The Washington times., 1915-07-04


They call me Roleau, Mademoiselle.'
Kitty Gray turned yet more closely to
him, gazed straight into his eyes.
"Then why not enlist with me? Surely
we have a common cause. We have a
common enemy. Would 1t be wrong
did you and l league against him?''
you ask me, then
ITO be my friend, my ally"
Surely / owe him no allegiance
further exclaimed Roleau bitterly.
''He struck me like dog"
Yet you and 1 must see him again
what! Would you trust yourself
once more in his presence? You are an
American girl-you are innocent, you are
None the less. If 1 am to go forward
with the business which brought me
here to Gretzhoffen, surely l must at
once more meet the Count Frederick.
divide the risk. Monsieur-with a
The man at her side hesitated no more
than an instant. Very WELL" said he
forfeit many time before now. What
matter? l will go with you as you say.
Indeed. 1 fancy l know why you ask
me to go-they know me at the palace
they will admit US both
Il admit had thought of that. And
I may depend on your
ASK yourself. mademoiselle. You do
not lack shrewdness-make your own
Judgment. Leave the details to mel
know the place only too we'll"
1t was as Roleau had said. When
finally the two drew up to the court
driveway In front of the counts palace,
the great door swinging open promptly.
Passing through one or two smaller
apartments beyond, they at length
paused in a high ceiled room, richly
sconces. 1t seemed to lie deep within
the interior of the palace. About them
lay absolute silence, unbroken even by
g football Roleau closed the door be-
hind him and put a finger to his lips for
''They will listen" he whispered. BE
careful; This is the room where the
times walked about the room, taking
stock Of the surroundings. She knew
not how long a time had passed when
finally she heard an imperious voice in
the hall, a sharp football at the door,
as 1t was flung open without ceremony.
Count Frederick entered.
He was, as has been said, tall man,
Of comma nding presence. and his was
must have arrested the eye of any sur
roundings. He was a handsome man
as he stood. ever, Kitty Gray admitted
that to herself. His rowing eyes, bold.
stirring, fell upon her. insolently, ap-
praising her, item by item, face and
figure. She felt the blood rise to her
showed his strong, white teeth beneath
the sweep of his dark mustache.
'Mademoiselle! ! am charmed! . So
you remember me?"
You may say as much indeed" re-
Joined Kitty Gray, calmly: II saw you
in the carriage this morning.
Had / dared l would have turned
about and followed you. But see. you
have saved save me that trouble. So you
He turned now to Roleau, with no
change IN his countenance to indicate
any recollection of the nature Of their
next room" said he dismssing him
Roleau paused, looking at Kitty. but
"Sit, mademoiselle." said Count Fred
erick, with a half pace forward. as The
door closed. 80 you think you know
me?"
= The insistence of the gray eyes which
followed her every movement cast a
quick, fascinated fear upon the girls
heart. She realized now that her own
fortune depended upon her wits. She
was, indeed. alone.
do not In the least misunderstood
me, Monsieur lie Comte," said she light
ly. MY business is very simple. l
have proposition to make to you-a
business proposition
But ! am not a business man."
Knocked the smiling antagonist who
faced her. He came yet a half step
closer.
Are you so sure?" exclaimed she
suddenly rs there no business in
which you are definitely concerned-in
which also | am definitely concerned?
Then why did you send a messenger
10 follow me in my own country, to
L. - A,f.
late my privacy, even on the steamer"
My man served me but ill-if | may
selle."
That is why I am here-and in his
ger as i know you. Come, let us rsa-
son together over this, Monsieur lie
Comte. Shall it be business or war be-
tween us?"
The sheer audacity OF this speech for
one moment daunted Count Frederick.
The next he broke into a roar of laugh
ter and flung himself into chair.
Admirable said he.
She started away from him. moving
toward the door. II came. Monsieur lie
Comte," said she boldly. ito ask you
what price for the half coin which YOU
seek to hold. Suppose, for instance. that
Gretzhoffen loan were executed for you
finally I'm New York-would that in
tiuence you at all? Come now. let us
reason"
"I am beyond reason I care little
for the sordid side. l value not so
much money as what money brings.
1t could bring me no more than what
fortune has brought me at no cost,
this morning-this very hour"
"Roleauw cried Kitty suddenly. "A
moi! Au secours! Vite"
you waste BREATH" laughed Count
Frederick. He cannot come"
Kitty made one swift dart toward
the door She was too late. The re-
lentless face of her opponent smiled
at her. his strong fingers turned the
key in the lock. removed it, thrust ii
into his pocket. They stood for one
moment gazing each into the others
eyes.
"Mademoiselle." he said calmly. you
say you came on business. Very well.
let us talk business. We know some
thing OF the history OF a certain
broken coin. Very good. You have