The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1915-09-24

sprang down the steps, chung to tn
arm of Roleau. A flush came to Coun
Frederick's face as he saw how sh
| avoided himself. There was, how
ever, no time for further speech. Tn
sound of rapid footballs came dow
the hall. The captain of gendarme
and his men were at the door.
"Messieurs, welcomed" said Coun
Frederick. "But why are you here?'
Monsieur lie comte, we ask pardon
for the intrusion, but we must ask yol
to join u.s." replied the officer. He
was impressed by the calm dignity Of
Count Frederick, as had been more
than one man before his time.
For what reason do you desire oul
company. monsieur captain? Is there
any charge against us?"
There is charge of great severity
to be laid against someone, monsieur
lie comte. We ask your aid to deter.
mine who that one may be. This
young woman, who is she?"
IT am Miss Kitty Gray of America -
answered the object of his suspicion.
"This is my servant, Roleau. Who are
you?"
I'VE are Of the imperial police,
mademoiselle. A murder has been
done in your room at the Ritz hotel.
Naturally someone is under suspicion.
Let me caution both you and Count
Frederick not to speak What you
say may be used as evidence"
Count Frederick turned suddenly
toward Kitty, a warning in his eyes.
She stood, therefore, silent, looking at
the man.
"Mademoiselle is in no case respon-
sible for any of this" said he to the
officer. 1--WE will all go with you and
conclude this matter as quickly as
possible. We must be released at
once from detention"
The officer turned, reckoning to
them to follow him.
The little group passed along the
walk to the open curb of the street.
{ was Roleau who hesitated here, ad-
dressing the captain of gendarmes.
Monsieur captain" said he, 81 see
hat you guard all the escapes possi
Die to any guilty man. You will
therefore allow me to step to the cor
Ter to summon a carriage for these
wo excellencies
The captain of gendarmes hesitated
or a halfinstant, frowned, and then
lodded.
Naturally, you only do your duty, |
monsieur captain" suggested Roleau, |
but excellencies like these must not |
yalk. Excuse me, then"
Those who fingered for an instant |
aw Roleau walk leisurely toward the |
orner. raise his hand as though in
ignal, and then break into a run.
wait" exclaimed Count Frederick,
5 he saw the plan of the quick-witted
srvant. eff you leave us we also
light run away We will pick him
D, no doubt Do you tarry here with
J."
In fact the captain of gendarmes.
icing his own party reduced by d.
sions to no more than a couple OF
en- beside himself, hesitated, and
rned TO secure the safety of his
ore important captives. While they
used they heard the quick wheels
a taxicab which drew up before
EN-. After all, it was an open ques-
IN what had been Roleaus intent,
+ certainly he had ordered this yehi-
, to come hither Making the best {
the matter, the captain Of gend-
mes motioned for his prisoners to
ter the car
Kitty turned to the silent man who (
. at her side. Count Frederick laid t
niger to his lips, counseling silence. 8
4 gazed straight on ahead.
Thus, silent and aloof, they arrived '
prisoners at the grand entrance of
, Hotel Ritz. 8
Kitty found herself face to face with b
arKe man in full uniform, man 0
b Z heavy beard and merciless eye,
o now addressed himself to his n
'ordinate: q
Az to this man." he demanded, a
~ have you taken Count Freder- Il
Of Gretshoffen?" N
as ultimate suspicion"
tho captain. I'VE found d
in company with this young WON fe
In whose room the crime was COM t.
ted. This other" he pointed to G
mt Sachio, ALSO seems to have
wn this young woman "