The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1916-01-14

| I'VE do not know" stammered the
major domo, the first to speak.
Roleau caught some sense OF what
was coming on. saw the men approach
ing, and darted back to warn his mis-
tress, whose long delay he could moi
understand. He hurried swiftly, or
tip-toe, along the halls he knew sc
well. and naturally met no opposi
ton. He reached-the door of the room
where he had left Kitty, glanced with
in, and found the room empty. He
turned this way and that, not knowing
what TO do. and fearing to turn back
toward the main stairway, passed
deeper to the rear.
All at once he heard the voice oil
Kitty. loud and clear; "Roleau! Rol
eau! A moi! Vite! Vite!"
He FASTENED on down the hall
knowing that his mistress was once
more in some desperate plight, and SO
found himself at length face to face
at the foot Of the staircase with the
Count Frederick, who turned to meet
him.
"Eh bien. Roleau?" smiled the lat
ter. What. AGAIN." You are most
faithful, shall say most industrious.
in the service OF this lady? j., | would
you had been so devoted in my own" -
"As you please, master" replied
Rolsau, with aplomb. But where is
she?"
She seems SAFE" said Count Fred.
erick coolly, and waved hand.
Roleau came front to front against
the iron grille doors which barred
egress for the inmate of the little
prison. He shook at the bars in
frenzy as he saw her She approached
him, her eyes wide with joy at his
coming.
so then, this was why!" cried Ro.
leau. open this gate, | say" In his
passion he forgot his own position
and turned on his master, ordering
him as though Count Frederick him
self were the servant In this place.
"Roleau. you will yet exhaust my
patience. This is my home. have
had almost enough OF your running
back and forth in it as you like This
is the last time. Out of here, you fell
low"
rs 1t 500" grinned Roleau savagely
his own mind upon the main situation
of menace to his mistress. There
are things which even matters quick.
ly. master. But as for this, | won't
argue now. 1t is your own safety de-
mands 1t, Listen, the men are com.
ing - the ofiicers-dont you hear
them?"
Who are coming"
The gendarmes. There is charge
of murder They are after you, they
are coming to search this house IL
they find you with her, trapped,
what will they do? Open, master,
quickly, | beg OF you. 1t is for the
sake OF her and yourself"
do not rum" said Count Freder-
lex, slowly. III there is such a charge
as this. certainly we shall meet it,
for 1t is our purpose as we'll as theirs
to find who are guilty.
Come now" he turned to Kitty as
he drew the key OF the lock from his
pocket, you have once more, by vir.
tue OF this exigency, mademoiselle,
conquered me! | must set you free
for time. Fate seems to fight with
you. Later we will resume our argu-
ment, but now | think what Roleau
says has justice in it. We must not
be found here thus"
He flung open the iron grille. Kitty
sprang down the steps, chung to the
arm of Roleau. A flush came to Count
Frederick's face as he saw how she
avoided himself There was, how
ever, no time for further speech The
sound of rapid footballs came down
the hall The captain of gendarmes
and his men were at the door.
"Messieurs, welcomed" said Count
Frederick But why are you here?"
Monsieur lie comte, we ask pardon
lOl INC lhti uSlOu, Dut We uluSl ASK you
to join us" replied the officer. lie
was impressed by the calm dignity OF
Count Frederick, as had been more
than one man before his time.
For what reason do you desire our
company, monsieur captain? Is there
any charge against u.s."
There is charge OF great severity
to be laid against someone. monsieur
lie comte. We ask your aid to deter.
mine who that one may be. This
young woman, who is she?"
81 am Miss Kitty Gray of America"
answered the object of his suspicion.
This is my servant. Roleau. Who are
YOU"
I'VE are Of the imperial police,
mademoiselle. A murder has been
done in your room at the Ritz hotel.
Naturally someone is under suspicion.
Let me caution both you and Count
Frederick not to speak. What you
say may be used as evidence"
The little group passed along the
walk to the open curb of the street
1t was Roleau who hesitated here. ad.
dressing the captain of gendarmes
Monsieur captain" said he, IL see
that you guard all the escapes posi-