Rocky Ford enterprise., 1913-04-25
sherifr of charlesport county. and have

sheriff of Charlesport county. and have
warrant for your arrest"
AS the sheriff advanced toward
Chatelard, the cornered man turned on
him with sound that was half hiss.
half an oath. He was like panther
standing at bay. Aleck turned toward
Melanie.
1T seems, that you know this man.
Melanie?"
"Yes, I know him-to my sorrow"
What do you know of him?"
He is the paid spy of the Duke
Stephen, my cousin. He does all his
dirty work" Melanie laughed a bit
nervously as she added. turning to
Chatelard: But you are the last
man ! expected to see here. sup
cousin to find me, eh? Is that the
case?"
Chatelard's eyes. resting on her.
burned with hate. Yes. your High
ness. l am the humble bearer of
message from Duke Stephen to your
self"
| And that message is
"A command for your immediate re-
turn to Krolvetz. Matters of impor-
tance wait you there"
And II / refuse to return?'
Chatelard's shoulders went up and
his hands spread out in that insolent
gesture affected by certain Europeans.
Chamberlain stepped forward impa-
tiently.
Look here, you people" he began.
you told me this chap was a bloomin'
kidnaper, and SO l rounded him up
nabbed him. And here you are ex-
changin' howdy-do, What's the mean
ing of 1T ALP
AS he spoke. Chamberlain's eyes
rested first on Melanie. then on
Agatha. whom he had not seen before
by Jove!" he calculated.
Whom did he kidnap?" questioned
Melanie.
why, me, Miss Reynier," cried
Agatha He stole my car and
drugged me and got me into his yacht
heaven knows why!"
kidnapped, You'll" cried Melanie.
lust So" agreed Aleck. And now
l see why-you scoundrel!" He turn
ed upon Chatelard with contemptuous
fury. For once you were caught.
eh? These ladies' are much alike
that is true. So much SO that I my
self was taken aback the first time
l saw Miss Redmond. You thought
Miss Redmond was the princess-mas-
quorading as an opera singer"
'Her Highness has always been ad'
mired as a singer!" burst out Chute-
lard.
NO doubt, And even you were de-
ceived." Aleck laughed in derision.
But when you take SO serious step
as an abduction, my dear man. be sure
you get hold of the right victim
"She was even singing the very song
that used to be a favorite of her High
ness," remarked Chatelard.
Your memory serves you too we'll"
But Chatelard turned scofiingly to-
ward Agatha. "YoL sang 1t well.
Mademoiselle, very well. And. as this
gentleman asserts. you deceived even
me But you are indiscreet to walk
unattended in the park"
Agatha. unnerved and weak. had
grown pale with fear.
Don't talk with him. Mr.. Van Camp.
he is dangerous. Get him away" she
pleaded.
True, Miss Redmond. We only
waste time. Sheriff"
Again the sheriR advanced toward
Chatelard, and again he was warned
off with kissing oath. At the same
moment a shadow fell within the other
doorway AS Chatelard's glance rest
ed on the figure standing there. his
face cleaned. He pointed an accus-
ing forefnger.
"Thero is the abductor. IL any such
person is present at all" said he.
THAT is the man who stole the lady's
car and ran 1t to the dock. He is
your man, Mister Sheriff, not L.
The accusation came with such a
tone of conviction on the part of the
speaker, that for an instant 1t confused
the mind OF every one present. In the
pause that followed, Chatelard turned
with an insolent shrug toward
Agatha This lady" and every word
had a sneer in it-"this lady will tes-
tify that I am right
Agatha stared with a face of alarm
toward the doorway. where Hand
stood stood silent.
'If that is true. Miss Redmond" be-
gan the sheriff.
"No-no!" cried Agatha
He had nothing to do with it1'
questioned the sheriff.
(To BE coNTINUED)