The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-07-03

mOrrOWS thursday. He wants
you to go ahead of him. There's
fast boat leaving in the morn
ing. You could take that. We
can have conference tonight. {"
He glanced at his watch. 1--WE
can be in New York by 1 O'Clock
in the morning IL we start right
now"
Hodgman spoke in a loud voice,
due to excitement. Neither he
nor Duvall noticed that Grace
was standing in the open door
way.
Before the detective had an OPP
portunity to reply Grace spoke.
What is it, Richard?" she in
CURED.
Duvall presented Mr.. Hodg-
man, and babe her sit down. Then
in a few words he acquainted her
with the circumstances of the
latter's visit.
what do you think, dear?" he
asked her.
II think, Richard, you had bet
ter CO."
Mr.. Hodgman sprang to his
feet and took her hand. He knew
his battle was won. Il thank
you, Mrs. Duvall." he said. "Mr.
Stapleton will appreciate deeply
the sacrifice you are making
Fifteen minutes later Grace
Duvall stood on the steps of the
veranda. watching the flying au-
tomobile as 1t rapidly became a
little red blur in the distant road.
She sank into a chair and wept.
Suddenly far down the road
she heard the chugging Of an au-
tomobile. Could 1t be Richard
returning?
The automobile stopped, and
almost before she realized it a
small foreign-looking man stood
before her.
Madame Duvall?" he inquired.
YES" she replied.
"Your husband! May / see
him."
"He is not at home. He has
gone away for some time"
"Ah! That is a calamity! May
I ask where l can find him?"
"You cannot find him." She
made as though to close the door,
and thereby terminate the inter-
view.
The newcomer realized her in
tention. He raised his hand, in
the palm of which showed the
seal of a ring, turned inward. 1t
was of silver, with curious fig
ures worked into 1t in gold. The
man glanced from the ring to
Grace, cycling her steadily. II
think, Madame" he said, that
you can trust me-"
Grace recognized the ring at
once. 1t was similar to one she
herself had worn, while engaged
in the memorable search for the
ivory snuff box of Monsieur Le-
| fevre! This man must be a mes
senger from him.
Come in, please" she said
quietly, and led the way to the
library.
The visitor drew from his
pocket a sealed envelope.
Madame Duvall," he said,
Monsieur Lefevre has cabled his
representatives in Washington.
That message is in this envelope.
l have instructions to deliver II
to your husband Immediately. In
case | could not find him, l am
to hand it to you. Permit me,
madame" With a bow, he placed
the message in her hand.
Grace broke the heavy seal,
and drawing out a slip of paper.
hastily read the contents. The
message read:
"My Dear Duvall: You prom
Used, on the occasion of our last
meeting, to come to me should I
ever need you. l need you badly.
my friend. Come at once, both
you and your dear wife.
"LEFEvRE."
Grace knew that, had Richard
been at home, he would have
gone to Paris at once; for it was
to Monsieur Lefevre they in real
ity owed all their happiness. She
recalled wildly their wedding.
with the lovable old Frenchman,
acting as her father, giving away
the bride. Evidently Lefevre de-
sired Richards presence very
greatly, and her own as we'll. The
thought suddenly came to her
why not go to him? Hendricks,
the overseer, was a capable and
honest man.
She turned to the man, who
stood watching her narrowly.
Can you drive me to Wash
ington in your caro-
II shall be delighted, Ma
DAME" The fellows eyes spark
led with satisfaction.
very we'll. Mr.. Duvall is in
New York. l will take the mes
sage to him."
In half an hour Hendricks had
been given full instructions re-
sarding taking charge of the
place, and by 10 o'clock, at which
time the New York sleeper was
open, Grace was at the station,
purchasing her ticket.
In the morning, she ate hasty
breakfast and took a taxi for the
steamship offices. By good for
tune, she was able to secure a
cabin. Then she visited a bank
ing house where she was well
known nr0Yidad harsaIf with