The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1915-12-24

freG0fick, Roleau and
-
sprang down the steps, chung to the
arm Of Roleau. A flush came to Count
~Frederiek's face as he saw how she
avoided himself. There was, how
ever, 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 Fredcric1, rs bad been more
ta. la ono nial before his time,
"For what reason do you desire our
company, monsieur captain! IL there
any charge against u.s."
There is a charge OF great severity
to 10 laid against someone, monsieur
le ccmte. We ask your aid to deter
mine who that one may be. This
young woman, who is she!"
II am Miss Kitty Gray of America"
answered the object of his suspicion.
This is my servant, Roleau. Who are
your"
I'VE are OF the imperial police,
nademoiselle. 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 bs used as evidence"
Count Frederick turned suddenly
toward Kitty, q warning in his eyes.
She stood. therefore, silent, looking at
the man.
"Madcmoiselle 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 1t
once from detention"
The officer turned, beckoning t.
them to follow him.
The little group passed along the
walk to the open curb OF the street.
It was Roleau who hesitated here, ad-
dressing the captain OF gendarmes.
Monsieur captain" said he, Il see
that you guard all the escapes posi-
BILE to any guilty man. You will
therefore allow ms to step to the cor
ner to summon a carriage for these
two excellencies?'
The captain Of gendarmes hesitated
for a half-instant, frowned, and then
nodded.
Naturally, you only do your duty,
monsieur captain suggested Rolcau,
"but e~xcellencies like these must not
walk. Excuse me, them"
Those who fingered for an instant
saw Roleau walk ieisure!y toward tbs
corner. raise his hand rs though in a
signal, and then break into a run.
wait" exclaimed Count Frederick,
as he saw the plan OF the quick-Witted
servant. If you leave us we also
might run away. We will pick him
up, no doubt. Do you tarry here with
u.s."
In fact the captain Of gendarmes,
seeing his own party reduced by di-
visions to no more than a couple OF
men beside himself. hesitated. and
turned to secure tie safety Of his
more important captives. While they
paused they heard the quick wheels
Of a taxicab which drew up before
them. ASSsr Ill, 1t was an open Ques-
ton what had been Roleau's intent,
for certainly he had ordered this vehi-
Gle to come hither. Making tho best
Of the matter, the captain Of gend-
armes motioned for his prisoners to
enter the a
Kitty turned to the silent man who
sat at her side. Count Frederick laid
a finger to his lips, counselil,s silence.
and gaEed straight on ahead.
Thus. silent and aloof, they arrived
as prisoners at the grand entrance Of
the Hotel Ritz.
Kitty found herself face to face with
q large mar in full uniform, = man
with a heavy beard and merciless BYE,
who now addressed himself to his
subordinate:
AS to this man." he demanded,
why have you taken Count Freder-
lex Of Gretzho1en!"
Merely AZ ultimate suspicion"
stammered the captain. I'VE found
him in company with this young wom-
an, in whose room the crime was COM
mitted This other hs pointed to
Count sacAio. ALSO seeu1a - have
fnApNrn - pMGa N0Mnm