The news=record. [volume] (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon) 1907-1910, 1909-01-20
news when it learned Of the attempt.
ed assassination of mademoiselle.
CHAPTER ".
In Which Joseph Rouletabille Makes
a Remark TO N. Robert DarIAe
Which Produces Its Little Effect.

Jul ulttullOH was oEuWu W du
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 to
touch the ground. At another he drew
himself up and attentively 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 a ges-
ture.
"Hush! Frederic Larsan is at work!
Don't let us disturb him"
Rouletabille had great admiration
for the celebrated detective. l had
never before seen him, but knew him
well by reputation. At that time. be-
fore Rouletabille had given proof Of
his unique talent, Larsan was reputed
as the most skillful 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 yel-
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 II he was
Interrupted in what he was doing 1t
was because his services were urgent
ly needed In another direction, so, as
Rouletabille said, he was that morning
already "at work" We soon found
out in what 1t 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 it
| away In his pocket, struggling his
shoulders with gesture Of discourage
ment. He pushed open the park gate,
reclosed and locked 1t, raised his head
and through the bars perceived u.s.,
| Rouletabille rushed after him, and
followed. Frederic Larsan waited for
us.
IN. Fred" said ROuletabille, raising
his hat and showing the profound
respect. 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-
billie" replied Fred. shaking hands
with my friend, whom he had several
times met In the course Of his difficult
Investigations. u have not seen him. ''
"The concierges Will be able to in
form us. no doubts" said Rouletabille,
| pOiHliHS W Luc lOuHc. tHt dOCr anu
windows of which were close shut.
"The concierges will not be able to
give you any information, NJ. Rouleta.
bille."
"Why notT
Because thny were arrested half an
hour ago"
"Arrestedw cried Rouletabille. Then
they are the rnurderers"
Frederic Larsan shrugged his shoul-
ders.
when you can't arrest the real muir
derer" 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
mot u haven't had them arrest
ed. In the first place, I am pretty
sure that they have not had anything
to do with the affair and then be-
cause
Because of whatY' asked Rouleta.
billie eagerly.
Because OF nothing" said Larsan,
shaking his head.
Because there were no accom-.
plicesw said Rouletabiiie.
"Aha! You have an idea, then. about
this matter?" said Larsan. looking at
Rouletabille intently. 'yet you have
seen nothing. young man-you have
not yet gained admission herev
81 shall get admission"
81 doubt It. The orders are strict"
81 shall gain admission II you lei
me see NJ. Robert Darzac. Do that
Cor me. You know we are old friends
I beg Of you. NJ. Fred. Do you re-
member the article wrote about you
on the gold bar caseT"
u Ir0 pE C0NTINIrEnl