Holbrook argus., 1912-03-19

incidents that happened to
 me on that date. IMu62 0Sl I had returned from kS&9EI mission to foreign court, which 1 had accomplished AG to the great satisfaction of
 his majesty, King Edward VII and was awaiting new summons in my chambers in Hah Moon street, Piccadilly, For tnls reason I did not venture to go far from home, but contented my self with a short walk every atter- noon. On the date have mentioned l was walking homeward about three o'clock in the afternoon when l mo- ticed a crowd collected around shop window. Pushing my way to the front' from curiosity, I perceived that they were watching a mechanical nguei decked out in Indian costume and tur' ban, around whose neck hung card on which was printed an invitation to all and sundry to play chess with the sutomaton.
 Having always prided myself on my chess playing, and having acquired something of reputation at the game when stationed with my regiment in India, it's home and where 1t best Aourishes, I stepped within and sat down at the board opposite the figure, which was, of course, as well knew, merely an automaton manipulated with wires by a player somewhere in the basement of the building. Hardly
 
 fore I perceived that l was matched against a player of no mean ability. The game was hard one, but, just as [ was confident that had my adver- sary at my mercy, by totally unex- pected move he corralled my queen and took her with his bishop. placing me in a position of hopeless inferiority. Piqued at this unexpected ending, l resigned the game and set up the pieces afresh. The same thing hap pened. Again the game went my way; again my queen was hemmed in and taken by the bishop of the automaton. And a third time the same thing oc- cured, nor could I discern in what way I placed my piece in jeopardy.
 had been so intent upon the game that, when I arose to go,1 found eou pie of hours had elapsed. Evening was approaching and Piccadilly lay under a dense white fog. As passed out oi the door a colored attendant, with salaam, handed me a piece of card board on which was written the un signed message:
 'T will play you again."
 That suited me, but for the present must get home to see whether any message had arrived for me from the foreign office. I had groped my way through the fog as far as what thought was the Green park. when momentary lifting disclosed to me tho name of a street totally unfamiliar SC into the wall of an old garden. hat evidently taken some wrong turn ant wandered into what I copjectured wal the neighborhood of the Tottenhau Court road district, or some purlieu O Bloomsbury. While I was debating my next move I was startled to hea a woman's voice whisper into my ear in a manner betokening extreme agi tation:
 ',Do you understand French, nor sieur?'
 At my affirmative answer she aI peared out of the fog and clasped m by the arm. She was of an Orienta cast of features-Greek or Syrian, should have guessed-but her Frencl was precise and idiomatic. Her frs words revealed her status.
 My mistress is sorely in need," sh whispered. "Will you help herr"
 What am I to do?" I rejoinet scrutinizing her carefully.
 She has been Kidnapped. She kept in this house; she has been ther for days. Tonight she may escap before the prince returns from s James, palace if some one will hel her, show her where to go. An. mol sieur will assist; he is 8 gentleman Our need is desperate"
 My curiosity had almost overcon my prudence when the woman fair dragged me through the gate of tf garden, across a tiled pavement, ar into the fogbound recesses of g ancient house, apparently mfurnishe up several flights of stairs, until stood before a door on the top stor She knocked twice and waited; su denly the door was flung open fro within, disclosing a light so dazzlil that my eyes, accustomed to the o scurity of the dim street, were for moment half blinded,
 A woman stood before me, of t same cast of features as the maid, b of an hauteur as of one born to col mand, which quickly demonstrated me their relative positions. As 8 stood in the entrance of the brilliant lighted room, which was richly q peted and furnished with wonderi hangings of tho sillziest texture, q furniture inlaid with mother-of-pea she appeared to have been struggli with that bane of civilized life-pat