The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-08-11

For the reason that you are Mr.
tell you the truth. did take the re-
volver because l knew who had fred
the shot. Believe me when / 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 while Mr.. Grimm nodded.
"The revolver is beyond your reach
and shall remain SO" she resumed.
According to your laws I suppose
am an accomplice That is my mis-
fortune 1t will in no way alter my
determination to keep silent. If am
arrested / can't help it." She studied
his face with hopeful eyes. "Am to
be arrested?"
Where Is the paper that was taken
from Senior Alvarez Immediately after
he was shot?" Mr. Grimm queried.
Il don't know" she replied frankly.
"As l understand it, then, the mo-
tive for the shooting was to obtain
possession of that paper? For your
governments"
| "The Individual who shot Senior AL
vare2 did obtain the paper, yes And
now, please, am to be arrested?"
"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
Thorne in mock establishment "You
read that?"
"And the man who read that mes
sage? Perhaps he shot the senor?"
PERHAPS" she tainted.
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 it?' he
demanded.
THAT is my affair"
Mr.. Grimm laid a hand upon her
arm. 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 the portieres behind
him clicked sharply, and the draperies
parted. Mr.. Grimm stood motionless,
with his hand on Miss Thorne's arm.
''You were inquiring a moment ago
for revolver" came in mans voice.
Here it ISL
Mr. Grimm found himself inspecting
the weapon from the barrel end. Aft
er moment his glance shifted to the
blazing eyes of the man who held it
a young man, rather slight, with clean
cut, aristocratic features; and of the
pronounced Italian type.
my God!" The words came from
Miss Thorne's lips almost in a scream
"Don't-i"
81 did make some inquiries about
revolver, yes Mr.. Grimm interrupted
quietly. us 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.
Il shall ask you, please, to free Miss
Thorne," he requested courteously. Il
shot Senior Alvarez. I, too, am 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 it.
She took the weapon and escaped be-
cause 1t was mine. Here Is the paper
that was taken from Senior Alvarez"
and he offered sealed envelope. II
have read it; it is not what expected.
You may return it to Senior Alvarez
with my compliments"
After moment Mr.. Grimm's hand
fell away from Miss Thorne'ss arm,
and he regarded the newcomer with
an interest in which admiration, even,
played part.
"Your manner" he asked finally.
"Pietro Petrozinni,'' was the ready
reply. "As 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 amicable converse
ton. Half an hour later Senior All.
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.
Cro BE CoNTINuED.y