Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-01
CHAPTER XVI.
A Word of announcement.

porch of the Hotel Schweizer-
hof at 1nterlaken. 1t is not
the most fashionable hosiery
in the quaint little town at the head
OF the lake of Thun, but it is of an
excellent character. and the rolls and
honey to be had with ones breakfast
cannot be surpassed in the Bernese
Overland.
R. Schmidt sat facing the detected
Boske Dank. His eyes were dancing
with the JOY of living.
We'll. here we are, and, in spite of
that, where are WEI" said Dank, who
saw nothing beautiful in the smile of
any early morn. Il mean to say, what
have we to show for our pains? We
sneak into this God forsaken hamlet,
surrounded on all sides by abomina.
tons in the shape of tourists, and at
the end Of twenty-four hours we dis
cover that the fair Miss Guile has play
ed US a shabby trick. l daresay she is
laughing herself sick over the whole
business"
Which is more than you can say for
yourself, Boske," said Robin blithely.
Brace up, All is not lost Well wait
here day or two longer and then
Hello, who is this approaching? 1t
IS no other than the great Gourou him
self, the king of sleuths, as they say in
the books used to read. Good morn
ing, baron"
The sharp visaged little minister of
police came up to the table and fixed
an accusing eye upon his sovereign
the literal truth, for he had the other
eye closed in protracted wink.
Il regret to inform your majesty that
the enemy is upon u.s. he said. 81 fear
that our retreat is cut off. Nothing
remains save
Where is she?" demanded Robin,
uaimpressed by this glowing pane.
gNric.
"At this instant, sir, fancy she is
rfllying her forces in the very face of
a helpless mirror. In other words, she
Is preparing for the fray. She is
dressing"
when did she arrive?"
she came last night via Milan"
"From Milan" cried Robin, aston
isned.
"a roundabout way, I'll admit"
said the baron, dryly, land tortuous
ia these hot days, but admirably
suited to a purpose. 1 should say that
she was bent on throwing some one
of the track"
"And yet she camel" cried the
p'ince, in exultation. "She wanted to
come, after all, now didn't she,
Dank?" He gave the lieutenant a
Look of triumph.
"She is more dangerous than l
thought" said the guardsman mourn
fully.
"Sit down, baron" commanded the
.- pilnce. ~ want to lay down the law
to all Of you. You three will have to
move on to Graustark and leave me
to look out for myself. l will not
have Miss Guile
"NoI" exclaimed the baron, with
unusual yehemence. II expected you
to propose something of the kind, and
am obliged to confess to you that
VIC have discussed the contingency in
advance We will not leave you
That Is final. You may depose us, ex-
ila US, curse US or anything you like,
but still we shall remain true to the
duty we owe to our country. We
stay here, Prince Robin, just so long
as you are content to remain"
Robins face was very red. "You
shame me, baron he said simply
Now, have a suggestion of my own
to Offer" said the baron, taking seat
al the end Of the table. 81 confess
that Miss Guile may not be favorably
impressed by the constant attendance
% three ablebodied nurses, and, as she
happens to be no fool. it is reasonably
certain that she will grasp the signif-
caLce Of our assiduity. Now propose
that the count. Dank and myself eff
face ourselves as completely as posi-
bic during the rest Of our enforced
stay in Interlaken. l propose that we
take quarters in another hotel and
leave you and Hobbs to the tender
meYcies Of the enemy. 1t seems to me
that
Good" cried Robin. That's the
ticket! quite agree to that, baron"
Ten o'clock found the three gentle
mer-so classified by Hobbs-out of
the Schweizerhof and arranging for
accommodations at the Regina Hotel
Jungfraublick.
He was somewhat puzzled by the
strange submissiveness Of his compan-
ions. Deep down in his mind lurked
the disquieting suspicion that they
were conniying TO get the better of the
lovely temptress by some sly and Sc
cret bit Of strategy. What had be.
come Of their anxiety, their eagerness
TO drag him off to Graustark by the
first train?
Enlightenment came Unexpectedly
and with G. shock TO his composure
Two people emerged from the door
and, passing by without so much as a
glance in his direction, made their
way to the mounting block Robins
heart went down to his boots Bede.
lia a graceful figure in smart riding
habit was laughing blithely over
soft spoken remark that her compan-
n had made as they were crossing
porch. And that companion was
~ Their than the tall, good looking
who had met her at Cherbourgi
>iace, stunned and incEedulous.
d them mount their hCc.J
way followed nv a a