The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1916-03-10
CHAPTER X-contInued.

What do you Think" retorted the
count with asperity-"that I'm willing
TO stand by and let you moon around
Paris at this hour of the morning
hunting for a taxicab that isn't there
and running God knows what risk OF
being stuck up by some misbegotten
Apache? But / should say not!
mean to take you home in my car
though it cost me half-hour of beauty
Ileep not lightly to be forfeited at
ny age!"
The significance that underlay the
Bemihumorous petulance of the little
man was not wasted.
You're most amiable M. le Comte!"
Lanyard said thoughtfully, while the
attendant produced his hat and coat.
But now, if you're ready, | won't de-
lay you longer"
In another moment they we're out.
side the clubhouse, its doors closed
behind them, while before them, wait
ing at the curb. was that same hand
some black limousine which had
brought the adventurer from rAbbaye.
Two swift glances, right and left,
showed him an empty street, destitute
of hint of danger
"One moment, monsieur!" he said,
OBTAINING the count with a touch on
his sleeve. IT'S only right that |
should advise you. I'm armed"
Then you're less foolhardy than
one feared. If such things interest
you, | don't mind admitting | carry
= life-preserver Of my own. But what
Of that? Is one eager to go shooting,
ut this time Of night, for the sheer fun
OF explaining to the police that one
has been attacked by Apaches? Pro
Vlding one lived to explain!"
It's as bad as that, eh?"
Enough to make me loath to linger
at your side in a lighted doorway"
Lanyard laughed in his own discom-
fture
m. lie Comte," said he, there's a
dash in you Of what your American
confrere, Mysterious Smith, would call
sporting blood that commands my un-
stinted admiration. | thank you for
your offered courtesy, and beg leave
TO accept"
De Morbihan replied with a grunt
bt none too civil intonation, instructed
the chauffeur ITO Troyon's," and fol.
lowed Lanyard into the car.
Courtesy" he repeated, settling
Vrff rI, fFNN..
nothing. If | regarded my own incli-
nations, I'd let you go to the devil as
quick as Popinots assassins could
send you there!"
This is delightful" Lanyard pro-
tested. First you must see me home
TO save my life and then you tell me
your inclinations consign me to a pre-
mature grave, Is there any explana-
ton, possibly"
"On your person." replied the count
briefly
"Eh?"
You carry your reason with you,
niy friend-in the shape of the Omber
boot"
IhAG 'yOu are light
you never went to the Rue du Bac,
snonsieur, without those jewels, and
have had you under observation ever
since"
What conceivable interest" Ian.
yard pursued evenly, do you fancy
you've got in the said loot?"
Enough, at least, to render me nm.
willing to kiss it adieu by leaving vou
to the mercies Of Popinot. You don't
Imagine I'd ever hear of it again when
hls Apaches had finished with your"
All! So, after all, your self-styled
organization isn't founded on that re-
ciprocal trust so essential to the sue
cess Of such-enterprises!"
That will transpire. If you were
wise you'd hand the stuff over to me
here and now and accept what
choose to give you in return. But
ihasmuch as you're the least wise of
nen. you will haye your lesson"
Meaning"
THE night brings counsel-youTl
have time to think things over. By
tomorrow you'll be coming to find me