The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1916-03-11
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 l should say not! [
mean to take you home in my car
though it cost me half-hour of beauty
sleep not lightly to be forfeited at
my age!"
The significance that underlay the
gemihumorous petulance Of the little
man was not wasted.
You're most amiable NJ lie 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 were out
side the clubhouse. its doors closed
behind them, while before them, wait
fng at the curb. was that same hand
some black limousine which had
brought the adventurer from TAbbaye.
Two swift chances, 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
or that? Is one eager to go shooting.
at this time of night. for the sheer fun
OF explaining to the police that one
has been attacked by Apaches? Pro-
viding one lived to explain!"
Its as bad as that, eh?"
Enough to make me loath to Iinger
at your side in a lighted doorway"
Lanyard laughed in his own discom-
future.
Nj. lie Comte." said he, there's a
dash in you of what your American
confrere Mysterious Smith, would call
sporting blood that commands nv IN
stlnted admiration. l thank you for
your offered courtesy. and beg leave
to accept
De Morbihan replied with a grunt
OF none too civil information. instructed
the chauffeur ITO Troyon's," and fol-
lowed Lanyard into the car.
Courtesy" he repeated. settling
himself with a shake. THAT makes
nothing. If | regarded my own incIi-
nations. Id let you go to the devil as
quick as Popinot's 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 inchnations consign me to a pre-
mature grave. Is there any explana
ton. possibly"
ION your person." replied the count
briefly.
"Eh?"
You carry your reason with YOU
my friend-in the shape of the Omber
loot"
Assuming that you are right"
You never went to the Rue du Bac
monsieur. 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?"
O6A' at ASdSIB 10 render me m
willing to kiss it adieu by leaving vol
to the mercies Of Popinot. You dom
imagine I'd ever hear of it again wher
his Apaches had finished with you?.
All! So. after all. your self-styiec
organization isn't founded on that re
ciprocal trust so essential to the sue
cess OF such-enterprisesi
That will transpire If Won ,,or,
wise you'd hand the stuff over IN m.
here and now and accept what
choose to give you in return. Ru
inasmuch as you're the least wise n
men. you will have your lesson"
Meaning
The night brings counsel-youl
have time to think things over p,
tomorrow you'll be coming to find M