The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-08-04

Editorial note-Mr. Peter Run made
one big mistake in his career-if he ever
really wished to retire-he Joined the
Double-Four. Now. perforce. he comes
put of retirement. It is true, he comes
put in a new guise. His field Of activity
lies in different sphere. but he Is still
Peter Run just the same-still the most
delightful scamp that has been given TO
recent fiction, and not altogether q scamp
at that.
His adventures are told by the master
of all tellers Of mystery tales. There VIII
be ten stories-ach complete in itself.
Here's the second. The third. entitled
THE Man from the Old Testament" will
appear next Sunday.
q LONE in the study with fast
~ locked door, Peter, Baron de
4 = Grost, sat reading, word by
word. with jealous care the dispatch
from Paris which had just been deliver
ed into his hands. From the splendid
suite of reception rooms which oecu-
pied the whole of the left-hand side OF
the hall came the faint sound of music.
The street outside was filled with auto
mobiles and carriages setting down their
guests. Madame was receiving tonight
a gathering of very distinguished men
and women, and il was only for few
moments, and on very urgent business
indeed, that her husband had dared to
leave her side.
The room in which he sat was in
darkness except for the single heavily
shaded electric lamp which stood by
his elbow. Nevertheless. there was sui
fcient illumination to show that Peter
had achieved one, at least, of his am
billions. He was wearing court dress,
with immaculate black silk stockings
and diamond buckles upon his shoes:
A red ribbon was in his buttonhole and
a French order hung from his neck
His passion for clothes was certainly
amply ministered to by the exigencies
of his new position. Once more he read
those last few words of this unex-
pectedly received dispatch, read them
with a frown upon his forehead and the
light of trouble in his eyes. For three
months he had done nothing but live
the life of an ordinary man OF fashion
and wealth. His first task, for which,
to tell the truth, he had been anxious
ly waiting. was here before him, and
he found it little to his liking. Again,
he read slowly to himself the last para
graph of Sogrange'S letter.
"As ever, dear friend, one OF the
greatest sayings which the men of my
race have ever perpetrated once more
iustihes itself-'Cherchez Ia femme
OF Monsieur we have no manner OF
doubt, We have tested him IN every
way. And to all appearance Madame
should also be above suspicion. Yet
those things of which l have spoken
have happened. For two hours this
morning | was closeted with Picon here.
Very reluctantly he has placed the mat
ter in my hands. | pass It on to you.
1t is your first undertaking. cher Baron,
and ] wish you bon fortune. A man
OF gallantry, as ! know you are, you
may regret that it should be woman,
and a beautiful woman, too, against
whom the finger must be pointed. Yet,
after all, the fates are strong and the
task is yours. Sogrange.
The music from the reception rooms
grew louder and more distinct. Peter
rost to his feet, and moving to the
fireplace. struck a match and carefully
destroyed the letter which he had been
reading. Then he Strengthened himself,
glanced for a moment at the mirror,
and left the room to join his guests
Monsieur lie baron ,jests," the lady
murmured.
The Baron de Grost shook his head.
Indeed, no, Madamep he answered
earnestly. France has offered US moth
ing more delightful in the whole history
of our entente than the loan of your
self and your brilliant husband. Mon
sieur de LambSrne makes history among
Us politically, while Madame
The Baron sighed, and his companion
leaned a little toward him. Her dark
eyes were full of sentimental regard
"Yes?" she rnurmured. Continue. 1t
is my wish" - 80. 8
Il am the good friend of Monsieur de
Lamborne," the Baron said, and in his
tone there seemed to Turk some far
away touch of regret, yet Madame
knows that her conquests here have
been many"
The Ambassadors wife famed her
self and remained silent for a moment,
a faint smile playing at the corners
of her full, curving lips. She was, in
deed, very beautiful woman-elegant,
a Partisan to the finger-tips, with pale
cheeks, but eyes dark and soft, eyes
trained to her service, whose fash was
an inspiration. whose very droop had set
beating the hearts of men less suscep-
tible than the Baron de Grost. Her
gown was magnificent of amber satin,
a color daring but splendid; the out
line of her figure, as she leaned slight
ly back in her seat, might indeed have
been traced by the inspired finger of
some sculptor. De Grost, whose repu-
tation as a man of gallantry was well
established, felt the whole charm of her
presence-felt, too, the subtle indica-
tons of preference which she seemed
inclined TO accord to him. There was
nothing which eyes could say which
hers were not saying during those few
minutes. The Baron, indeed, glanced
around little nervously. His wife had
still her moments of unreasonableness
il was just as well that she was engaged
with party of her guests at the far
Their end of the apartments.
You are trying to turn my head" his
beautiful cOrr1nar1iOn whisncred "YOu