Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-07-06

SpTduS OUWu Tue Steps, CluuS W thO
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. welcomed" said Count
Frederick. But why are you here?"
Monsieur le 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 q 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?"
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
Frederick not to speak. What you
say may be used as evidence"
Count Frederick turned suddenly
toward Kitty, q warning in his eyes.
She stood, therefore, silent, looking at
the man. g
"Mademoiselle is in nc case respon'
sible for any Of this" said he to the
officer. "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, b%eckoning 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 posi-
BILE to any guilty mar. You will
therefore allow me to step to the cor
ner to summon a carriage for these
two excellencies?"
The captain Of gendarmes h~esitatet
for a half-instant, frowned, and ther
nodded.
Naturally, you only do your duty
monsieur captain" suggested Roleau
but excellencies like these must no
walk. Excuse me, then?"
Those who fingered for an instan
saw Roleau walk leisurely toward thu
corner, raise his hand as though In
signal, and then break into a run.
"Wait," exclaimed Count Frederick
as he saw the plan of the quick-wittet
servant. III you leave US we als'
might run away. We will pick hin
up, no doubt. Do you tarry here will
u.s."
In fact the captain Of gendarmes
seeing his own party reduced by d
visions to no more than a couple o
men beside himself, hesitated, ant
| turned to secure the safety OF hi
more important captives. While the
paused they heard the quick wheel
Of a taxicab which drew up befor
them. After all, It was an open ques
ton what had been Roleau's inten,
for certainly he had ordered this web
Gle to come hither. Making the bes
Of the matter, the captain of gene
armes motioned for his prisoners t
enter the a
Kitty turned to the silent man VIII
sat at her side. Cunt Frederick lai
, a finger to his lips, counseling silence
, and gazed straight or ahead.
Thus, silent and aloof, they arrive
as prisoners at the grand entrance
. the Hotel Ritz.
} Kitty found herself face to face wit
, a large man in full uniform, a ma
with a heavy beard and merciless ey'
who now addressed himself to b
subordinate:
"As to this man." he demanded
why have you taken Count Frede
|, lex Of Gretzhoffen?"
3 Merely as ultimate suspicion
stammered the captain. I'VE foun
him in company with this young Won
an, in whose room the crime was cor
mitted. This other" he pointed I
Count sachio. ALSO seems to ha'
y known this young woman"