The Springfield herald., 1913-06-06

hesltating suspicious. Ah! Duke
Stephens cats paw! l remember
you-well!" But before the words
were fairly out of her mouth. Agatha's
voice had cut in: "Mr Van Camp
that is he! That is he! The man on
the Jeanne D'Arc!"
I'VE thought as much" answered
Chamberlain. That's why lie In
here"
We 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- am the
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 hlm-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 l 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. am the humble bearer of q
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 IL 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 bloomin'
kidnaper, and so rounded him up
nabbed him. And here you are ex-
changin' howdy-do. What's the mean
ing of it 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 kdnap?" 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
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 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 ad-
mired as a singer!" burst out Chate-
lard.
mo 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 favorite of her High
ness!" remarked Chatelard.
Your memory serves you too we'll. +"
But Chatelard turned scoffingly to-
ward Agatha. You sang 1t we'll.
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 sherin advanced toward
Chatelard. and again he was warned
of with kissing oath. At the same
moment 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 forehnger.
There 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 IL
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 l am right" rsN"tt
Agatha stared with face OF alarm
toward the doorway. where Hand
stood stood silent.
III that is true. Miss Redmond" be-
gan the sheriff.
-.." ."No-no!" cried Agatha.
He had nothing to do with itf~
| questioned the sheriff. f.,G
(ro BE coNT1NUED.)