The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1911-12-16
CHAPTER xIv-(contInued.)

CHAPTER XIV.-(contInued.)
THE house is two blocks west
along that street there" he explained,
and he indicated an iRtersecting thor
oqghfare just ahead. ct is number
ninety-seven- Five minutes after we
enter you will drive up in front of
the door and wait. If we don't return
in fifteen minutes-come In after u.s."
do you anticipate danger?" Miss
ThOrne Queried quickly.
eff I had anticipated danger" re-
piled Mr.. Grimm, 81 should not have
permitted you to come with me-"
They entered the house number
ninety-seYen-with a key which Mr..
Grimm produced, and a minute or so
later walked into a room where three
men were sitting. One of them was
Of a coarse, repulsiVe type, large and
heavy; another rather dapper. OF SUI
perf1cial polish. evidently a foreigner,
and the third-the third was Ambassa-
dor Boisseguri
Good morning, gentlemen" Mr..
Grimm greeted them, then ceremoni-
ously: Monsieur Boissegur, 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 a revolver. Mr..
Grimm faced him placidly.
DO you know what would happen
to you if you killed me?" he inquired,
pleasantly. you wouldn't live three
here blindly? There are a dozen
house-a pistol shot would bring them
in. Put down that gum"
Eyes challenged eyes for one long
tense instant, and the man carefully
laid the weapon on the table. Mr..
Grimm strolIed over and picked 1t up,
after which he glanced inquiringly at
the other mantle ambassadors sec
ond guard.
"And you are the gentleman, 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,
motionless.
Eyes, Monsieur" the ambassador
burst out suddenly. His eyes were
fixed unwaveringly on Miss Thorne.
And your escape. Monsieur?" con-
tinued Mr.. Grimm.
81 did escape, Monsieur. last
night" the ambassador explained,
''but they knew it immedfateIy-th
pursued me into my own house, these
two and another-and dragged me
back here! Non Dieu, Monsieur,
c'est-I"
That's all that's necessary" re-
marked Mr.. Grimm You are free to
go now
''But there are Others" Monsieur
Boissegur interposed desperately,
two more somewhere below, and they
will not allow-they will attack"
Mr.. Grimm's Hstless eyes narrowed
slightly and he turned to Miss Thorne.
She was a little white, but he saw
enough in her face to satisfy him
81 shall escort Monsieur Boissegur
to his carriage, Miss Thorne," he said,
calmly. These men will remain here
until I return Take the revolver. If
either of them so much as wags his
head-shoot! You are not-not
afraid?'
mo" She smiled family. 81 am not
afraid"
Mr.. Grimm and the ambassador
went down the stairs, and out the
front door Mr.. Grimm was just turn
ing to Fe-enter the house when from
above came a muffed, venomous
cra-as-ashi-a shoti He took the
steps going up, two at a time. Miss
Thorne was leaning against the wall
as II dazed; the revolver lay at her
feet a door in a far corner of the
room stood open; and the clatter Of
footsteps echoed through the house.
"One of them 1eaped at me and
fred" she gasped in explanation. HE
struck me, but Pm-Pm not hurt"
She stopped quickly, picked up the
revolver and made as IL to follow the
dying footsteps. Mr. Grimm stopped
her.
''It doesn't matter" he said quietly.
Let them co. And after a while,
earnestly: IF I had dreamed Of such
a thing as this should never
have consented to allow you-s
i understand" she interrupted, and
for one instant her outstretched hand |
rested on his arm 1.-The amHassa-
dor?'
Perfectly safe" responde6 Mr..
Grimm Two Of my men are with |
him"