Rocky Ford enterprise., 1911-09-01

Grimm of the Secret Service I shall
tell you the truth. did take the re-
volver because knew who had fred
the shot. Believe me when i tell you
that that person did not act with my
knowledge or consent. You do be-
lieve that? You do?" She was plead
ing. eager to convince him.
After q while Mr.. Grimm nodded.
1.-THE revolver is beyond your reach
and shall remain So" she resumed.
According to your laws I suppose l
am an accomplice. That ia my mis-
fortune. It will in no way alter my
determination to keep silent II am
arrested I can't help 1t" She studied
his face with hopeful eyes. Am to
be arrestedf"
Where is the paper that was taken
from Senior Alvarez Immediately after
he was shot?" Mr.. Grimm queried.
81 don't know" she replied frankly.
"As understand 1t, then. the mo-
tive for the shooting was to obtain
possession of that paper? For your
government"
"The Individual who shot Senior Al
varez did obtain the paper, yes. And
now, please. am to be arrestedf'
And Just what was the purpose.
may inquire. Of the message you tel
egraphed with your fan in the ball
room?
you read that," exclaimed Miss
Thorns in mock astonishment. you
read that7"
"And the man who read that mes
sagef Perhaps he shot the senorf"
PERHAPS" she taunted.
For long time Mr.. Grimm stood
staring at her. staring. staring. She,
too, rose, and faced him quietly.
"Am to be arrested?" she asked
again.
why do you make me do itf- he
demanded.
THAT is my affair"
Mr.. Grimm laid a hand upon her
arm. a hand that had never known
nervousness. A moment longer he
stared, and then:
Madam, you are my prisoner for
the attempted murder Of Senior Al
varez!"
The rings on tho portieres behind
him clicked sharply. and the draperies
parted. Mr.. Grimm stood modonless.
with his hand on Miss Thorne's arm.
You were inquiring q moment ago
for a revolver" came in a mans voice.
Here 1t is"
Mr.. Grimm found himself inspecting
the weapon from the barrel end. Aft
er a moment his glance shifted to the
blazing eyes of the man who held it
young man. rather slight, with clean
cut, aristocratic features. and of the
pronounced Italian type.
| MY Godi" The words came from
Miss Thorne's lips almost IN scream.
| Don't"
'1 did make some inquiries about a
revolver, yes." Mr.. Grimm Interrupted
quietly. rs this the one?"
He raised his hand quite casually.
and his fingers closed like steel
around the weapon. Behind his back
Miss Thorne make some quick en-
phatic gesture. and the newcomer re-
leased the revolver.
"I shall ask you. please, to free Miss
Thorne." he requested courteously. Il
shot Senior Alvarez. I, too. am a secret
agent OF the Italian government, will
ing and able to defend myself. Miss
Thorne has told you the truth; she
had nothing whatever to do with 1t
She took the weapon and escaped be-
cause It was mine. Here is the paper
that was taken from Senior Alvarez"
and he offered a sealed envelope. Il
have read It: It is not what l expected.
You may return It to Senior Alvarez
with my compliments"
After a moment Mr.. Grimm's hand
fell away from Miss Thorne's arm.
and he regarded the newcomer with
an interest in which admiration. even.
played a part
Your Manner he asked finally.
"Pietro Petrozinni." was the ready
reply. "As l say. ! accept all respon-
sibility."
A few minutes later Mr. Grimm and
his prisoner passed out OF the legation
side by side. and strolled down the
street together. in amicsble converse
tion. Half an hour later Senor AL
varez identified Pietro Petrozinni as
the man who shot him: and the maid
servant expressed belief that he was
the man who slammed the door In her
face
cTo BE CoNTINUED)