Putnam patriot., 1909-01-15

quickly and smiled upon thetn.
 "we had started off to look for Dick when we met your man." said Shirley standing on the steps. rein in hand
 What has happened. and how was Arrnitage injured?. demanded Judge Claiborne
 There was battle." replied Dick. grinning and Mir. Armitage got in the way of bullet"
 Her ride through the keen morning air had flooded Shirley's cheek with color She had been awake much Of the night. On returning from the ball at the inn she found Dick still absent. and when at o'clock be had not re turned she called her father, and they had set of together for the hills. to- ward which. the stahleman reported. Dick had ridden. They had met Os- car just outside the Springs and had returned to the hotel for Baron von Marhof Having performed her office as guide and satisfied herself that Dick was safe. she felt her conscience eased and could see no reason why she should not ride home and leave the men to their council. Armitage saw her turn to her horse. whose nose was exploring her macintosh pockets. and he stepped quickly toward her.
 You see. Miss Claiborne your broth CT is quite safe. but very much hope you will not run away There are some things to be explained which it is oniy fair you should hear'
 Wait. Shirley. and we will all go down together" said Judge Claiborne reluctantly.
 Baron yon Marhof. very handsome and distinguished. but mud splashed. had tied his horse to a post i'll the driveway and stood on the veranda steps, his hat in his hand. staring, a look of bewilderment on his face. Ar mitage. bareheaded. still in hls riding leggings, his trousers splashed with mud his left arm sleeveless and sup ported by handkerchief swung from his neck, shook hands with Judge Clai borne.
 Baron von Marhof. allow me to pre- sent MT. Armitage," said Dick. and Ar mitage walked to the steps and bowed The ambassador did not offer his hand
 Wont you please come tn?' said Armitage. smiling upon them, and when they were seated he took his stand by the fireplace. hesitated . mo ment. as though weighing his words. and began:
 Baron von Marhof, the events that have led to this meeting have been somewhat more than unusual-they are unique And complications have arisen which require prompt and wise action For this reason l am glad that we shall have the benefit of Judge Claiborne's advice s
 Judge Claiborne is the counsel of our embassy" said the ambassador His gaze was fixed intently on Armi. tages face. and he htched himself for ward in his chair impatiently. grasp. ing his crep nerv0usly across his knees
 You were anxious 10 find me. baron. and 1 may have seemed hard to catch but believe We have been working at cross purposes to serve the same in terests.'
 The baron nodded.
 Yes; dare say" he remarked dryiy
 And some other gentlemen of not quite your own standing have at the same time been seeking me. It will give me great pleasure to present one of them-one. believe. will be enough. MT Claiborne. will you kindly allow NJ Jules Chauvenet to stand in the door for momentf l want to ask him question:"
 Shirley, sitting farthest from Armi- tage. folded her hands upon the long ta ole and looked toward the door into which her brother vanished. Then Jules Chauvenet stood before them all. and as his eyes met hers for second the color rose to his face and he broke out angrily:
 This is infamous! This Is an out rage. Baron von Marhof as an Aus trian subject I appeal to you for pro- lection from this man"
 Monsieur. you shall have all the protection Baron .von Marhof cares to give you. but first 1 wish to ask you . question-just one. You followed me