The Spectator., 1915-12-28

sprang 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, 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 le comte, we ask pardon for the intrusion, but we must ask you to join us" 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 us?"
 There is charge of great severity to be laid against someone, monsieur le comte. We ask your aid to deter- mine who that one may be. This young woman, who is she?"
 q am Miss Kitty Gray of America" answered the object of his suspicion. This is my servant. Roleau. Who are you?"
 We 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 E'rpHGrick fn 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. We will all go with you and 1 conclude this matter as quickly as possible. We must be released at | once from detention"
 The officer turned, beckoning to 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, II see that you guard all the escapes possi- ble to any guilty man. You will therefore allow me to step to the cor ner to summon a carriage for these two excellencies?"
 The captain of gendarmes hesitated for a half-instant, drowned. and then nodded
 Naturally, you only do your duty, monsieur captain" suggested RCleau. but eXcellencies like these must not walk. Excuse me then?"
 These who fingered for an instant saw Roleau walk leisurely toward the corner. raise his hand as 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 us"
 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 the safety of his more important captives. While they paused they heard the quick wheels of taxicab which drew up before them. After all, 1t was an open ques- tion what had been Roleau's intent, for certainly he had ordered this vehi- cle to come hither. Making the best of the matter the captain of gend- armes motioned for his prisoners to enter the cAr
 Kitty turned to the silent man who sat at her side. Count Frederick laid finger to his lips, counseling silence. and gazed 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 large man in full uniform, q man with heavy beard and merciless eye. who now addressed himself to his subordinate:
 "As to this man." he demanded, why have you taken Count Freder- ick of Gretzhoffen?"
 Merely as ultimate suspicion" stammered the captain. We found him in company with this young wom- an, in whose room the crime was com mitted. This other" he pointed to Count Sachio. "also seems to have known this young woman'