Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-20
CHAPTER xxx.

Jacques Leblun rose early on the fol-
lowing morning and made a careful tot
let There was no evidence in his hard.
withered face of any special qualification.
yet so far as he was capable of feeling
emotion he felt ii as he donned his care
fully brushed clothes and tied newly
purchased tie. Today was TO witness
the close of a career which he had every
right to consider memorable. Today. with
tajS nual and dramatic triumph, he was
% make his exit from the profession
which he had adorned and create a gap
Ia the ranks of his order which he was
cCmIlacently sure would never be filled.
with the love of secrecy innate in the
man. he had kept his triumph to himself.
i'pt u even from the authorities on the
- IrT side. He wished to Startle every
ioay with a coup, a little theatrical per-
ans, but so brilliant that for days he
saw himself almost popular hero. Who
else could have drawn together these
threads till he held them all securely in
his hands? No one else knew what he
knew He had worked alone and secret
~ Marcel had died before he had had
time to give away his secret. There was
no one else left who could solve the nys-
terry which still hung around the person
atty OF that man who had escaped from
the house in the Place Noire one Novem-
Der night. He himself was about 10 solve
il. II was wonderful day, this.
shaved and after critically examining
his hair decided to have IL cut He sent
for his hat and had IL ironed while ne
waited. Then. as he was in the act of il
and a small familiar figure descended
from II. II was Ambrose who stood hat
in hand upon the pavement.
Monsieur Leblun." he said. can 1 have
q moments conversation with you?
The great detective hesitated. He
guessed very we'll why this man was
seeking him out. He had, OF course.
brought him information wholly superfu-
Gus. information for which he would
probably require payment. Yet. after all,
he was necessary witness in the prose
cution. His good will was worth secur-
, ing Then again, IL was very seldom, IN
deed. that Leblun refused to listen 10
anything which anybody might have 10
say. He responded, therefore, with cour-
tesy to Ambrose's request.
Il can spare a few minutes, he SAID.
Il was just going out. Perhaps we could
drive a little way together?
Ambrose shook hts head. My voice.
he said. lis not strong ] cannot talk In
all this roar If You will give me five
minutes in Your room think l can prom
Use that You will find my information
Leblun turned back 10 the elevator and
rang the bell. Together they mounted
To the eighth story. Leblun drew his
key from his pocket. unlocked the door
Ambrose nodded he looked around.
Very charming he remarked. Very
nice rooms. Monsieur Leblun"
Il find them convenient" Leblun an
swered. his eyes fixed upon his compan-
loE VIII YOU sit down? Or perhaps
what you have TO say will scarcely take
long enough TO render it worth while?''
I come" Ambrose said. from the
house OF the Marquis OF Ellingham"
Leblun bowed. Indeed" he said
They were kind enough. he continued.
to receive me. i was shown into the
breakfast room. Lord Bingham sat there
debating letters 10 his secretary. His
wife was by his side. She was holding
his hand when / went in. MademoiseIle
Christine-you may remember her, per-
haps-she, too. was in the ROOM
Most interesting" Leblun murmured
They were kind to me-. Ambrose con-
;inued, but il was not difficult for one
who notices things. like yourself, Mon
sieur Leblun. or. in a smaller way. my
self-it was not difficult. ! say, TO realize
that they were living in the shadow OF
some fear. The maTchioness-a very
beautiful woman that-was pale and there