The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1916-02-11
THIRTEENTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER xLVI.
Ry Process Of EIlmInation.

BY Process OF Elimination.
The weapon of the renegade leader
Blake was aimed steadily enough. But
the fraction of time in which Roleau
changed the position he had taken
saved the life of one man and cost
that OF another
II was the fellow thief, Blake's com
rade, fresh from the rendezvous who
fell under the bullet intended for Ro-
leau himself
Blake sprang forward cropping un
der cover of the smoke, to find the
body Of his enemy, stopped, paused,
sprang back-it was not Roleau, but
his own man whom he had slain!
Roleau by this time, with no more
than quick flash OF self-congratula'
tion at his unexpected safety, had
sprung away. Blake called out to his
followers and started after Roleau He
did not NEE. him at the outer open
ing, but ran into the arms of the band
of gendarmes who had followed Ro-
leau hither.
Seeing the renegade. pistol in hand.
and knowing that he had fired the
shot Just. heard, the sergeant seized
upon Blake and disarmed him. The
apache leader fought with all the bit
ter desperation of his kind when cor.
nered, crying aloud for help. His
cries brought others of the band. who
Joined in the melee. so that the issue
for time was in doubt as between
the lawful and the lawless-these last
two factions who were locked in strug
gle by reason of the fortunes of the
missing coin.
AZ this juncture Rolcau flung him
self into the conflict. His giant
strength proved such aid that finally
the sergeant and his men had sub
dued not only Blake the leader, but
others of his band. As for Roleau he
stood grinning at the turn of events
and making no further attempt at es-
cape. Neither did the officer make
any movement to apprehend him
again.
Come with me, then, my friend"
said the officer. you have fought
well for ME. We shall see what we
shall see"
Wherefore Roleau no longer under
espionage. went back with the
gendarmes toward the headquarters of
the prefecture.
Much of this was noted by Kitty
Gray herself, who arrived upon the
scene in time to witness this not un-
happy end of her own quest Count
Frederick in turn found his own
erTand done, These two likewise
turned toward the Hotel de Vile
Monsieur lie project" announced
ths servant, when at last they had
reached the presence OF that official.
this pointing to Blake-"fred
on this other man and tried to kill
him. That is what | do not under
stand"
The sound of the entrance of 9th
ers at the office now attracted their at.
tention
Your eXcellency," announced the
sergeant. these others the young
The project turned his gaze upon
the new arrivals. himself none TOO
wen pleased He found them but com
plicating factors here in his own bust
ness of finding a victim for the law
"What do you say now to this. sir?"
he sccostcd Roleau.
- suy now. your eXcellency that
yOnder thief and leader of thieves.
Is TO be known Of the murder. He can
tell IL he likes, or If he does not like
He wanted there what we wanted
we will call il a jewel that he sought
in her gracious eNcellency's rooms.
he guessed that II might have value
with persons high in power in this
country. That is why he followed us /:
that is why murder was done there.
They all sought something. and we
know what IT was"
You are the accused said the pre-.
feet, turning swiftly to Blake his own
decision made. What have YOU 10
say? Why do YOU not speak? Con.
fess that YOU know the secret of yon.
der murder-the motive tor which we
ourselves now know know you.
Bake Your band is broken now How
do you wish to spend the rest OF your
life would you purchase a few more
moments at the price OF a confession
Of the truth? Perhaps that NAV be
when you have tasted the dungeon
away from that drug you crave-for a
few hours
Il will confess" suddenly exclaimed
the king of the apaches, his face gray