Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1916-02-24
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 I should say not! 1
mean to take you home in my car,
though it cost me a half-hour of beauty
sleep not lightly to be forfeited at
my age!"
The significance that underlay the
semihumorous petulance of the little
man was not wasted.
You're most amiable, M. lie Comte!"
Lanyard said thoughtfully, while the
attendant produced his hat and coat.
NBut now, If you're ready, 1 won't de-
lay you longer"
In another moment they were out
side the clubhouse, it's 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 PAbbaye.
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 fooIhardy than
one feared, II such things interest
you, l don't mind admitting I carry
q life-preserver of my own. But what
OF that? Is n 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
yiding one lived to e~xplain!"
Its as bad as that, eh?"
Enough to make me loath to lingel
at your side in a lighted doorway"
Lanyard laughed in his own discom
future.
IN. lie Comte," said he, there's 6
dash in you of what your American
confrere, Mysterious Smith, would cal
sporting blood that commands my I'm
stinted admiration. | thank you fol
your offered courtesy, and beg leave
to accept"
De Morbihan replied with a grun
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 make
nothing. If I regarded my W incl
nations, I'd let you go to the devil a
quick as Popinot's assassins coul
send you there!"
This is delightful" Lanyard pre-
tested. First you must see me hom
to save my life and then you tell m
your in~clinations consign me to a pre-
mature grave. Is there any expIana
ton, possibly"
"On your person" replied the coun
briefly.
"Eh?"
You carry your reason with yol
my friend-in the shape of the Ombe
loot"
Assuming that you are right"
You never went to the Rue du Ba
monsieur, without those Jewels, and
have had you under observation eve
since"
What conceivable interest,"" La,
yard pursued evenly, Sdo you fanc
you've got in the said Ioot?"
Enough, at least, to render me u
willing to kiss it adieu by leaving yc
to the mercies Of Popinot. You dor
imagine I'd aver hear of it again whe
his Apaches had finished with you
All! So, after all, your self-stylt
organization isn't founded on that I
ciprocal trust so essential to the su
cess Of such-enterprises!"
That will transpire. II you we
wise you'd hand the stuff over to n
here and now and accept what
choose to give you in return. B
inasmuch al you're the least wise
men. you will have YOU lesson"
Meaning"
The night brings counseI-you
have time to think things over. ]
tomorrow you'll be coming to find |