Arizona republican., 1911-02-12

thing approaching sentiment in hii
tone-and those few times had beer
when he had spoken of another
woman.
Why not?" she asked, eagerly.
Peter Ruff looked out into the black
ness, through the glittering arc Of
lights, and perhaps for once he sui
fered his fancy to build for him vi
sions OF things that were not of earth
If so, however, 1t was moment
which swiftly passed. His reply was
in sense as matter-of-fact as his
usual speech.
Because" he said, 81 do not ex
actly see the end of my present ex
pedition-I do not understand its OBJ
ject"
You have some apprehension?
she asked.
None at ALL" he answered. Why
should |? There is an unwritten bar
GAIN" he added, a little more slowly
Ito which / subscribed with our
friends here, and have certainly kept
it. In fact, the balance is on my side
There is nothing for me TO fear"
The train erept into the Care du
Nord. and they passed through the
usual routine of the Customs House
Then, in an omnibus, they rumbled
slowly over the cobblestones, through
the region of barely lit streets and un.
tidy cafes, down the Rue Lafayette.
across the famous Square and into the
Rue de Riyoli.
Our movements" Peter Ruff re-
marked dryly, are too well known for
US to attempt to conceal them. We
may as well stop at one of the large
hotels. II Will be more cheerful for
you while | am away"
They engaged rooms at the Cont
mental Miss Brown, whose apart
ments were in the wing Of the hotel
overlooking the gardens, assembled at
once to her room. Peter Ruff. who had
chosen small suite on the other side.
soda. A man touched him on the ell
bow.
For Monsieur" he murmured, and
vanished.
Peter RUIZ turned and opened the
note. 1t bore faint perfume, 1t had
a coronet upon the flap of the en-
yelope, and it was written in a deli
cate feminine handwriting.
Dear Mr.. Ruff:
If you are not too tired with your
journey, win you call soon after one
o'clock to meet some old friends?
Blanche de Maupassim."
Peter Ruff drank his whisky and
soda, went up to his rooms, and made
careful toilet. Then he sent page
up for Violet, who came down within
a few minutes. She was dressed with
apparent simplicity in high-necked
gown, large hat ard a single rope OF
pearls. In place of the usual gold
purse, she carried a small white satin
bag. exquisitely hand-painted. Every
thing about her bespoke that elegant
restraint SO much a feature of the
Partisan woman of fashion herself
Peter Ruff, who had told her to pre-
pare for supping out, was at first
struck by the simplicity of her attire.
Afterwards, he came to appreciate its
perfection.
They went to the Cafe de Paris,
7here they were the first arrivals.
People. however, began to stream in
before they had finished their meal.
and Peter Ruff. comparing his COM
Qntnnfo with tho
famboyant charms of these ladies
from the Opera and the theaters, be-
gan to understand the numerous
glances OF admiration which the Inn
questionable Frenchmen SO often
turned In their direction. There was
between them, toward the end of the
meal, something which amounted al
most to nervousness.
You are going to keep your ap-
pointment tonight, Peter?" his COM
panion asked.
Peter Ruff nodded.
AS soon as have taken you home"
he said. Il shall probably return
late. so we will breakfast here to-mor-
twelve. / will send a note to your
foOM HucH an Itduy.
She looked him In the eyes.
Peter" she said. supposing that
note doesn't comet"
He shrugged HIS shoulders.
My dear Violet" he said. you and
Tor rather |, for you are not con-
cerned in this-live a life which Is a
little different from the lives of most
Of the people around us. The million
pay their taxes. and they expect police
protection in times of danger For
me there is no such. resource My life
has its own splendid compensations. |
have weapons with which to fight any
ordinary danger. What | want TO ex-
plain to you is this-that If you hear
no more OF me, you can do nothing.
IL that note does not come to you in
the morning, you can do nothing. Wait
here for three days. and after that 90
back to England. You will find a let
ter on your desk, telling you there ex-
actly what to do"
You have something In your mind"
she said, of which you have not told
me-"
have nothing" he answered.
firmly. Upon my honor, l know of
no possible cause of offense which our
friends could have against me. Their
summons is, will admit, somewhat
extraordinary, but go to obey It abb
solutely without fear. You can sleep
well. Violet. We lunch here to-mor-
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