The Washington times., 1911-07-15
CHAPTER XII.
The Passing of a Spy.

- OR some moments after Morgan
- had related under what condi-
tions we met Elmur Ludolf in
Paris, Captain Haupmann re-
mained silent, his gaze fixed upon the
extent Of park visible through the win
dow. During those moments he con-
, Quered all signs Of agitation, and when
he again turned to us his voice was al
most coldly formal.
You are doubtless wondering how l
can claim the man you met in Paris as
my father; the explanation is simple
one. When I was yet a lad my mother
was left widow, and in extreme pow
erty. Elmur Ludolf married her, and to
-, him owe all that I now am; the edu-
cation, the influence which permitted
me to enter the army. You may judge
the depth of the obligation, and the
manner in which I propose to pay the
debt First Halfenstein. for l recognize
his handiwork: and after Halfenstein-
the Baron Won Seldorf. When that is
finished, gentlemen. 1 am at your serv-
ice"
Morgan and glanced at each other.
There was no evidence of passion, no
wild rage, or theatrical effect. The man
was complete master Of himself and
spoke with the utmost calmness 1t was
:, 20 through fire and water to accomplish
his purpose: to avenge the death Of FL
muir Ludolf on the two men whom he
held to blame.
And as we looked at each other, Nor
gan answered the question which he
read In my eyes. Without word he
crossed the Room and tried the closet
door.
The key?'' said he sharply.
McGregor fished it from his pocket;
Morgan fitted 1t IN the lock and we
heard the bolt slide back. He turned to
the Brescian.
Captain Haupmann," said he quietly,
at Is possible that judgment has al
ready been carried out on one of the
men whom you have avowed you will
destroy. Before you entered this room
Halfenstein was carried into this closet
Under the impression that he was CIV
Ing him sleeping potion, my man ad-
nninistered the contents of vial found
In the spy's possession. 1t is possibly
Paris by HalfeLstein.''
He opened the door Of the closet
Captain HaupnIann crossed the room
and looked through the aperture. The
him: upon his back, with his arms and
legs bound with the strips of sheeting
For a moment the Brescian remained
motionless: then. STOPPING down, seized
drag a log OF wood over the ground.
pulled the Inert form from the closet.
The blow upon the head had rendered
Halfenstein unconscious. 1t had been
McGregor put into the closet. But, dur
ing the half hour which followed, the
shock Of the blow had passed. Bound
and gagged, the man was perfectly
helpless, but consciousness had return
ed. The spy's eyes were open.
An expression of recognition came
into them as they rested upon the face
of Captain Haupmann. The fellow
raised his head and a muffied sound
came from under the gag. but his legs.
did not move, or his arms-only a slight
motion Of the hands, held at the wrists
by the strips Of sheetinF.
For a moment Haupmann did not
move; then he bent down and removed
the gag; not too gently. The governors
agent coughcd violently, drew in his
breath, and moistened his lips several
times
but II won't happen a second time,
said he hoarsely.
what are you staring at7 Can't you
see they got the best OF me?-the more
fool to be of my guard. Cut these
things. While we are waiting here they
are making off,
The Brescian's- face remained as i'm
passive as a mask of plaster. Halfen-
stein turned his head sharply, and for
the first time we came within his range
OF vision. His eyes Travelled from Nc
GTegor to Morgan, and then to me. He
uttered a short gasp.
THE conspirators! In Gods name,
THAT you have been hunting con-
spirators-yes," replied the captain
quietly.
And we have the three of them; call
IN your men, and let me up He swal-
lowed several times and a>slight con-
vulsion passed through his body.
He believed we were prisoners, that