The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-03-28

1
/, In the library, all was confu
) sion. The count left the bell
! which he had been SO Intellectual
ly ringing, and, going to the door
tried the knob. 1.-The scoundre
has locked us in," he shouted.
1t was several moments before
the door was opened by the but.
Ter.
, Where is he?" demanded the
count.
The servant seemed somewhat
taken aback. "Who, monsieur
he inquired.
The fellow who just went out
you imbecile."
Pardon, monsieur, I do moi
understand. | saw no one."
Were you not in the outer
hall?" the count asked angrily.
NO, monsieur. | was in the
pantry until you rang" AS he
spoke they heard some one rap
ping violently upon the front
door The project rushed to the
door and threw it open. The new
conner was Richard Duvall.
Hello, chief" he exclaimed
what's the trouble?"
The project put his hand upon
Duvalfs arm, excitedly. THE man
who just left the house! Did you
get him?'"
Il don't quite understand"
said Duvall, greatly surprised. 81
ana not see any one leave the
house"
Monsieur Lefevre started back
in amazement. Duvall's words
seemed almost impossible of be-
lief. "Sacre!" he cried. 1.-THE
thing Is incredible!"
The remarkable disappearance
of Victor Girard completely unset
the project and his men.
Duvall listened to the counts
story of the letter, and Girard's
latest demand.
What are you going to do
about it?' he asked.
How do | know" replied the
count, with ill-concealed irrita-
ton. That is what | have called
ON you gentlemen for. What do
you adviser"
Duvall took out his watch and
consulted It. II advise you.
count, to go to the bank and draw
out one million francs at once"
The count fairly jumped from
his chair in his establishment.
MY dear Duvall," said the
project, almost equally astonish-
ed. DO you realize what you
are saying?" 81 =
Perfectly" Duvall seemed
quite at his ease. 1--WE want the
man-we must bait the trap. We
are dealing with a very shrewd
fellow. Undoubtedly he is hav-
ing you watched. If you do not
go to the bank-draw the money
he will know II. We cannot at.
ford to miss this opportunity OF
capturing a man whom I firmly
believe to be one of the most dan
gerous criminals in Paris"
Very WE'LL" said D'Este. 81
will do as you advise"
, Good. And now, tell me q
! little more about this affair. You
don't owe any one that amount
do your"
"Monsieur!" The count hall
rose in his chair and gazed al
, Duvall in anger. do you wish
to insult me?"
"Duvall! Duvall! Monsieur the
count is French gentleman,
said the project.
Duvall turned to D'Este with 6
, twinkle in his eye. 81 beg your
pardon, count" he laughed. 90
should have said, Does any one
claim that you owe him tha
amount?' Be frank, monsieur
I'VE must get to the bottom of this
matter, you know"
The project nodded in agree
ment' with Duvall's remark.
= "I-l-there Is some sucl
claim" stammered the count. "A
piece of nonsense-my stepdaugh
ter, Miss Ellicott-"
Miss Ellicott?" inquired Du
vail, surprised. as the lady al
American"
Yes. The niece of my de
ceased wife. She claims that hel
aunt left her a large sum. Of
course the thing is quite absurd
1t has nothing to do with the
threats which are being made by
this fellow, Girard."
Nevertheless, count, It seems
to me a curious coincidence.
: should like to question the lady
myself"
at will be useless, monsieur
J asserted the count stiffly. Moth,
ing will be gained"
II am the best judge of that
said Duvall. "I'll see her pres.
emily. Count, what house serv-
ants have your"
"My butler, Eugene, my chef
, my valet, Madame Chiche, my
} housekeeper, and two or three as
/ sistants, all of them old family
, servants. l believe them to bt
, honest" ~
}, Duvall smiled.~ "All servant.
are honest, count, until they prove
/ otherwise, The women?" ~
Three maids, only one o.
, whom sleeps in the house,
, "Ah," remarked Duvall with 9
, smile of satisfaction. "Send FOL
her." oi'F
} The count rang the bell. -
Eugene" he said, as the but.
| Ter appeared, send Gabrielle
here" o5t"
: Presently the maid came into
/ the room. you sent for me
, monsieur" she inquired.
Il YES" said the count. "This
gentleman" he indicated Du
| wishes to ask you few
Questions"
}, Duvall fixed his eyes steadily
upon the maid for several mo,
ments, and then took q stepSt TO.