The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-08-27
TENTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XXXVlI.
The Missing Victim.

what's all this repeated tne pre-
feet hotly, looking from one to the
other of the group about him. Would
any of you make a mockery Of the
law"
In turn the members of the un.
willing and ill-assorted party gazed at
him and at one another.
Kitty Gray alone seemed to bring
to the situation different point OF
view For just one instant she was
of the belief that some hoax indeed
had been committed here by her serv'
ant, perhaps in the interest of her
self. But the heavy frown of the OIL.
Ger fixed upon her face sobered her
quickly enough.
In turn she cast glance upon Ro
leau and raised her brows in query.
but that faithful soul only shook his
head to signify his own ignorance OF
the nature of this new mystery.
Which of you has undertaken this
sorry Jest" demanded the prefect
again. Come, now, there was muir
der here. The town is afoot over 1t.
And now we come here and are told
there is no murder, or at least no vic
tim of one! Where is the body? You
said you saw the man lying here
He spoke to Roleau.
Your eXcellency so he was re-
piled the latter. He lay here on the
floor-directly where you see this
stain. This man here was bending
over him when caught him. He was
searching for something on the body
1t lay directly here when | left this
room, Monsieur lie Project. That is
all | can say"
The prefect in anger turned to
Blake, the apache leader. What dc
you say" he demanded.
THAT should be set free!" smiled
the latter, showing his ragged teeth
You, woman the chief turned
once more to the incoherent maid who
stood wringing her hands-"what dc
you mean by coming with such an
alarm, when there is no proof OF
need?"
buI l saw MN ilihb N''N'N 80
fioor-there was blood"
But blood alone does not make @
crime. There must be also the body
of the crime itself. We must make
further search. You will all remain
in custody until we have looked fur
ther. You will all 90 with us to the Ho
tel de VILE for the further examina
tion. We must find what bottom there
is to all this"
Il beg your pardon, Monsieur lie
Prefect," here interrupted the deer
voice of the Count Frederick. You
will do nothing of the kind so far as
| am concerned, and so far as this
young woman here is concerned.
The face of the prefect flushed in
surprise. How now, Monsieur le
Comte? You speak somewhat boldly
1t seems to me
There is no need for argument
over it," resumed Count Frederick. Il
was not here, as you well know, when
this crime was alleged to be commit
ted-your men found me elsewhere
almost at the moment of the crime IT.
self. My own people can tell you
where | was all the day before that
moment. Moreover, this young WON
an was not here. as | can testify
she was at my house. AS to this man.
whose name is Roleau, he was a serv-
ant at one time. | cannot say where
he has been all the morning, but he
was in my house, and apparently had
been for some time when your men
arrested us there-this young woman,
myself and him"
True, true" rejoined the official,
but all these things may come out
at the examination"
we are not bound to join you in
this examination rejoined Count
Frederick coldly. so far as this no
bleman OF our sister kingdom is con
cerned II is something of an indiS'
nifty to hold him on any charge which
perhaps may not be made good. Would
YOU think it well for our government
to be obliged to apologize to that oil
Grahoffen at this time2'
The prefect hesitated for an instant
pondering which horn of possible
dilemma would be safest for him. Al
least may call upon his majesty him
self to declare his will" said he at
length. o
Then lose no time" said count
Frederick sternly Il fancy that his
chamberlains, II you use my name. will
carry any message to his majesty from
us at once. We are TO remain here
safely-and you yourself may take up
the question OF the message TO the
palace. Tell his majesty that Count
Frederick OF Gretzhonfen and Miss
Gray OF America are held here, sus'
poets, under so grave and so absurd Q