The Spectator., 1916-01-04
TENTH lNSTALlMENT
CHAPTER XxxVII.
The Missing Victim.


 Whats all this?" repeated the pre- feet hotly, looking from one to the other of the group about him. Would any of you make a mockery of the law"
 In turn the members of the un- willing and ill-assorted party gazed at him and at one another.
 Kitty Gray alone seemed to bring to the situation a different point of view For just one instant she was of the belief that some hoax indeed had been committed here by her serv- ant, perhaps in the interest of her self. But the heavy frown of the off, cer fixed upon her face sobered her quickly enough.
 In turn she cast a glance upon Ro- leau and raised her brows in query but that faithful soul only shook his head to signify his own ignorance of the nature of this new mystery.
 Which of you has undertaken this sorry jest?" demanded the prefect again. Come, now, there was mur- der here. The town is afoot over it.. And now we come here and are told there is no murder, or at least no vic tim of one! Where is the body? You said you saw the man lying here"
 He spoke to Roleau.
 Your excellency, so he was" re- piled the latter. He lay here on the foor-directly where you see this stain. This man here was bending over him when l caught him. He was searching for something on the body. It lay directly here when l left this room, Monsieur le Prefect. That is all can say"
 The prefect in anger turned to Blake, the apache leader. What do you say?" he demanded.
 That should be set free!" smiled the latter, showing his ragged teeth.
 You, woman" the chief turned once more to the incoherent maid who stood wringing her hands-"what do you mean by coming with such an alarm, when there is no proof of need?"
 But saw him lying there on the foor-there was blood"
 But blood alone does not make a crime. There must be also the body of the crime itself. We must make further search. You will all remain in custody until we have looked fur ther You will all go with us to the Ho- tel de Vile for the further examina- tion. We must find what bottom there is to all this"
 T beg your pardon, Monsieur le Prefect," here interrupted the deep voice of the Count Frederick. You will do nothing of the kind so far as l am concerned, and so far as this young woman here is concerned.
 The face of the prefect flushed in surprise. How now, Monsieur le Comte? You speak somewhat boldly, it seems to me"
 There is no need for argument over it" resumed Count Frederick. 'I was not here, as you well know, when this crime was alleged to be commit ted-your men found me elsewhere almost at the moment of the crime it. self. My own people can tell you where l was all the day before that moment. Moreover, this young wom- an was not here. as l can testify she was at my house. As to this man, whose name is Roleau, he was a serv- ant at one time. l cannot say where he has been all the morning, but he was in my house, and apparently had been for some time when your men arrested us there-this young woman, myself and him."
 True, true" rejoined the official, "but all these things may come out ct the examination"
 We are not bound to join you in this examination" rejoined Count Frederick coldly. 50 far as this no- bleman of our sister kingdom is con cerned it is something of an indig- nifty to hold him on any charge which perhaps may not be made good. Would you think it well for our government to be obliged to apologize to that of Grahoffen at this timer"
 The prefect hesitated for an instant, pondering which horn of a possible dilemma would be safest for him. At least may call upon his majesty him. self to declare his will" said he at length.
 Then lose no time" said Count Frederick sternly. .I fancy that his chamberlains, if you use my name. will carry any message to his majesty from us at once. We are to remain here safely-and you yourself may take up the question of the message to the palace. Telt his majesty that Count Frederick of Gretzhoffen and Miss Gray of America are held here. sus- poets. under so grave and so absurd .