Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-05-11
SECOND lNSTALLMENT
CHAPTER VI.
Count Frederick.

CHAPTER vi.
Count Frederick.
Kitty Gray turned suddenly to the
man seated beside her in the motor,
bending upon him a steady gaze.
who are you?" asked she. why
did you follow me?"
The swathed figure suddenly
Strengthened. Whatever I am-what-
YER you may think me. do not believe
me incapable Of gratitude to yourself"
what is your name?"
'They call me Ro!eau, made
moiselle."
Kitty Gray turned yet more closely
to him. gazed straight into his eyes.
Then why not enlist with me?
Surely We have a common cause. We
have a common enemy, Would it be
wrong did you and league against
him."
You ask me. then"
ITO be my friend. my ally"
Surely I owe him no allegiance
further" exclaimed Roleau bitterly.
HE struck me like a dog"
yet you and l must see him again
and soon"
What. Would you trust yourself
once more in his presence? You are
an American girl-you are innocent,
you are ignorant. I warn you"
None the less. If I am to 60 forward
with the business which brought me
here to G~retzhoffen. surely l must
once more meet the Count Frederick.
The man at her side hesitated no
more than an instant. Very WELL"
said he calmly. LAS for re. my life
has been forfeit many a time before
now. What matter? will go with
you as you say. Indeed, I fancy I
know why you ask me to go-they
know me at the palace-they will ad-
NIT US both"
n was as Roleau had said. When
finally the two drew up to the court
driveway in front Of the counts pal
ace. they were admitted without ques-
ton. Roleau closed the door behind
him and put a finger to his lips for
silence.
"They vii! listen" he whispered.
"Be careful. This is the room where
Count Frederick receives his
friends"
Curiously, silently, Kitty sat or at
times walked about the room, taking
stock OF the surroundings. Count
Frederick entered.
"Mademoiselle. am charmed! So
you remember me-"
you may say as much indeed" re-
Joined Kitty Gray calmly. Il saw you
in the carriage this morning"
He turned now to Roleau, with no
change in his countenance to indicate
any recollection Of the nature of their
last meeting. You may retire to the
next room" said he. dismissing him
with a wave Of the hand.
do not in the least misunderstood
me, Monsieur lie Comte." said she
lightly. my business is very simple.
] have a proposition to make to YOU
a business proposition"
But ! am not a business man"
Knocked the smiling antagonist who
faced her. He came yet a half step
closer.
Are you go sure?" exclaimed she
suddenly. rs there no business in
which also ! am definitely concerned?
Then why did you send a messenger
to follow me in my own country, to
ransack my apartments there, to vio-
late my privacy ven o. the steamer"
MY man served me but ill-if I
may admit part Of what you say
mademoiselle."
That is why I am here-and in his
company! Yes, / know your messen-
ger as ! know you. Come. let US rea-
son together over this, Monsieur lie
Comte. Shall 1t be business or war
between u.s."
The sheer audacity Of this speech
for one moment daunted Count Fred
erick. The next he broke into a roar
of laughter and flung himself into a
chair. "Admirable!" said he.
She started away from him, moving
toward the door. 81 came, Monsieur
lie Comte." said she boldly. Ito ask
you what price for the half coin which
you seek to mold. Suppose, for in
stance, that Gretzhonen loan were
executed for you finally in New York
would that influence you at all?
Come now, let us reason"
Il am beyond reason; care little
for the sordid side. ! value not SO
much money as what money brings.
II could bring me 10 more than what
fortune has brought me at no cost,
this mornlng--this very hour"
"Roleau!" cried Kitty suddenly. "A
moi, Au secours. Vite!"
you waste breath" laughed Count
Frederick. He cannot come"
Kitty made n swift dart toward
the door. She was too late. The
Ieien+less face OF her OPPONENT smiled
-..----