The Washington times., 1915-08-22
KITTY AND FREDERICK.
wE& HELD

rs it so?" grinned Roleau savaEely,
his own mind upon the main situation
Of menace to his mistress. There are
things which even matters quickly,
master. But as for this. l won't argue
now. 1t is your own safety demands
1t. Listen, the men are coming-the
ofiicers-don't you hear thcm?"
Who are coming?'
The gendarnes. There is charge
Of murder. They are after you. they
are coming to search this house. II
they find you with her. trapped. what
will they do? Open. master, quickly,
beg of you. IT is for the sake Of her
and Yourself"
What do you mean, man." de-
randed the count. "On what charge do
they come by what right do they enter
my house,"
Il heard them call something about a
charge of murder. master. They have
your men. below. helpless arrested.
ruined If they find us here"
Il do not run said Count Freder-
ick. slowly. III there is such a charge
as this. certainly we shall meet 1t. for
1t is our purpose as well as theirs to
find who are guilty.
Come now" he turned to Kitty as
he drew the key of the lock from his
pocket, you have once more. by vir-
tue Of this exigency, mademoiselle,
conquered me. I must set you free
for time. Fate seems to fight with
you. Later We will resume our argu-
says has justice in it. We must not be
found here thus"
He flung open the iron grille. Kitty
spranS down the steps. clung to the
arm of Roleau. A flush came to Count
Frederick's face as he saw how she
avoided himself There was, however,
no time for further speech. The sound
of rapid footballs came down the hall,
The captain of gendarmes and his men
were at the door.
"Messieurs. welcome" said Count
Frederick. But why are you here?"
Monsieur lie comte, We ask pardon
for the intrusion. but We must ask you
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 our
company. monsieur captain? Is there
any charge against u.s."
There is a 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?"
answered the object of his SUSPICION.
This is my servant. Roleau. Who are
you?"
We are Of the imperial police. made
molStle. your residence Is at the
Hotel Ritz. Is 1t not?"
Yes, and why not? am returning
there now"
quite right, mademoiselle. but with
U.S."
with you. why?"
Because, mademoiselle. II is YOU
whom we seek more than any other.
| 4 murder has been done in your room
| TT the Ritz Hotel. Naturally someone
| is under suspicion. Let me caution
| both You and Count Frederick not Ia
| speak. What you say may be used as
| evidence"
| Count Frederick turned suddenly to-
ward Kitty. warning In his eyes She
| stood, therefore, silent, looking at the
man.
u will go with you" seid she n,
length. "Of course, all this is perfectly
| uhsur6"
! Suddenly n tide Of anger seemed In
| rise in the soul OF tie nobleman as he
cont"mploted the possible consequences
of tbs situation.
| What do you mean. sir?" he de-
manded Of the captain. "As for me,
go. OF course because IL is nothing
| But | have the authority to demand
| freedom for all my people, all my
family. Here are two this man and
mademoiselle."
Indeed" smiled the captain.
| II have said it,"
She is under your protection. mon
| seur lie comte?"
| "Yes." Count Frederick's voice wa.
quiet. and he faced the officer nrmly