The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-09-01

really wished to retire-he joined the
Double-Four. Now, perforce. he comes
out in a new guise. His field Of activity
lies In a different sphere, but he Is still
Peter Ruff Just the same-stlll the most
delightful scamp who has been given to
recent fiction. and not altogether a
scamp. az that.
His adventures are told by the master
OF all tellers of mystery tales. There
will be ten stories-each complete in itself.
Here's the sixth. The seventh, entitled
THE Man Behind the Curtain" will ap-
pear next Sunday.
II II is host. very fussy as he al
ways was on the morning of
lis big shoot, came busting
toward Peter, Baron dc
Grost, with piece OF paper in his
hand The party of men had Just de-
scended from large brake and were
standing about on the edge of the conn.,
mon, examining cartridges, smoking a
: last cigarette before the business of the
morning, and chatting together over
the prospects of the days sport. In
the distance, cloud of dust indicated
the approach Of fast-traveling motor
Car.
My dear Baron" Sir William
Bounderby said. Il want you to change
your stand to-day. ! must have good
man at the far corner as the birds go
off my land from there, and Adding
ton was missing them shockingly yes
terday. Besides, there is a new man
coming on your left and / know moth
ing of his shooting-nothing at all"
Peter smiled.
Anywhere you choose to put me,
Sir William he assented. They came
abdiy for Arlington yesterday, and
well for me. However, I'll do my best."
Il wish people wouldn't bring
strangers, especially to the one shoot
where I'm keen about the bag. | told
Portal he could bring his brother-in-
law, and he's bringing this foreign fell
low instead Don't suppose he can
shoot for nuts! Did you ever hear of
him, | wonder? The Count Won Hern,
he calls himself"
The motor car had come to stand
still by this time. From it descended
Mr.. Portal himself, a large neighbor-
ing landowner. a man of culture and
travel. With him was Bernadine, i'll
a very correct shooting suit and Ty-
lOlSSC ndl OIl SluC VI MI.
Portal was a short, thick-set man, with
black mustache and imperial, and SOM
berry dressed in city clothes: Sir Will
Jams eyebrows were slightly raised
was at once profoundly interested.
Mr.. Portal introduced MS guests.
You will forgive me, am sure. for
hrTr, rhtr" he
said Maj kosuth, whom / have the
honor to present-Maj. Kosuth, Sir
William Bounderby-is high up in the
diplomatic service of a country with
whom we must feel every sympathy
the Young Turks. The Count Won Hern,
who takes my brother-in-law's place, is
probably known to you by name"
Sir William welcomed his visitors
cordially.
You do not shoot, Maj. Kosuth: :" he
asked.
Very seldom" the Turk answered.
Il come to-day with my good friend,
Count Won Hern. as spectator, il you
permit
Delighted" Sir William replied.
We will find you safe place near
YOUR friend"
The little patty began to move to-
ward the wood. 1t was just at this
moment that Bernadine felt touch
upon his shoulder, and turning around,
found Peter by his side
An unexpected pleasure, my dear
Count, the latter declared suavely. Il
had no idea that you took interest in
such simple sports
The manners of the Count Won Hern
were universally quoted as being al
most too perfect. 1t is a regrettable
fact. however, that at that moment he
swore-softlv. perhaps, but with dis
tinct vehemence. A moment later he
was exchanging the most cordial of |
greetings with his old friend.
You have the knack, my dear De !
Grost," he remarked. ''of turning up
in the most surprising places. ! GER
tainly did not know that among your |
many accomplishments was included a |
love for field sports"
Peter smiled quietly. He was a very |
fine shot, and knew it.
One must amuse oneself these days"
he said. There is little else to do"
Bernadine bit his lip.
My absence from this country, |
fear has robbed YOU Of an occupation"
1t has certainly deprived life of
some OF lis SAVIOR" Peter admitted, |
blandly "By.-the-bye, will you not pre-
sent me to your friend: | have the ut
most sympathy with the intrepid po-
litical party of which he is a member.
The Count Won Hern performed the
introduction with reluctance which he
wholly failed TO conceal The Turk,
however. had been walking on his Other
side, and his hat was already lifted
Peter had purposeiy raised his voice.
1t gives me the greatest pleasure
Maj. Kosuth," Peter said, TO welcome
you TO this country. In common. be-
licvc, with the majority of my coun-
trypeople, / have the utmose respect
and admiration for the movement which
you represent"
Beruadine interviewed promptly.
See. We are approaching the wood"
he said. 1T is as well here to refrain
from conversation"
Eve will resume it later" Peter said
softly. Il have interests in Turkey, and
il would give ME great pleasure 10 have
a talk with Maj. Kosuth."
Financial interests?" the latter in
CURED, with some eagerness.
Peter nodded
Il will explain after the first drive"
he said, turning away.
Peter walked rather quickly until he
reached bend in the wood He over
took his host on the way, and paused
for a moment.