Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1913-05-08
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a warrant for your arrest"
AS the sheriff advanced toward
| Chatelard, the cornered man turned on
him with a sound that was half hiss.
half an oath. He was like a panther
standing at bay Aleck turned toward
Melanie.
1T seems that you know this man.
Melanie?"
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 a bit
neryously as she added, turning to
Chatelard: But you are the last
man | expected to see here. l sup
pose you are come from my excellent
cousin to find me. Ell? Is that the
case?"
Chatelard's eyes. resting on her,
burned with hate Yes, your High
ness. l am the humble bearer of a
message from Duke Stephen to your
self"
A command for your immediate re-
turn to Krolvetz. Matters of impor-
lance wait you there"
And if / refuse to RETURN
ChatelarGs 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'
kfdnaper, and so / rounded him up
l nabbed him. And here you are ex-
changin' howdy-do. What's the mean
ing of it 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" cried Melanie.
Just SO" agreed Aleck And now
l see why-you scoundrelI" 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 l 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 adj
mired as a singer!" burst out Chate-
lard.
mo doubt! And even you were do
ceived!" Aleck laughed in derision.
But when you take so serious a 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 favorite of her High
nessl" remarked Chatelard
Your memory serves you too we'll"
But Chatelard turned scoffingly to-
ward Agatha You sang it well,
Mademoiselle, very we'll 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 sheriff advanced toward
Chatelard, and again he was warned
off with kissing oath. At the same
moment shadow fell within the other
doorway AS Chatelards glance rest
ed on the. figure standing there, his
ing forefinger
There is the abductor, if 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 is
your man, Mister Sheriff, not l."
The accusation came with such
tone of conviction on the part of the
speaker. that for an instant it 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 sneer in it-"tf,fs lady will tes.
tify that l am right"
Agatha stared with face of alarm
toward the doorway, where Hand
stood stood silent
IF that is true, Miss Redmond" be-
gan the sheriff.
"No--nol" cried Agatha.
He had nothing to do with itYs
questioned the sheriff.
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