The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-03-29
{ Continued from our last issue. }


with the Tissot woman when the
project arrived. They hustled
her out through the garden and
Joined Lefevre in the drawing
| room.
Duvall arrived at the house
with his men a few moments aft
er the project. He did not at
once enter the house, but busted
| himself in stationing his assist
ants about the garden.
Having completed all of his ar
rangements, Duvall left his men,
and, advancing to the library
window. stepped. into the room.
The lights were burning brightly
but the room was vacant. He
supposed, as was indeed the
case, that D'Este and the project
were in the drawing room. He
stepped up to the electric switch
and flashed the lights in the
room on and off several times,
hen waited expectantly.
In few moments Gabrielle
came into the room. Whomever
she expected to meet, it was
clearly not Duvall. She sprang
back with a sudden cry, and
would have left the room at once,
had not the detective stopped her
with a gesture.
Who was the woman who left
here a few moments ago?" Du-
vail had seen Madame Tissot de-
scending the steps of the house
as he came up the street.
Il think she is called Mad
anne Tissot," stammered the girl.
What's her gamer"
The girl drew back with a
sulky expression. How should
know, monsieur"
Don't try any of that" said
Duvall quickly, stepping up to
her. Speak! | know you we're
listening at the door. Must
warn you again."
Monsieur, II am ready"
she replied helplessly.
Then answer me. What did
that woman want here?"
She is to send note to Miss
Ellicott tomorrow morning, de-
coying her to her place in the
Rue L'Hirondelle-the Rats
Hole, it is called" She went on
and explained to the detective all
the details of the plot which the
count had arranged for the pur-
pose of forcing the marriage be-
tween Emile and his niece. Du-
vail listened intently, his face
flushed with excitement. Where
is Miss Ellicott now?" he de-
manded.
In her room"
ASK her to come here at
once. Tell her that Mr.. Duvall
would like to see her for a mo-
ment."
Miss Ellicott appeared almost
at once, and there was no sign of
interruption from the party in
the drawing room.
He greeted her quickly and be-
gan to speak in a rapid voice.
There is something I must
tell you,' he said. I'VE haven't
much time. Tomorrow morning
YOU will get letter from a wom-
an signing herself Madame Tis-
sot. She will ask you to come to
her place. AS an excuse for your
doing so. she will pretend to have
some important information for
you in connection with this
money which you claim was left
you by your aunt. She will re-
quest you to meet her at 8
o'clock tomorrow night. The To-
cality is disreputable one, but
I'm going to ask you to CO."
"But it may be plot" she OBJ
jected.
at is a plot, but you will be
quite safe. I shall be there my
self. You will CO."
Eyes, If you tell me to-" She
looked at him trustingly.
Good. IL things go as | expect,
it will mean an end of all your
troubles"
Duvall took her hand in his
and pressed It. you had better
run along now" he whispered.
II hear them coming" He gave
her hand final pressure as she
left the room.
The count hurried into the IL
brary, followed by the project
and Emile.
1.-THE men are posted in the
garden, of course?" inquired the
project.
Yes. Every point is guarded.
| Duvall turned to the count. you
have the money in readiness,
hope"
D'Este scowled, then, reaching
into an inner pocket, drew out a
long envelope. Here it u.s." he
said, holding the package in his
hand.
Duvall then made all ready for
the coming of Girard. He station
ed the D'Estes and the project at
various points in the room and
then sent for the maid, Gabrielle.
II want her right here, under
my eye," he explained. Then
I'll know she isn't up to mis-
chief"
Duvall placed the terrified girl
behind high-backed chair close
to the electric light switch and
drew her attention to the fact.
I'VE shall have but a single
light burning, the one ever the
desk there" He pointed to the