The Detroit times., 1909-06-07
CHAPTER XXI.
Maitre Georges is Required to Solen
nlxe Dominic Seaqer's MARRIAGE.

When SeGger and Arendsen left the
Blue Rabbit together, and after the
latter had induced his half-intoxicated
companion TO leave the duchess alone
for the present, had led him away
from the postern past Quaintance in
the shadow of the brasserie door, 1t
was almost In the morning OF the
last day allowed by Miles Quaintance's
will for wrestling his millions from
the outstretched hands OF charity.
And 1t infamed Black Dirck's mind
still more 10 think that that had be.
gun so Ill
They reached their rooms. Seager
threw himself down. dressed as he
was, and fell into sodden sleep But
Arendsen sat up long after Paris was
wide awake-to the last day which
stood between him and the loss OF
that great fortune almost within his
grasp only l6 hours of II left. He sat
immobile hands clenched. teeth show
ing. eyes fixed on vacancy. but his
brain was very busy, and when he
rose stiffly from his straight chair the
frown on his face had relaxed lit
tie. He had formed fresh plans.
At s O'Clock he shook Seager into
sullen consciousness. and his accom-
plice, raising himself on one elbow,
glowered over at him out OF bloodshot
eyes.
You'll have plenty of time to
sleep" the other assured him, with
ominous quietude. after I'm through
with you. And I'll be through with
you soon after IL tonight Get ready
quickly. We're going out"
Seager started as he was thus re-
minded of the flight OF time, rose obe-
dienty.
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
nf his so-called marriage from that
man Chevral, while you were 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 baffled
till midnight should strike and Miles
Quaintance's millions be finally be-
yond their grasp.
II was already evening before they
returned to the Rue ST. Honore. and,
once more plodding wearily upstairs.
found the oaken outer door OF mon
sieur's apartment wide.
We'll 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 the other end of the corridor. is
that you. Tissot-Latour?"
Arendsen strode 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 you?" demand
monsieur, regarding this unexpected
intruder with pardonable asperity.
Arendsen held up huge hand. and
lone moment said he. looking over
his shoulder for Seager.
Tell him that we're here on behalf
OF your cousin. Miss Lorraine" he In
structed that individual. and Seager
bowed to the duke with ironic cere-
mony.
You mean the Duchess des Revesl"
cried the duke eagerly. and accepting
their presence without further COM
ment. You mean the duchess! where
is she? What has happened to herr"
80 she Is your wife," Seager ask
ed soarly. 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.
II will pay him best to agree"
He sat listening attentively, head
forward. frowning. while Seager made
matters clear TO the staring duke,