River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1913-04-17

hesltating suspicious. "Ah! Duh
Stephens cats paw | remember
you-welE" But before the words
were fairly out of her mouth, Agatha's
voice had cut in: MIR Van Camp.
that is he! That is he! The man on
the Jeanne EsArc!"
We thought as much" answered
Chamberlain. That's why he is
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 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, 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 bic
nervously as she added, turning to
Chatelard: But you are the last
man l expected to see here. l sup
pose you are come from my excellent
cousin to find me, Ell? Is that tho
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
lance wait you there"
And if I refuse to return?"
Chatelard's shoulders went up and
gesture affected by certain Europeans.
Chamberlain stepped forward imp3
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 meaQ-
ing Of it all?"
AS he spoke, CAamberlain's eyes
rested first un Melanie, then cn
Agatha, whom he had not seen befoss.
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
I 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 l my
self was taken aback the first time
[ saw Miss Redmond. You thought
Miss Redmond was the princess-nas-
querading as an opera singer"
Her Highness has always been adj
mired as 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 WELL"
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 Chatelard's glance rest
ed on the figure standing there, his
face cleaned. He pointed an accusD
ing forefnger.
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 ia
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 it confused
the mind of every ons present. In the
pause that followed, Chatelard turned
with an insolent shrug toward
Agatha "This lady" and every WORD
had sheer in it-"this lady WIFI tes-
tify that I 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-no!" cried Agatha.
"He had nothing to do with it?'
questioned the sheriff.
CTO BE CONTINUED)
Not Much Disconnected.