The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1910-02-25
"A Story Of
GrauSfark
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHEON

-... W. y4-- es-
can you ulCerSIanu WHY L am IIyIus
here with MY uncle: Even an amateur
may rise to that. Now, sir, do you
expect to purchase the sword? Ii not
I shall replace it in the window"
"That's what | came here for" said
he, resenting her tone and the icy look
she gave him.
81 gathered that you came in the ca
pacity of Sherlock Holmes or some
thing else" She added the last three
words with unmistakable meaning.
She was leaning toward him. her
hands on the counter. peculiar CLEAN
i'm her dark eyes, which now for the
first time struck him as rather more
keen and penetrating than he had sus-
pected beIore. At
81 simply want to tell you. MIR. King.
that unless you really expect to buy
this sword it is not wise in you to
make it an excuse for coming here"
My dear young lady, r.
MY uncle has queer conception Of
the proprieties. He may think that
you come to see me. Young men may
chat with shopgirls all the world over.
but in Edelweiss, no, unless they come
to pay most honorable court to them.
My uncle would not understand"
IT take it, however, that you would
understand he said boldly.
81 have lived in Vienna, in Paris
and in London, but now am living
in EdelEeiSs. have not been O. shop
girl always"
ST can believe that. My deductions
are justified" .r 1a-..r
my uncle H. returning" she remark
ed suddenly. 81 must not talk to you
any longer" She glanced uneasily
4 out upon the square and then hurried
N ly added, ID certain usefulness in her
voice and eyes: 'I couldn't help it to-
day. l forgot my place. But you are
the first gentleman I've spoken to
since came here"
When Spantz entered the door the
girl was going listlessly from the
window and Truxton King was lean
| ing against the counter with his back
toward her, his arms folded and a
most impatient frown on his face.
Spantz's black eyes shot from one to
the other. -@ what do you want?" he
demanded sharply.
1.-THE broadsword. And, say, Mr..
Spantz, you might assume a different
tone In addressing me. I'm Gus
toner, not a beggar."
The girl left the window and walked
slowly to the rear of the shop, passing
| through the narrow door, without 50
much as a glance at King or the old
man. Spantz was silent until she was
gone.
"You want the broadsword, eh?" he
asked. moderating his tone considera-
bly,. tits q rare old"-
"I'l give you hundred dollars-not
another cent interrupted King, not
yet over his resentment There fol-
lowed a long and irritating argument.
at the conclusion of which Mr.. King
| became the possessor Of the weapon at
his own price. a"-
"rn come in again. he said indiffer-
emily
"But you are leaving tomorrow, sir. "
1--WE changed my mind"
'"Then you have discovered some
thing in Edelweiss to attract you?"
grinned the old armorer.
81 dare say you're right. Clean that
sword up a bit for me, and I'll drop
in tomorrow and get it. Here's 60
gavvos to bind the bargain-the rest
on delivery. Good day, Mr.. Spantz'
Good day. Mr.. King
How do you happen to know my
name?'
Spantz put his hand over his heart
and delivered himself OF Il most i'm
pressive bow. When 50 distinguished
q visitor comes to our little city" he
said, I'VE lose no time in discovering
sir, believe me-"
Pm not 80 sure that i do believe
YOU" said Truxton King to himself as
he sauntered up the street toward the
hotel.
NH. Hobbs, from Cooks, was at his
elbow. his eyes glistening with eager
ness.
It say. old Dangloss is waiting for
you at the Regengetz, sir. Wofs up?
WOC you Deen UP 10, Slr
Cup to-up to, Hobbs?"
MY word, sir, you must have been
Oh he wouldn't b. there to see you"
WHO il Dangloss"
Minister of police. Haven't / told
you? He's Il keen one, too, take my
word for 1t. heard him ask for YOU Al
He lost no time in getting to tine ho-
tel. A we'll remembered. fierce look
ing little man in white linen suit was
waiting for him on the great piazza
Baron Jasto Dangloss was polite
man. but not to the point Of procras-
tination. He advanced to meet the
puzzled American, smiling amiably and
swirling his imposing mustache with
neatly gloved fingers. -
Il have called, Mr.. King, to have a
little chat with you" he said abrupt
~. lie enjoyed the look OF surprise
on the young mans face. Wont you
join me at this table? A julep will
not Be- bad. eh?' King sat down op-
posite to him at one OF the piazza ia
bles in the shade Of the great trailing
vines. A waiter took the order and
departed.
Nov. to come to the point" began
the baron. You expected to leave to-
morrow. Why are you staying over?"
Baron. leave that to your own dis
\ tingui5hed powers UT deduction" said
4 = IL