The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1916-01-21

these complexities. Without time for
thought she sprang after the man. no
definite plan in her mind. AS she did
so. she called out once more almost
by instinct, upon the one friend who
thus far had not failed her. "Ro-
| leau!" she cried,-"Roleau!"
But the faithful Roleau did not hear
| his mistress summon him. BY this
time he was in the front part Of the
hotel, himself in charge of the officers
of the law.
On his way to the station house in
charge OF the gendarmes he weighed
deliberately the chances OF success
one bold man might have against
these others now torn by indecision;
for certainty the gendarmes them
selves had come out Of this with none
too much glory and were III 20 too
good cOnceit OF Themselves. They
walked loosely. heads down, dreading
what lay ahead. II was no great feat
for Roleau. half guarded, to spring
away from them at speed, and once
more to gain the front of the hotel
He passed rapidly to the desk,
"Padron." he said to the clerk who
stood there, himself irresolute. the
captain has asked me to inquire Of her
excellency-" and lie did not step to
specify as to the nature OF that IN.
quiry He sprang to the stair. I'M
deferred, ran down the hail. and once
more found open the door OF the room
which but now he had left.
lie entered eagerly, gazed about
him-and stood dumfounded for a
moment. There was no trace OF his
mistress. The room once more was
altogether empty.
To him there was only one conclu-
sion possible. Certainly his mistress
had not come out by the front hall,
therefore she must have passed out
by yonder window. which had offered
exit to the intruders. The next mo-
ment Roeau himself was through the
same window and hurrying down the
fire escape which he saw now gave ac-
cess to the street. by the time the
captain OF the guard and his hurrying
men we're close on his track at the
hotel desk. Roleau once more was
free.
The scene of action Of all this was
Iow but transferred from the rear
to the front of the hotel, where, not
apprehending the presence of others,
the parties of this drama met with.
out plan. Count Frederick had halt
ed, reluctant to leave the young girl
in such a time of distress. Count
Sachio, looking about him for some
sign OF the man who he knew had
the coin he coveted, also stood ir-
resolute at the curb. Kitty, pursuing
the flying thief-and after her now
Roleau-paused as they saw others
ahead 1t seemed to Roleau when he
first caught sight OF the excellency
whom he served that she was wait
ing for someone, holding back for
some purpose of her own.
The flying apache passed close to
Count Sachio. He halted at some
quick word. some sudden sign which
the nobleman gave 10 him. Roleau
saw them converse for just a moment
saw Sachio pass money to the fly
ing thief, and then motion him to
speed on his way. Roleau saw Sachio
look at his hand, hurriedly clasp it
shut and thrust it into his pocket
saw him In turn beckon to his own
man, Bartel, his late agent in certain
OF these affairs.
This could indicate but one thing
Sachio had obtained possession of the
coin, had transferred it to his mes
senger! And now they saw that mes.
senger hasten to the nearest motor
car standing at the curb.
Another car stood, as yet unoccu-
pied, and toward this now started
three persons--Count Frederick, Kitty
Gray. and Roleau, the idea of pursuit
being foremost in the mind of each of
these three. But Kitty Gray. re-
joiced at finding her servant once
more at her side-for now Roleau had
FASTENED forward-was of no mind to
take any other ally into her own
plans. Even as the agent of Count
Sachio sprang into the car, they
rushed swiftly to that approached by
Count Frederick. and with more force
than polteness pushed that gentle
man aside, sprang in, and made such
argument to the driver of the car that
he was oil at speed within the next
moment.
Quick, Roleau!" called Kitty Gray.
Make him driye-that man is Rartel,
the partner OF Count Sachio. He is
bound for the train-he has the coin,
am sure, and he means to take It to
the kingdom of Grahoffen. Once
there, it is lost to us. Quick. he must
| no. beat us to the train"
So rapidly had these events &C.
CURED that she scarcely had time for
thought.
In two hours. or three at most
il that man catches the train-the
coin will be in Cortislaws hands. and
out of our reach forever. Drive. Ro.
leau-make him dTive!"
| Therefore, what Count Frederick