The Washington times., 1919-02-04
Man With X-Ray Eyes
THE sTRANCEST STORY YOU EVER READ.
Baron Plucke Comes to Terms With
Maharajah, Who Insists Upon
Absolute Secrecy.

to conclude the arrang emenC. ~ the
lLaharaJah's jewels possessed the
value attributed to them. the Secur-
ity OF the loan was assured. As for
the comte. he had the reputation OF
being a man OF honor. full OF de-
votion the HIndoo prince whom
he represented. Under these cir
cumstances Baron Plucke had cas-
lily obtained from his friends the
fifteen millions wanted, and was
explaining the details to the cOmte,
whom he had summoned.
Day after tomorrow, at 3
o'clock" he said in conclusion. Il
win go to your residence" Then
handing him a paper. he added:
Meanwhile, VIII you read this out
line OF the contractF
The other took the document and
read Il slowly. seeming to weight
each word.
THAT Is excellent. will ask only
that you viii have three copies,
one for yourself. one which shall
send to His Highness. and one to
keep among my accounts 80
While the baron was writing this
request in his notebook, for his sec
retary. the comte added:
The jewels viii be at. your dis
posal; do you intend to take them
at once?'
Wasn't that agresd?" asked the
baron quickly.
"As soon as our signatures ara
exchanged, you can dispose OF them
as you choose. I spoke OF Il In case
you might wish to have them taken
by some confidential man"
mo I'll bring a small valise with
me, and shall trust the matter to no
one"
And you are not afraid that
That is my usual method. Why
should I attract attention BY un-
usual precautions? There are al
ways robbers on the watch who
would think: Come, come, Baron
Plucke has just dene a good piece
OF business: let's hold him up
That would be laying myself open
uselessly to their attacks! So.
with my valise, I'll just step into
the first cab that comes along. as
If were merely attending to some
ordinary natter
Wont you at least allow me to
send my valet with you? Hell
ride on the box
mo, indeed. On leaving your
home shall go directly to the
Bank OF France and the Jewels will
be Immediately deposited in nv
safe, without letting anyone sus-
pect that Baron Plucke has crossed
all Paris with fifty millions on his
person,"
after all. you are right" replied
the comte.
"Oh. I assure you that having
such q fortune in my house has off
en- kept me from sleeping! What
wouldn't have given IL people had
not known It! But TO try to hide
anything from that Argus OF a
hundred eyes whose name Is Parisi
One would think that the walls
themselves had ears"
While speaking. he had risen:
Day 8<ter tomorrow. then, sir"
Lowering his voice, ne added: "By
the way, 1 thought that. for my
commission. I would willingly ac-
cept a check made out to bearer. IL
that would suit your convenience
better"
''No, no." answered the baron.
patting him familiarly on the
shoulder, what is agreed is
agreed"
He accompanied him to the door.
passing through the drawing room.
Lucien Delorme was waiting pa
tiently to be admitted. meanwhile
admirtng the magnificent tapestries
hung on the Valls which. in q IA
nous sale, the baron had torn from
with volleys OF bank notes.
He had pushed his immovabIe
black glasses up on his forehead
and was examining Jupiter Alb
Quoting Europa" famed throughout
the whole world OF collectors.
which experts agreed in consider
ing the finest Gobelin in existence
when, suddenly. the door ssened
and the two men appeared.
Absorbed in their conversation.
they crossed the immense apart
ment without noticing the young
man in his corner, who had me-
chanically glanced towpard them.
suddenly he started, seemed to
NIX his whole attention on them.
and gazed with a keep expression
until they had disappeared.
Then, passing his hand across his
forehead with a feverish gesture,
he murmured:
1T is impossible"
TO BE CONTINUED ToMORROW0