The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-01-25
[copyriant, ta1o, by Robbs- Merrill company.l

@stly. I feel i'll at eaSe in acrepting SOur splendid hospitality. I'm an inter ioper. haven't even the claim of an ordinary introduction. It has been very, very kind of you
 You know Mrs. Coldfeld. I will, if you wish it, ask her to present you to me-"
 ''I am really serious."
 ''SO am l."
 "Yhey will be here tomorrow?"
 "Yes. And in four days we sail. Oh. it is all so beautiful! A real treasure hunt''
 Ut does not seem possible that I have been here a week. 1t has been a long time since l enjoyed myself SO thoroughly. Have you ever wondered what has become of the other man?'
 ''The other man?"
 ''Yes: the other one in or outside the chimney. I've been thinking about him this long while. Hasn't 1t occurred to you that he may have other de vices?''
 If he has be will find that he has waited too long. But 1 would like to know how ne found out You see" trIumphantIy, "he believed that there is one" She shook the rein. for the sleek mare was nOzzllng her shoulder and paving sIightly.S Let us be Ofr."
 She put her small booted foot on his palm and vauIted into the saddle. and he swung on to his mount. He stuff ed his cap into pocket. for he was no fair weather horseman. but loved the jingle of the wind rushing through his hair. and the two cantered down the clear sandy rOad.
 EifzgeraId was light hearted and boylsh. Breitmann was grave and dig n1fied. but in the eyes of each there was force the girl had encountered so seldom as to forget it's being. Brett mann. 1D his capacity as secretary. was not so often ID her company as Fitzgerald: nPvert heIess she was SubtIy attracted toward him. When he was of the mind he could invent a happy compliment with a felicity no IesS faciIe than Fitzgerald. And the puZzIing thing of it all was. both men she kEew from their histories had never been ornaments at garden parties where compliments are current coin. She liked Fitzgerald. but she admired Breitmann. a differentiation which she had no inclination to re- solve into tirst principles. That Brett mann was q secretary for hire drew no barrier in her mind. She had known many gentlemen of fine families who had served in like situa- tons. There were no social distinc- lions. On the other hand. she never felt wholly comfortable with Brett mann. There Was not the least mis- trust in this feeling. IL was rather because she 1nstinctiveIy felt that he was above his occupation. To sum 1t up briefly. Breitmann was difficult 10 understand and Fitzgerald wasn't.
 Fitzgerald had an idea; boldly put. 1t was a grave suspicion. Not once had he forgotten the man in the chim- ney. Once the finger had pointed at Breitmann or some one with whom he was in understanding. This had proved to be EroundIesS. But he kept turning over the Incident and inspect ing it from all sides. There were others a-treasure hunting: persons un- known: and man might easily be- come desperate In the pursuit of 2.IH)O.- GOO francs, almost half a million of American money. more. for some of these coins would be rare. He had thoroughly searched the ground out side the cellar window. but the sea gravel held it's secret with tPnacity as battling aS the mot her sea herself. There was a new under groom. or rather there had been. He had left. and where he had gone no one knew. Fitzgerald dismissed the thought of him: at the most he could have been out m accomplice. one to unlock the cellar window.
 While Rreitmann fingered near Laura. offering what signs of admira- hoD he dared. and. while the admiral chatted to his country neighbors who were gathered round the tea table. Fitzgerald and M. Ferraud were brac- ed against the terrace wall. a few yards farther on. and exchanged views on various peoples.
 America is wonderful country" said M. Ferraud. when they had ex- hausted half a dozen topics. He spread out his hands. Frencnman wise.
 ''SO if is Fitzgerald threw away his cigarette and quietly caught the other by the wrist and turned the palm.
 Nj. Ferrn ud looked into his face with an astoniShmPnt on his own. most genuine. But he did not struggle. "Why do you do rhat?'
 ''I am curious. Mir. Ferraud. when l see hand like this. Would you mind letting me see the other%
 Mot In f1e leuSt-' RI. Ferraud oReF- ed the Othec hand.
 Fitzgerald let go. "what was your objectT'
 What object?"
 F'itzgeraId lowered his voice. HNha was your object in digging holes il wonder chimney? Did you know whn was tberef And what do you propos Et, dO novv?"
 Nj. Ferrand coolly took off his spec tGcles and polished the lenses. It need ed but a moment to adjust them That are you talking about?'
 You are really M Ferraud?'' said $he young man coIdly.
 The FrenchmaD produced a wallet ] and took out a letter It was written l