of one of his hands and walked
away with rapid strides. Finally he
set off running, still looking into the
palm of his hand. Rouletabille had
brought me to standstill by ges
ture.
Hush. Frederic Larsan is at work
Don't let US disturb him.
Rouletabille had q great admiration
for the celebrated detective. l had
never before seen him, but 1 knew him
we'll by reputation. At that time be
fore Rouletabille had given proof OF
his unique talent, Larsan was reputel
as the most skiilful unraveler OF the
most mysterious and complicated
crimes. His reputation was world
wide, and the police of London and
even of America often called him
to their aid when their own national
inspectors and detectives found them
selves at the end Of their wits and re-
sources
No one was astonished, then, that
the head Of the Paris police had at
the outset of the mystery Of the yell
low room telegraphed his precious
subordinate in London, where he had
been sent on big case of stolen Sc
curities, to return with all haste. Fred
eric had made all speed, doubtless
knowing by experience that If he was
interrupted in what he was doing it
was because his services were urgent
ly needed in another direction, SO. as
Rouletabille said, he was that morning
already lat work" We soon found
out in what it consisted.
What he was continually looking at
IN the palm of his right hand was
nothing but his watch, the minute
hand Of which he appeared to be not
ing intently. Then he turned back,
still running, stopping only when he
reached the park gate, where he again
consulted his watch and then put 1t
away in his pocket, struggling his
shoulders with a gesture of discourage
ment. He pushed open the park gate.
reclosed and locked it, raised his head
and through the bars perceived us.
Rouletabille rushed after him, and |
followed. Frederic Larsan waited for
us.
M. Fred" said Rouletabille, raising
his hat and showing the profound
based on admiration, which
the young reporter felt for the cele-
brated detective, "can you tell me
whether NJ Robert Darzac is at the
chateau Mt this moment? Here is one
Of his friends Of the Paris bar, who
desires to speak with him."
81 really don't know. NJ Rouleta-
bille," replied Fred, shaking hands
with my friend. whom he had several
times met In the course Of his difficult
81 have not seen him."
1.-THE concierges will be able to in
form us, no doubtT said Rouletabille,
pointing to the lodge. the door and
windows Of which were close shut
THE concierges will not be able to
give you any information, NJ. Rouleta.
billie"
"Why mott"
Because they were arrested half an
hour ago."
"Arrestedw cried Rouetabille. "Then
they are the murderersv'
Frederic Larsan shrugged his Shout
ders.
when you can't arrest the real muir
1erer," he said with an air of supreme
Irony, you can always indulge in the
luxury of discovering accomplices."
"Did you have them arrested NJ
FredT
ed. In the first place, 1 am pretty
sure that they have not had anything
10 do with the affair and then be-
Because Of whatT asked Rouleta-
bile eagerly.
Because OF nothing" said Larsan,
shaking his head.
Because there were no accom-
)lices!" said Rouletabille.
AHA! You have an idea, then, about
his matter" said Larsan, looking at
aouletabille intently, "yet you have
;een nothing. young man-you have
lot yet gained admission herev'
81 shall get admission"
~ doubt it. The orders are strict"
81 shall gain admission IL you let |
ne see NJ. Robert Darzac. Do that |
or me. You know we are old friends. |
beg Of you, NJ. Fred. Do you re-
"amber the article I wrote about you