Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-04-12
Copyright 1909. by D. Appleton
CHATTER III
PRIVATE ROOM no. g.


'He was IA luck to have this storm.
muttered Coquenil Then, In reply tu
PougeW's look: - mean the thunder
IT deadened the shot and gained time
for him. Think what It means to com
nit murder in crowded restaurant
and get away It means brains. In
cien. All. we're nearly there'
They had reached Napoleon's arch.
and the automobiles swinging sharply
to the right started at full speed down
the Champs Elysees.
"Its bad for Gritz." reflected the
commissary. Then both men fell 81.
lent IN the thought Of the emergency
before them.
NJ Gritz. it may be said, was the en-
terprislng proprietor Of the Ansonia,
this being tie last and most brilliant
Of his creations for cheering the rich
and hungry wayfarer
Drawing up before the imposing en-
trance. they saw two policemen on
guard AT the doors. one of whom came
forward quickly with word that NJ
Gibelin and two other men from head
quarters had already arrived.
as Papa Tignol hereY asked Co
queniL
'Yes. sir" replied the man, saluting
respectfully
Before 20 in. Lucien, you'd better
speak 10 Gibelln." whispered NJ. Paul
"It's little delicate. He's good de
tective. bur be likes the old school
.ta. or1 I,o and I yovnr yot on
very we'll"
"Good! I'll be back in a moment"
and. pushing his way through the
crowd of sensation seekers that block
ed the sidewalk, he disappeared inside
the building
NJ. Pougeots moment was prolonged
TO Eve full minutes, and when he re.
appeared his face was black.
"such stupidity" he stormed.
tits what expected" answered
Coqueni
"Glbelin says you have no business
here. He's an lmpudent devil! Tell
Beau Cocouo.' he sneered. to keep his
hands off this case orders from head
quarters told him you had bust
ness here. business for me. and Come
on. in show 'em."
He took Coquenll by the arm. but the
latter drew back mot yet. have a
better idea Go ahead with your re-
port. Never mind me-"
but ] want you on the case" insist
ed the commissary.
"I'll be on the case all right.
"IIl telephone headquarters at once
about this" Insisted Pougeot. when
shall see YOU againY
Coquenil eyed his friend mysterious
ly. Il think you'll see me before the
night is over, Now get TO work, and" )"
he smiled mockingly as he departed.
"give NJ. Glbelin the assurance of my
distinguished consideration"
AS NJ. Pougeot mounted to the first
floor he was met at the head OF the
stairs by n little yellow bearded man
with luminous dark eyes, who came
toward him, hand extended,
"Ah, DR.. Joubertg' said the commits,
sary
The doctor nodded nervously. TITS
a singular case
At the same moment a door opened
and Gibeln appeared. He was rather
fat. with small piercing eyes and a
reddish mustache His voice was
harsh. his manner brusque, but there
was no denying his Intelligence.
Gibolln Withdrew while Pougeot pro
,ceeded with his duties.
In general plan the Ansonia was In
the form Of a large E, the main part
OF the second door, where the tragedy
took place, being occupied by public
dining rooms, but the two wings, IN
accordance with Parisinn custom, con
tanning a number OF private dining
rooms In each Of the wings were sew
en- Of these private rooms. all opening
on a dark red passageway lighted BY
soft electric lamps. II was in one o
the west wing private rooms that th'
crime had been committed.
NJ. pougeot paused AT the turn Of th
corridor 20 ask some question, but h
was interrupted by a burst OF singlp
on the left. roaring chorus OF hI
larity
'Its banquet party." explained th
doctor. "a lot OF Americans. The
don't know what has happened"
aHahw reflected the other. "Jul
across the corridoF tool''
Then brieny the commlssary hear
what the witnesses had 20 tell hlr
about the crime. Il had been discoN
cred hair an hour before, more precise
~ al ten minutes TO ., by waiter. J'
seph. who was serving couple In NJ
q. a dark complexioned man and
strlklngly handsome woman The
had arrived at a quarter before 8 an
the meal had begun az once, oddl
enough. after the soup the gentlena
told the waiter not 70 bring the ne'
course until he rang, at the same tin
shipping into bis hand a ten frar
pioce. whereupon Joseph had nodde
his understanding
Ten minutes! Fifteen minutesl u
seph knocked discreetly. then agal
after decent pause, and upall
weary OF waiting be opened the doc
"A moment later be started back. d
eyes nxcd with horror
"Crand Dleuw he cried,
-'You saw the body. the man
bodgT questioned the commissary.