The Elbert County tribune., 1915-12-24

Frederick, Roleau and
sprang down the steps, chung 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. welcomei" said Count
Frederick. But why are you here?"
| Monsieur lie copite, 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?"
II 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. warning In his eyes
She stood, therefore, silent. looking at
tia man.
"Mademkiselle is In no case respon-
gible for any of this" said he to the
officer I'VE will all go with you and
conclude this matter as quickly as
possible. We must be released at
once from detention"
The officer turned, beckoning tc
them to follow 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, 81 see
that you guard all the escapes posi-
bic 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, 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
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 a taxicab which drew up before
them. After all, it was an open ques-
tion what had been Roleau's 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 cIr
Kitty turned to the silent man who
sat at her side. Count Frederick laid
a finger to his lips, counseIng silence
and gazed straight on aho-d.
Thus. silent and aloof, they arrived
as prisoners at the grand entrance oi
the Hotel Ritz
Kitty found herself face TO face witt
large man in full uniform. a mar
with heavy beard and merciless eye
who now addressed himself to his
subcrdinate:
''As to this man." he demanded
why have you taken Count Freder
lex of Gretzhofren?"
Merely as ultimate suspicion
stammered this captain. 1--WE found
him in company with this young WON
an, in whose room the crime was com
mitted. This ether" he pointed to
Count Sachio, "also seems to have
known this young woman"