The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1910-07-01

E1OULETABLLE and had been
~ walking for several minutes by
N the side Of a long wall bound
ing the vast property Of n.
StangerSon and had already come
within sight of the entrance gate when
our attention was drawn to an indt
vtduaI who, half bent to the ground,
seemed to be so completely absorbed
In what be was doing as not to have
seem us coming toward him. At one
lime 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 of running still looking into the
palm of his hand. Rouletabille had
brought me to a standstill by a ges-
ture.
Hush! Frederic Larsan Is at work.
Don't let us disturb him.
Rouletabille had a 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 skiIlful 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 vel
low room telegraphed his precious
subordinate in London where he had
been sent on a big case Of stolen Sc
curities, to return with all haste. Fred
eric had made all speed, doubtless
knowing by experience that If be was
interrupted In what he was doing II
was because his services were urgent
" needed In another direction, so, as
Rouletabille said, he was that morning
already "at work" We soon found
out in what it consisted.
What he was continually looking at
m 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 1t
away in his pocket, struggling his
shoulders with gesture of discourage
ment. He pushed open the park gate.
reclosed and locked it, raised his head
and through the bars perceived us.
Rouletabille rushed after him, and
followed. Frederic Larsan waited Tor
u.s.
"M. 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 M. Robert Darzac is at the
chateau Mt this moment? Here Is one
Of his friends of the Paris bar. who
Aesires to speak with him."
III really don't know, M. Rouleta-
hflle," replied Fred, shaking hands
with my friend, whom he had several
times met in the course Of his difficult
investigations. 81 have not seen him"
.The concierges will be able to IN
form us, no doubtP' said Rouletabine,
pointing TO the lodge, the door ana
windows Of which were close shut.
.The concierges VIII not be able to
saye you any information, n. Roulsta'
bile"
~why n0tF
because they were arrested half ar
hour ago."
"ArrestedT' cried Rouletabille. Tnef
aAsy are the murderers"
Frederic Larssn shrugged his shoui
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."
Ibid you have them arrested N
asS