The Washington times., 1919-05-12

see YOU Nata Is here, somewhere,
watching for you"-turning her
pretty. eager head to search for the
Princess Mistchenka. "Oh, there
she Is! She doesn't see US"
They made their way between the
passing ranks OF passengers and
porters; the princess caught sight
OF them. came hastily toward them.
Greeted BY Princess.
Jim! It's nice to see you. Thank
you for coming! So you found him.
Rue? How are you, Jim? And
where is the oIive-wood boxT"
I'm well. and there's that devil
ish box" he replied, laughing and
lifting it in his hand to exhibit IL
'Naia the next time you want IL.
send an escort OF artillery and tive
battleships!'
Did you have trouble?'
Trouble? I had the time OF ny
life. No moving picture can ever
again excite me; no best seller. I've
been both since I had your cable
to get this box and bring II to YOU
He laughed as he spoke, but the
princess continued to regard him
very seriously, and Rue Carew'B
smile came and waned like sunlight
in a wood. for she was not quite
sure whether he had really en-
countered any dangers on this mis-
sion which he Aad fulfilled 30 well.
Our car is waiting outside said
the princess. Where Is your per-
ter. JIM"
Neeland glanced about him, dis
covered the porter, made q sign
for him to follow, and they moved
together toward the entrance to the
huge terminal.
II haven't decided where to stop
yet" began Neeland, but the prin-
cess checked him with a pretty ges-
ture:
"You stop with US. Jim"
THANK you so much. but
"Please. Must beg OF your"
do you really wish it?"
Certainly" she replied absently,
glancing about her. She added: IT
don't see my car. 1 don't see my
footman. / told him to wait here.
Rue, do you see him anywhereT"
mo, I don't" said the girl
The Stupid Chauffeur.
"How annoying!" said the princess
Hes a new man. My own footman
was. set upon and almost killed by
Apaches a week ago. So had to
find a substitute. How stupid OF
him! Where on earth can he be
waiting? go,
They tragsrsed the court Of the
terminal Many automobiles were
parked there or just leaving;
liVeried footmen stood awaiting
masters and mistresses; but no.
where was the car OF the Princess
Mistchenka in sight.
They stood there. Neeland's poP-
ter behind with his suitcase and
luggage, not knowing whether to
wait longer or summon a taxicab.
II don't understand" repeated
the princess impatientlY. IT ex-
planned very carefully what I de-
sired. That new groom is stupid.
Caron, my chauffeur, would never
have made a mistake unless that
idiot groom misunderstood his in
structions."
Let me go and make some in
quiries," said Neeland. DO you
mind waiting here? I'll not be
long"
He went OF. carrying the olive
wood box, which his grasp never
quilted now: and presently the
princess and Ruhannah saw him dis
appear among the ranks OF automo-
biles nd cabs.
II don't like it. Rue" repeated
the princess in a low voice. 81
neither understand nor relish this
situation.
Have you any idea-
Hush, child I don't know. That
new groom, Verdier, was recon-
mended by the Russian embassy. I
don't know what to think of this"
1T can't be anything-queer, caA
it. dear?" asked Rue.
Anything can have happened.
Nothing is likely to have occurred,
however - unless - unless those
Apaches were"
"Naia"'
Part OF Plans.
"It's possible. I suppose They
may have attacked Picard as part
OF a conspiracy. The Russian en-
bassy may have been deceived in
Verdier. All this may be part OF
a plan. Butt scarcely believe IL
All the same, I dislike
to take a taxicab-"
She caught sight OF Neeland re-
turning; both women moved for
ward to meet him.
I've solved the mystery" he said.
"Naia, your car was run into outside
the station a few minutes after YOU
left it. And I'm sorry to say that
your chauffeur was badly enough
hurt to require an ambulance"
where on earth did you learn
that
The official at the taxicab con-
troll told me. 1 went to him be-
cause that is where one is likely -
receive information"
"Caron hurt" murmured the
Princess. What a shame! Where
did they take him. JIM"
ITO the Charlie"
"FH go this afternoon. But
where is that imbecile groom Of
mine?"
1T appears that he and a police
man went to a garage on the re-
pair truck that took your car"
Was he arrested"
Il believe So"
What a conetretemps!" exclaiu,-
ed the Princess Mistchenka. I'VE
shall have to take a taxicab after
all!"
I've ordered one from the CON
troll. There it comes now" said
as a brand new taxicab,
which looked like a private car,
drew up at the curb. and a smiling
and very spick and span chauffsEP
saluted.