Arizona republican., 1911-01-30
THE ADVENTURES OF
 MIR. PETER RUFF By E. Phillips oppenheim-The Little
 Lady from Servia. CCopywright, 1909. by the Pearson Pub fishing Col
(Cenfinzrd' from yssfsrGaJ)

to choose some back streets, and while we were passing through one of them, took Von Hern by the throat. We had a struggle, of course, but I got the paper"
 What did you do with Von Hern?" she asked.
 "I left him on his doorstep" the young American answered. He wasn't really hurt. but he was only half con- scious. I don't think he'll bother any one tonight"
 You dear. brave man." she mur- mured. Paul. what am I to say to you?"
 He laughed.
 That's what I'm here to ask" he declared. You wouldn't give me any answer at the ball. Perhaps you'll give it me now?"
 They sprang apart. Ruff felt his nerves stiffen-felt himself constrained to hold even his breath as he widened
 
 was no stealthy entrance. The door had been flung open. Von Hern, his dress in wild disorder. pale as a ghost, and with great bloodstain upon his cheek, stood confronting them.
 When you have done with your love-making." he called out, "Ill trou- ble you to restore my property!
 The electric light gleamed upon a small revolver which flashed out to- ward the young American. Paul Jer- myn never hesitated for a moment. He seized the chair by his side and flung it at Von Hern. There was a shot, the crash of the falling chair. a cry from Jermyn. who never hesitated, however, in his rush. The two men closed. A second shot went harmlessly to the ceiling. The little lady stole away-stole softly across the room to- ward the table. She opened the drawer Suddenly the blood in her veins was frozen into fear. From no- where. it seemed to her, came a hand which held her wrists like iron,
 Madam" Peter Ruff whispered from behind the curtain, "I am sorry to deprive you of it, but this is stolen property"
 Her screams rang through the room. Even the two men released one an- other.
 It is gone, It is gone! she cried. Some one was hiding in the room! Quick"
 She sprang into the hall. The two men followed her. The front door was slammed. They heard flying footsteps outside. VOn Hern was out first. clear ing the little flight of steps in one bound. Across the road he saw a fly ing figure. A level stream of fire poured from his hand-twice. three times. But Peter Ruff never faltered. Round the corner he tore. The man had kept his word-the brougham was already moving slowly.
 Jump in, sir" the man cried. Throw yourself in. Never mind about the door"
 They heard the shouts behind. Peter Ruff did as he was bid, and sat upon the floor. raising himself gradually to the seat when they had turned another corner. Then he put his head out of the window
 Back to the Duchess of Mont ford's! he ordered.
 The latest of the guests had ceased to arriveAa few were already depart Ing. It was an idle time, however. with the servants who loitered in the vestibules of Montford House. and they looked with curiosity upon this strange guest who arrived at five min- utes to two, limping little, and hold- ing his left arm in his right hand. One footman on the threshold nearly addressed him, but the words were taken out of his mouth when he saw Lady Mary and her brother-the Hon. orable Maurice Sotherst-hasten for ward to greet him.
 Peter Ruff smiled upon them be- highly.
 You can take the paper out of my breast-coat pocket he said.
 The young mans fingers gripped it. Through Lady Mary's great thankful ness. however. the sudden fear came shivering.
 You are hurt she whispered. There is blood on your sleeve Just graze," Peter Ruff answered. |" Von Hern wasn't much good at a running target. Back to the ballroom, young man." he added Don't you see who's coming?"
 The Prime Minister came up the tented way into Montford House. He. too, wondered little at the man whom he met on his way out, holding his left arm. and looking more as though he had emerged from a street fight than from the Duchess of Mont fOrd's ball Peter Ruff went homo