The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-03-31

most providential. Mr.. Du-
vall!' she cried joyfully, then,
overcome by her sudden relief at
his appearance, sank into a chair
and sobbed quietly.
The count did not share her sat
Is faction. He glanced toward the
door of the room. where Is
Girard?" he inquired with sheer.
Il thought you were going to ar
rest him within "a hours
Il still have two hours more,
count" remarked Duvall, smiling.
But they told me he was in
that room" exclaimed the project
in establishment.
HE u.s." Duvall replied. Tied
up as tight as drum" He looked
back toward the door, and
laughed.
How did you get him?" the
project asked.
"Oh, | had no trouble at all. |
| followed him to his room above
and watched. When he climbed
down a rope to the window of the
room in there he nodded over
his shoulder, II climbed after him.
| saw him come in here and meet
Miss Ellicott. When he came back
| just choked him a bit and tied
him up-that's ALL
Then, if you were in that room
you must have overheard the in
terview between Girard and this
young lady" The project pointed
toward Grace.
Duvall nodded slowly. 81 did,"
he said.
did Girard say anything to her
regarding the money which he
took from the house of Monsieur
the Count D'Este?"
Yes Duvalls reply to this
question was made with the ut
most cheerfulness. He gave her
a package"
Grace rose and turned to him
eagerly, evidently hoping that, in
spite of what he had said, he
would somehow be able to extri-
cate her from her difficulties.
"Oh, Mr.. Duvall." she cried,
they are all telling such lies
about me! They say | came here
to meet this man, Girard, but you
know that it is not true. They
tried to drug me-to marry me to
that" She pointed unsteadily
toward Emile. "Oh-it's all so
terrible!" She put out her hand
and rested it for a moment upon
his arm. You promised to help
me, Mr.. Duvall."
Il believe all that you say, Miss
Ellicott, but Girard gave you a
package"
"Oh-yes-yes! Here il is"
She tore the package from her
bosom and thrust it into his
hands. Take it-take it. You are
all against me-"
He took the envelope from her
without paying the least attention
to her reproachful looks or the
bitterness of her voice. Here.
chief, he said quietly, you had
better take care of this"
The project took the money and
placed it carefully in his pocket,
You are right" he said. then
glanced at D'Este. 1.-THE money
VIII be quite safe in my hands,
monsieur"
"Sacre bleu!" cried the count.
unable to hide his chagrin.' "An
outrage Lefevre paid no atten-
ton to his complaints, but, turn
ing to one of his men, nodded. and
then looked toward Grace. "Place
the girl under arrest" he said
and the man moved forward.
"Vernet-Moreau-bring out the
prisoner. o
They started toward the door
but Duvall at once stepped for,
ward and intercepted them. "He
may prove dangerous, chief" he
said, drawing his revolver. "Haye
your men guard the door to the
hall. I'll get him." He went TO
the door of the room and pushed
1t cautiously open.
Duvall stepped across the thres-
hold. "Girard, my man, you're
wanted" he said in a loud voice
as he disappeared into the shadow
Let me take that strap off your
legs they heard him continue
then suddenly he gave a crv Of
alarm. mo, you don't. Look ont
there! Help! Help!"
His startled voice caused L.
fevre to rush at once toward the
door. AS he approached it there
were sounds of a short. fierce
struggle, together with the report
of a pistol, followed by a terrible
crash. Entering the room, he saw
a dark form turn toward him
from the window and realized as
he glanced at the shattered sash
that either Duvall or the prisoner
had been thrown through the win
dow.
A heavily built figure dashed
past him, only to be seized in the
doorway by the two men who had
rushed forward from the other
door. 1t was Victor Girard.
The project at once went to the
broken window and, calling to his
men on duty below, directed them
to make an instant examination
of the dark waters of the river
beneath which his assistant now
lay. Then he turned and once
more went into the front room.
you scoundrel!" he cried, 60
ling up to Girard, trembling with
| lamar UVnn'II oa 70 th1 c,,SIrn