The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1913-02-26

fore him toward the door leading in
to the hall. AS the stranger turned,
his glance fell on sallie, still carving
her veal loaf. Idiot" he said dis
gustedly.
well, / haven't been caught yet,
anyhow" said Sallie grimly.
Chamberlain's voice interrupted her.
"This way, and then the first door on
the right. Make haste, II you please,
Monsieur Chatelard.'
At the name, the stranger turned,
standing at bay, but Chamberlain was
at his heels. you see, l know your
name. It was supplied me at the
reading room. Here-on the right
quickly!"
The hall was dim, almost dark, the
only light coming from the open door
way on the right. Whether he wished
or no. Monsieur Chatelard was forced
to advance into the range of the door
way; and once there, he found him
| self pushed unceremoniously into the
room.
1t was a large, cool room, lined with
bookcases. Near the middle stood an
oblong table covered with green felt
and supporting an old brass lamp.
Four people were in the room, besides
the two newcomers. Aleck Van Camp
was on a low step-ladder, just in the
act of handing down a book from the
top shelf. Near the stepladder two
women were standing, with their
backs toward the door Both we're in
white. both we're tall, and both had
abundant dark hair. One of the
French windows leading out on to the
porch was open, and just within the
sill stood the man from Charlesport.
Here's a wonderful book-a rare
one-the record of that famous Latin
controversy" Aleck was saying, when
he became conscious Of the entrance
Of Chamberlain and a stranger.
"Ah, hello, Chamberlain, that you?"
he cried. Agatha and Melanie, turn
ing suddenly to greet Chamberlain,
simultaneously encountered the SIM
let gaze of Chatelard. 1t was fixed
first on Melanie, then on Agatha, then |
lCIul utu W AhCAdllG VIII an dthtu
increment of rage and bafflement.
Sol" he sneered. Il find you after
all, Princess Auguste Stephanie of |
Krolvetz! Consorting with these
these swine!"
Melanie looked at him keenly, with |
hestating suspicious. 'Ah! Duke |
Stephens cats paw! l remember |
you-well!" But before the words |
were fairly out of her mouth, Agathas |
voice had cut in: Mr.. Van Camp, |
that is he! That is he! The man on
the Jeanne d Arc!"
1--WE thought as much" answered
Chamberlain. That's why he is
here"
I'VE only wanted your confirmation
of his identity" said the man who had
been standing by the window, as he
came forward. Monsieur Chatelard,
you are to come with me. j am the
sheriff of Charlesport county, and have
a 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 a panther
standing at bay. Aleck turned toward
Melanie
1T seems that you know this man,
Melanie?"
"Yes, l 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
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"
And that message is"
"A command for your immediate re-
turn to Krolvetz. Matters of impor-
lance wait you there"
And if ! 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 so l rounded him up
l nabbed him. And here you are ex-
changin howdy-do What's the mean
ing of it all?"
AS he speak. 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!"
Vo,,tD au;o1