Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1915-12-31

NCiNOmt. edlu
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 us?"
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?"
u 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,
mademoise,le. 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 DO used as evidence"
Count Frederick turned suddenly
toward Kitty, 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, beckcning to
them to fellow him.
The little group passed along the
walk to the open curb Of the street.
1t 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 me to step to the cor
ner to summon carriage for these
two eXcellencies?"
The captain OF gendarmes hesltated
for halfinstant, frowned. and then
nodded.
Naturally, you only do your duty,
monsieur captain" suggested Roleau.
but excellencies like these must not
walk. Excuse me, them"
Those 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
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 the safety Of his
more important captlves. While they
paused they heard the quick wheels
OF taxicab which drew up before
them. After all, 1t was an open ques-
ton what had been Roleaus intent,
for certainly he had ordered this vehi-
Gle to come hither. Making the best
Of the matter, the captain Of gend. !
armes motioned for his prisoners to
enter the c,'
Kitty turned to the silent man who
sat at her side, Count Frederick laid
4 finger to his lips, counseling silence.
and gazed straight on ahead.
Thus, silent and aloot. they arrived
as prisoners at the grand entrance Of
tbs Hotel Ritz.
Kitty found herself face to face with
a large man In full uniform, a 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.
lex Of GretzhofPen?"
Merely as ultimate suspicion"
stammered the captain I'VE found
him in company with this young won.
an, In whose room the crime was com.
mitted. This other" he pointed to
Count sachio, ALSO seems to have
known this young woman"
who are you, them" demanded the
project OF Count Sachio.
II am Count sachio Of Grahatfen,"
replied the latter, none too happy at
the situation in which he found him.
self
Might suggest to monsieur lie
project that we hasten" interrupted
Count Frederick gently enough
The project had seen many women.
not all OF them innocent He smiled
grimly enough now as he noticed the
beauty of the young girl. who stood
pale and not wholly collected In all
this turmoil. The girl now turned to
him, and for the first time spoke.
Monsieur lie project" said she, you
cannot make guilt out of innocence.
| can prove to you by this clerk and
all these others that was absent
from the hotel for several days. When
came back it was but for a short
time. was absent when this crime
was discovered How can you cen
meet me with III Rather connect with
II those who have had access to my |