The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-07
Copyright. 1915. by thu Mcclure Nswsp.per syndi-
cate.l

dozen carriages in front of one
of those little artists houses which
form the one and only side of the
Boulevard Berthicr.
The door opened. A group OF
guests, men and women, came out
into the street. Four carriages drove
off to right and left. md there re-
manned upon the pavement only two
gentlemen. who parted company at
the Rue de Courcclles, where one
of them lived. The other decided to
go home to the Porte-Maillot on
foot.
He therefore crossed the Avenue
de Villiers and continued his road
on the side opposite the fortifica-
tons. He found it pleasant walk
ing in this bright and frosty winter
night. The sound of his footsteps
echoed gayly as he went.
But after some minutes he began
to have the disagreeablc impression
that ne was being followed; and, in
fact, on turning round he perceived
the shadow of man gliding be-
tween the trees.
He was not of a timid habit; never
theless, he fastened his steps in or
der % reach the Octroi DIES Ternes
as quickly as possible. But the man
behind him broke into a run; and,
feeling more or less anxious, he
thought it better to face him and to
take his revolver from his pocket.
He dio not have time to complete
his purpose. The man attacked him
violently. and then and there fight
commenced on the deserted boule-
vard-a fight at close quarters in
which he at once felt that he had
the disadvantage.
He shouted for help, struggled and
was knocked down upon a heap of
flint stones. caught by the throat and
gagged with a handkerchief, which
his adversary stuffed into his mouth.
His eyes closed. his ears buzzed, and
he was on the point of losing con-
seriousness when suddenly the pres
sure was relieved, and the man who
had been sitting him with the
weight of his body rose to defend
himself in his turn against an I'M
expected attack.
A blow on the wrist from a walk
ing stick, kick on the ankle, and
the man gave two groans of pain and
ran away, limping and swearing as
he went.
pursuit, the newcomer stopped and
asked:
"Are you hurt. sir?"
The victim was not hurt, but quite
dazed and unable to stand.
As luck would have it, one of the
officials of the octroi, attracted by
the shouts, came fastening up. A
cab was hailed, and the gentleman
stepped into it, accompanied by his
rescuer, and was driven to his house
in the Avenue de la Grande-Armee.
On arriving at his door, now quite
recovered, he was lost in thanks.
Il owe you my life, sir, and you
may be sure that I shall never for
get it. 1 do not wish to alarm my
wife at this time of night, but want
her to thank you herself before the
day is out"
He begged the other to come to
lunch, and told him his name-Lu-
dovic Imbert; adding:
MAY know to whom have the
honor?"
Certainly" said the other. intro
ducing himself. "Arsene Lupin"
At that time-this was five years
ago-Arsene Lupin had not yet at
tanned the celebrity which he owed
to the Cahorn case. his escape from
the Sante and number of other
resounding exploits.
He was not even called Arsene
Lupin- This name, for which the
future held such brilliant renown
in store, was specially invented to
denote M. Imbert's rescuer, who may
be said to have won his spurs in this
encounter. Ready for the fray, it is
true. armed at all points. but with
out resources, without the authority
which success lends, Arsene was but
an apprentice in profession of
which he was. erelong, to become a
past master.
1t was only natural that he should
feel an emotion of delight when he
woke up and remembered the invita-
ton of the night before. The goal
was within reach at lastl At last he
was undertaking a work worthy of
his powers and of his talentl The
lmbert millions-what a magnificent
prey for an appetite such as hisI
He made special toilet--a thread
bare frock coat. shabby trousers, a