The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1911-09-12
CHAPTER xIv.-(contInued.)


CHAPTER xIV.-(ContInued.)
The house is two blocks west,
along that street there" he explained.
and he indicated an intersecting thor
oughfare just ahead 1T is number
ninety-seven. Five minutes after we
enter you will drive up In front of
the door and wait. II we don't return
In fifteen minutes-come in after u.s."
DO you anticipate danger?" Miss
Thorne queried quickly
IF had anticipated danger" re-
piled Mr.. Grimm, IL should not have
permitted you to come with me-"
They entered the house-number
ninety-seven-with a key which Mr..
Grimm produced, and a minute or so
later walked into room where three
men were sitting. One of them was
OF coarse. repulsive type, large and
heavy; another rather dapper, of SUI
perficial polish, evidently foreigner,
and the third-the third was Ambassa-
dor Boissegur!
Good morning. gentlemen" Mr..
Grimm greeted them, then ceremoni-
pdoiys your car
riage is at the door"
The three men came to their feet
instantly, and one of them-he OF the
heavy face-drew revolver. Mr..
Grimm faced him placidly.
do you know what would happen
TO you II you killed me?" he inquired,
pleasantly. You wouldn't live three
minutes. Do you imagine I came In
here blindly? There are a dozen
men guarding the entrances to the
house-a pistol shot would bring them
in. Put down that gunl"
Eyes challenged eyes for one long
tense instant, and the man carefully
laid the weapon on the table. Mr..
Grimm strolled over and picked it up,
after which he glanced inquiringly at
the other mantle ambassadors sec
md guard.
And you are the gentleman, I dare
say. who made the necessary trips to
the ambassadors house, probably
using his latch-key?" he remarked in
terrogatively. First for the letters
to be signed, and again for the ciga-
rettes?"
There was no answer and Mr..
Grimm turned questioningly to Mon.
sieur Boissegur. silent. white of face.
.motinnless.
Yes. Monsieur" the ambassador
burst out suddenly. His eyes we're
Fixed unwaveringly on Miss Thorne.
"And your escape. Monsieur" con-
tinued Mr.. Grimm.
Il did escape. Monsieur. last
night" the ambassador explained.
but they knew II immediately-they
pursued me into my own house. these
two and another-and dragged me
back herel Mon Dieu. Monsieur.
c'est---!"
That's all that's necessary" re-
marked Mr.. Grimm. You are free TO
90 now"
But there are Others" Monsieur
Boissegur interposed desperately
two more somewhere below, and they
will not allow-they will attack"
Mr.. Grimm's listless eyes narrowed
slightly and he turned 10 Miss Thorne.
She was little white. but he saw
enough in her face % satisfy him.
II shall escort Monsieur Boiseeeur
10 his carriage. Miss Thorne." be said
calmly. These men viii remain here
until ! return. Take the revolver n
either of them so much az wags hts
1esd-shooti You are not--not
.fraid?"
mo" sho smiled family. II am not
afraid"
Mr.. Grimm and the ambassador
went down the stairs, and out the
front door. Mr. Grimm was Just tnrn.
ing 20 re-enter tho house when from
above came mufhed, veuomous
crs-as-ash!-a shot He took the
steps going up. two at a time Miss
Thorne was leaning against the wall
as II dazed: the revolver lay at hor
teet A door in a far corner OF the
room stood open; and the clatter OF
footsteps echoed through the house
"One Of them leaped at me and
iTed," she gasped In explanation. "He
struck me. but Fm-Im not hurt"
She stopped quickly. picked up the
revolver and made 81 II 20 follow the
dying footsteps. Mr.. Grimm stopped
her
ut doesn't matter" he said quietly
Let them 60" And after n while.
earnestly: III had dreamed OF such
such thing as this ] should never
nave consented to allow you-"
j understand" she interrupted. and
,or ono instant her outstrotched hand
rested on his. arm. "The embassa.
iOrT"
Perfectly safe" responded MI
Grimm. Two OF my men are with
him"
CHAPTER XIV