The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-05-05

to save my life and then you tell me
your inclinations consign me to a pre-
mature grave. Is there any explana-
ton, possibly"
"on your person." replied the count
briefly.
"Eh?"
you carry your reason with you.
my friend-in the shape Of the 0mber
loot"
Assuming that you are right"
''You never went to the Rue du Bac,
monsieur, without those jewels, and |
have had you under observation ever
since"
What conceivable interest" Lam
yard pursued evenly, do you fancy
you've got in the said loot?"
Enough, at least, to render me I'M
willing to kiss it adieu by leaving you
to the mercies of Popinot. You don't
imagine I'd ever hear of it again when
his Apaches had finished with your"
"Ah! So, after all, your self-styled
organization isn't founded on that re-
ciprocal trust so essential to the sue
cess OF such-enterprises!"
Make what you will of your infer
ences, my friend" the count returned,
unrufiled; but don't forget my ad-
vice; pull wide of Popinot!"
"a vindictive soul, eh?"
zone may say that"
"And you can't hold him."
"That one? No fear! You were
anything but wise to bait him as you
did"
Perhaps. It's purely a matter of
taste in associates"
IF l were the fool you think me,
rejoined the count, I'D resent that in
nuendo. As 1t happens, I'm not. AT
least, | can wait before calling you
to account"
And, meantime, profit by your pa
tience?"
Naturally. Haven't said as much p
still I'm perplexed. can't mag.
inc how you reckon to declare your
self in on the Omber loot"
"That will transpire. If you were
wise you'd hand the stuff over to me
here and now and accept what
choose to give you in return. But
inasmuch as you're the least wise OF
men, you will have your lesson"
Meaning"
"The night brings counsel-you'll
have time to think things over. BY
tomorrow you'll be coming to find me
and give me those jewels, without res
ervation, in exchange for what intiu
ence | have In certain quarters"
with your famous friend, the CHIEF
of the surete, eh?"
Possibly. | am known also at La
Tour Pointure."
Il confess l don't follow you, unless
you mean to lay an information
against me-"
"Never that"
Its riddle, them"
For the moment only. But / will
say this: 1t will be futile, your at
tempting to escape Paris; Popinot
has already picketed every outlet
Your one hope resides in me; and
shall be at home to you until midnight
tomorrow-today, rather"
Impressed in spite of himself, Ian
yard stared. But the count maintained
an imperturbable manner, looking
straight ahead. Such calm assurance
could hardly be sheer blum.
81 must think this over" Lanyard
muttered.
pray don't let me hinder YOU" the
count begged with mild irony. Il have
my futile thoughts as we'll"
Lanyard laughed quietly and sub
sided into q reyerie which, undis
turbed by De Morbihan, endured
throughout the brief remainder o.
their drive; for, thanks to the small
ness of the hour, the streets were
practically deserted and offered nj
hindrance to speed, while the chauf
feur was doubtless eager for his bed
| AS they drew near Troyon's, how
ever, Lanyard sat up and jealousy
reconnoitered both sides Of the way
Surely you don't expect to be KEEP
out?" the count asked dryly. But tina
Just shows how little you appreciate
our good Popinot. He'll never offel
any objection to your locking yourself
up where he knows he can find you
but only to your leaving without per
mission!"
Something in that, perhaps. Still
I always give myself the benefit o
every doubt"
There was, indeed, no sign Of am
bush that he could detect in any quar-
ter-no indication that Popinot's Apa
ches were skulking about. None tn
less, Lanyard produced his automati
and freed the safety catch befor
opening the door.
"A thousand thanks, my dea
count"
For what? Doing myself a SER
ice? You make me ashamed"
Il know" agreed Lanyard, deprecii
tory; "but that's the way ana littl
devil-you really can't trust me
Adieu, M. lie Comte."
"Au reyoir, monsieur"
Lanyard watched the car round tn
corner before turning to the entranc
Of Troyon's, simultaneously keepin
his weather eye bright. But when tn
motor was gone the street SCENE
quite deserted and as soundless q
though 1t had been the thoroughfar
Of some remote village rather than q