The state herald., 1913-07-11
sherifr Of cn.rlesport county. and have

sheriff OF Charlesport county. and have
q 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?" ft
Yes. 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 q bit
nervously as she added. turning to
Chatelard: But you are the last
man expected to see here. sup
pose you are come from my excellent
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 walt you there"
And II l refuse to return?"
Chatelards 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 bloomin'
kidnaper, and 80 | rounded him up
nabbed him. And here you are ex-
changin' howdy-do. What's the mean
ing of 1t all?''
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.
Just So" agreed Aleck. And now
l see why-you scoundrel!" He turn
ed upon Chatelard with contemptuous
fury. For once you were caught,
Ell? These ladies' are much alike
that is true. So much SO that my
self was taken aback the first time
saw Miss Redmond. You thought
Miss Redmond was the princess-mas-
querading as an opera singer"
Her Highness has always been ad.
mired as = singeri" burst out Chate-
lard.
mo doubt! And even you were do
ceivedl" Aleck laughed in derision.
But when you take 80 serious step
rs 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
nessl" remarked Chatelard.
Your memory serves you too we'll"
But Chatelard turned scofiingly to-
ward Agatha. "YoI sang 1t well.
Niademoiselle. very well. And. rs 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 sheriff advanced toward
Chatelard. and again he was warned
on with kissing oath. At the same
moment n 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 forchnger,
There is the abductor. II any such
person is present at ALL" said he.
That Is the man who stole the lady's
car and ran It TO the dock. He IL
your man. Mister Sheriff, not L.
The accusation came with such a
tone OF conviction on the part OF tho
speaker. that for an instant II confused
the mind OF every one present In tho
pause that followed. Chateiard turned
with an insolent shrug toward
Agatha. This lady" and every word
had a sneer In it-"this lady will ties.
tify that ] am right"
Agatha stared with n face OF alarm
toward the doorway. where Hand
stood stood silent
III that ia true. Miss Redmond" bo.
gan the sheriff.
"No-no," cried Agntha
He had nothing to do with itr
questioned the sheriff.
tro BE coNTINUEDJ