Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-04-22
visiting at Ruaton House. !.


what of it:'' Du.lcombe asked.
The Frencmaa's face was suddenly
tense with excitement. He recovered
himself almost at once, but his voice
shook, and new earnestness found
its way into his manner.
Miss Poynton and her brother are
with u.s." he said. 1T is we who have
been their benefactors. You know 4
good deal of their peculiar clrcum-
stances. A sudden need has arisen
for the production of that paper within
and / will run the greatest risk have
ever run in my career. l will tear
those warrants through"
"Have you any authority from Miss
Poynton" Duncombe asked.
There was no time to procure it"
NJ. Louis explained. Events march
rapidly today To be effective that pa
per must be in Paris tomorrow. The
necessity for it's production arose only
| few hours ago"
"You ask me, then" Duncombe said
slowly, ito hand over to you n paper
which was placed in my charge by
Miss Poynton?"
''In effect-yes"
al cannot do itv'
NJ. Louis shrugged his shoulders.
81 do not insist" he remarked. 81
| may be permitted to remind you, how
| ever, that have offered great price"
"Perhapsr' Duncombe answered
quietly.
NJ Louis turned to his assistants.
"Sir George Duncombe will accom-
pany u.s." he said. Il can give you
| ten minutes. Sir George" he added. in
| case you care to change your clothes"
And supposing l refuse to come"
| Duncombe asked.
NJ Louis smiled.
"You would scarcely be so FOOLISH"
| he remarked. I'm that case 1 should
| send the policeman here to the nearest
| station with the warrants and de-
mand for help. Our documents are in
| perfect order and our case complete.
| You would scarcely be SO foolish.
| think, as to set yourself in direct oppo-
| sition to the law"
Duncombe was silent for several mo-
| ments. Then he rang the bell. NJ.
Louis looked at him inquiringly, but
before he could frame a question the
butler was in the room.
Pack my things for week,
| Groves" Duncombe ordered. II am
| going away tonight
The man bowed and withdrew. NJ
| Louis merely shrugged his shoulders.
| "a week. he remarked. "You VIII
be fortunate if you ever see your home
again. Come, Sir George, be reasona-
Bile! l give you my word of honor that
| 1t is altogether to the interest of Miss
| Poynton that those papers be imrne-
diately produced. If she were here
| herself, she would place them in my
| hands without q moments hesitation"
| Possibly" Duncombe answered.
"SuppositiOns, however, do not interest
me. l undertook the charge of what
| she gave me, and / shall fulfill my
| trust
| NJ. Louis turned to the policeman
"Officer." he said, this is Sir George
Duncombe. Do your duty"
| The man stepped forward and laid
his hand upon Sir Georges shoulder.
VERY sorry, SIR he said. Il am
forced to arrest you ON this warrant
| for the murder of Florence Mermillion
on the night of the 18th of June You
will be brought before the magistrates
at Norwich tomorrow"
Duncombe waved his hand toward
the sideboard
IF you gentlemen he remarked
would care for little refreshment
before you start?"
ut is against the rules, sir, thank
you," the man answered. Il should be
glad to get away as soon as possible"
Duncombe filled both his pockets
with cigars and cigarettes. Then he
turned toward the door
Il am quite ready" he said.
They followed him out. There was
a few minutes delay waiting for Dun
combe's bag.
Your address, Sir George?" Grove:
inquired as he brought it down.
"a little doubtful" Duncombe an
swered; Il will WIRE
''In front, please, Sir George" NJ
Louis insisted
So they drove eff, Duncombe in tn,
front seat, the other three behind. TIL,
car gathered speed rapidly. In les!
than an hour they were half way t.
Norwich. Then suddenly the drive
took sharp corner and turned dowr
a long, desolate lane.
You're off the main road" Dun
combe explained. You should hav,
kept straight on for Norwich
The man took no notice. He even in
creased his speed. Duncombe was il
the act of turning round when he fel
the sudden swish of a wet cloth upol
his face. He tried to break away, bu
he was held from behind as in wise