The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1916-05-17
CHAPTER XIV.
Three MESSAGES.

N tell young man emerged from
n the entrance, stared at him
for an instant and then swung
off at a rapid pace in the direction Of
the Rue de la Paix. He was the good
looking young fellow who had met
her at the steamship landing. and it
was quite obvious that he had been
making Investigations on his own ac-
count.
Robin permitted himself a sly grin
as he sauntered into the hotel. He
had given that fellow something TO
worry about. if he had accomplished
nothing else. Then he found himself
wondering if by any chance it could
be the Scoville fellow. That would be
q facerl
He found Quinnox and Dank await
ing him in the lobby. They were Wis
IDLY excited.
"Did you observe the fellow who
just went out?" inquired Robin, as
suming a most casual manner.
dyes" said both men in unison.
81 think we've got some interesting
news concerning that very chap"
added the count, glancing around un-
easily.
"Perhaps | may be able to antici-
pate it, count" ventured Robin. give
an idea he is young Scoville. the chap
who is supposed to be in love with
Miss Blithers-and vice versa" he
concluded, with chuckle.
"What have you heard?" demanded
the count in establishment.
"Let's sit down" said Robin, at
once convinced that he had stumbled
upon an unwelcome truth.
Quinnox gravely extracted two or
three bits of paper from his pocket
and spread them out in order before
his sovereign.
"Read this one first" said he
grimly.
1t was a cablegram from their finan-
cial agents in New York city, and 1t
said:
Mr.. b. making a hurried trip to Paris
Just learned ScOvlle preceded Miss Il. to
Europe by fast steamer and has been seen
with her in Paris. i. fears an elopement
Make sure papers are signed at once. as
such contingency might cause B. TO change
his mind and withdraw IL possible.
Robin looked up. 81 think this may
account for the two manhunters,"
said he. His companions stared.
"You will hear all about them from
Gourou. We were followed this aft
ernoon."
"Followed?" gasped Quinnox.
beautifully" said the prince, with
his brightest smile. Detectives, you
know. 1t was ripping"
al had the feeling that evil would
be the result of this foolish trip to-
day" groaned Quinnox. 81 should
not have permitted you to-
1.-THE result is still in doubt" said
Robin enigmatically. And now, what
comes next"
Read this one. II is from Mr.. Blith-
ers. I'll guarantee that you do not
take this one so complaccntly."
He was right in his surmise. Robin
ran his eye swiftly over the cablegram
and then started up from his chair
with muttered imprecation.
Ssh" cautioned the count-and just
in time. for the young man was on the
point of cnlarging upon his original eff
fort. Calm yourself, Bobby, my lad"
you needn't caution me-" murmured
the prince. ''If had the tongue of a
pirate | couldn't begin to do justice to
this" and he slapped his hand re-
soundingly upon the crumpled mes
sage from William w. Blithers.
The message had been sent by Mr.
Blithers that morning, evidently just
before the sailing of the fast French
steamer on which he and his wife were
crossing 10 Hayre. 1t was directed to
August Totten and read as follows:
Tell our young friend To qualify state
ment to press at once. Announce recon-
sideratiou OF h1sty denial and admit en-
gagemcnt This is imperative. / am not
In mood for trillins. Have wired Paris
papers that engagement b. settled Have
also wired daughter. The sooner We get
together ON this tho better Wait for my
arrival IN Paris. W. b.
There is still another delcctable
communication for you, Robin" said
the count. 1t was directed to II.
Schmidt, and took the liberty of
opening il. as authorized Read IT,"
This was one OF the ordinary "pctits
bleu," dropped into the pneumatic tube
letter box at $3.50 that afternoon,
shortly before Robin ycHured forth on
his interesting expedition In quest ct
tea, and its contents were very crisp
and TO the point:
Pay no attention tu any word EDu WGg
have received from my father i.r..lgs
a ridiculous command a. ur uHI.. ..lU
ignore. II sou have resolved U similar
message implUro you 90 D. -I 10 ono.
together Let's give each Y,..I . | .I-
Ing chance MAUD HII..I..H
Mr.. Blithers received ..ui-
gram from the Jupiter whom tlc Iig
was three days out frou BE. .llH
II was terse. but sufficient.