Arizona republican., 1911-01-28
By E. Phillips Oppenheim-Thel Little
 Lady from SerVia.
(Copywright, 1909. by the Pearson Pub
 fishing Co.)
(ConfisssI /yon tesfrrGaJ)

 in his dress. very stiff in his carriage, with a not unpleasant face, was stand ing talking to Jermyn and his com panion Jermyn, who apparently found the intrusion an annoyance. was listening to the conversation between the two. with frown upon his face and a general attitude of irritation. As Lady Mary and her escort drew near, the reason for the young Amert- cans annoyance became clearer-his two companions were talking softly, but with great animation, in foreign language, which 1t was obvious that he did not understand. Peter Ruff s elbow pressed against his partners ! arm. and their pace slackened. He ventured. even, to pause for mo- ment. looking into the ballroom as though in search of some one, and he had by no means the appearance of a man likely to understand Hungarian. Then. to Lady Mary's surprise, he touched the Count Won Hern on the shoulder and addressed him.
 "I beg your pardon, sir" he said, but fancy that we accidentally ex- changed programs. few minutes ago. at the buffet. I have lost mine and | picked up one which does not belong ! to me. As We were standing side by ] side. it is possibly yours." "I believe not. sir." he answered. with that pleasant smile which had gone such a long way toward winning | him the reputation of being good ! fellow" amongst a fairly large circle of friends. "I believe, at any rate. ! he added, glancing at his program. that this is my own. You mistake me. probably, for some one else"
 Peter Ruff, without saying a word, was actor enough to suggest that he was unconvinced. The Count good humoredly held out his program.
 You shall see for yourself" he re- marked That is not yours, is 1t? Besides. have not been to the buffet | at all this evening"" | Peter Ruff cast swift glance down | the program which the Count had handed him. Then he apologized pro- ! fusely.
 "I was mistaken" he admitted. "I am very sorry"
 The Count bowed.
 "It is of no consequence, sir" he said. and resumed his conversation. Peter Ruff passed on with Lady | Mary At a safe distance, she glanced at him inquiringly.
 It was his program l wanted to i sec" Peter Ruff explained. It is as i I thought. He has had four dances with the Countess"
 "Who is she?" Lady Mary asked. quickly.
 The little dark lady with whom he | is talking now" Peter Ruff contin- ued. He seems, too, to be going | early. He has no dances reserved after ! the twelfth. We will go downstairs at once, if you please, l must speak to your brother"
 Have you been able to think of ! anything?" she asked. anxiously. '" Is there any chance at all do you think? ' -s.I believe so." Peter Run answered. "It is most interesting. Don't be too sanguine. though. The odds are ! against us, and the time is very short. Is the driver of your electric brougham to be trusted?"
 Absolutely" she assured him. He is an old servant"
 "Will you lend him to me-" Peter | Ruff asked, "and tell him that he is I to obey my instructions absolutely?
 "Of course" she answered. You are going away, then?,"
 Peter Ruff nodded. He was little sparing of words just then. The | thoughts were chasing one another 1 through his brain. He was listening too, for the sweep of dress behind.
 "Is there nothing I can do?" Lady Mary begged. eagerly.
 Peter Ruff shook his head. In the distance he saw the Honorable Maurice come quickly toward them. With a firm imperceptible gesture he waved him away.
 me" he said. We can't tell who is behind. What time did you say the Prime Minister was expected?"
 At two o'clock" Lady Mary said anxiously.
 Peter Ruff glanced at his watch. Il was already half an hour past mid night.
 "Very we'll" he said, "I will dc what I can. If my theory is wrong 1t will be nothing. If I am right well. there is a chance, anyhow. Ir the meantime@
 "In the meantime? she repeated breathlessly.
 "Take your brother back to the ball. room," Peter Ruff directed. Make him dance-dance yourself. Dcn't give yourselves away by looking anx ious. When the time Is short-say al a quarter to two-he can come dowr here and wait for me"
 eff you don't come! she exclaimed
 linen we shall have lost" Peter Ruff said, calmly If you don't set me again tonight, you had better reat the newspapers carefully for the nex few days"
 You are going to do something dangerousl 1" she protested. There Is danger in interfering al all in such a matter as this he an swered. but you must remember tha it Is not only my professional is my hobby. Remember. too." he added with a smile. "that l do not ofteI lose!
 For twenty minutes Peter Ruff sa in the remote corner of Lady Mary electric brougham. drawn up at thu other side of the Square. and waited At last he pressed a button. The. glided of Before them was large closed motor-car They started in dis
 erect chase.
 (7e Sf essffsEed1