Evening star., 1919-03-16


Valentine West was not roma OF
having assistants thrust upon him, but
he did not say SO.
Some months ago young lady was
brought to England and placed at
ladies' college at Cheltenha H." the
minister went on. consulting the pa
pers In his hand. Her name was Sig
norma Contini. She was about eight
Gen years old. was sent here nomt-
nally to learn English-really to get
her out of the way. I have not seen
her, but 1 am told she is beautiful.
which is possibly true, since she ap-
pears to be a most disturbing inhu-
ence In the minds Of several people.
A week ago she disappeared. and she
has got to be found"
West looked surprised
more a case for the police than for
you, eh?"
II was thinking so, sir"
unfortunately. this young woman,
although Of small Importance in her.
self. the daughter of quite a bourgeois
family, ] am told. has attracted the
attention of a very highly placed per-
Sen-Count Pietro of Tuscany. II you
are well posted in court knowledge,
Mr. West you will understand that
such a marriage for such person
would endanger dynasty. The
young woman was quietly eXiled and
the affair considered at an END. NOW
1t is ascertained that Count Pietro
10 not to be found. 1t is supposed he
has come to England. found the lady
and has abducted her from her guard
ians at Cheltenham The affair be-
comes diplomatic one
..l, ~ \ oly orrN
said West.
over week ago"
Then they are probably out of the
"The ports have been watched" said
the minister There is every reason
to think they are in England waiting
probably until our vigilance has
slackened. The necessity for keeping
the matter as quiet as possible to pre-
vent diplomatic complications. Of
terday had visit from an Italian
detective who has been instructed to
act with US. He Is one of two sent
over. and knows both the count and
the lady; He is coming here to be in
troduced to you this morning. You
see the affair is considered serious.
Anything in the nature of morga-
natio marriage ts abhorrent to the
count, I understand. and rather than
be separated from this girl he would
'wil catching them prevent his do
ing So" asked West.
THAT is hardly our affair. We have
to catch them. since they are in this
must deal with them. Are there any
points you wish to raise before l have
this man in? / expect he Is waiting"
lis 1t known when the count disap-
peared?" West asked.
Il believe not. He was supposed to
hA n ahn0fip0 hnv hi,t
there. He may have set out on this
scheme a month ago"
lis there any proof that he is in
England?"
Nothing definite. as far as l know"
answered the minister.
The conclusion is jumped to. l take
1t, merely because the girl is here?"
said West.
II imagine that is the case"
"One more question, sir: Have you
any reason to SUPPOSE that the Italian
government Is using this affair to
direction?"
such a possibility has not occurred
to me-" said the minister
you have no knowledge of any
state affair which might lead you to
think such an idea possible?"
No the minister answered. after
S,,pa pause; mr what, What exactly is in your
Nothing definite, sir. l am merely
trying to look at the problem from
different angles"
Il do not wish to influence YOU in
any way" the minister said, but. re-
member. you have woman to deal
with! Clever enough to entangle the
count. she may be clever enough to
slip out of this difficulty. I should re-
member the woman rather than the
count, West"
West smiled as the minister rang
his bell. 1t was we'll known that he
dtstrusted women, and had once pub
licly declared that in every diplo-
matte difficulty the rustic of a petit
coat was to be heard. The comic pa
pers had not allowed him to forget
the statement
-. The Italian detective was ushered
into the room, vigorous man, quick
In movement, mobile in face
"Sfgnor Lucchesi, this is Mr. Valen-
tine West" said the minister "Mr.
West is in possession of the main
facts of this delicate problem. and is
aware that publicity in the matter is
most undesirable. Between you, l
trust, a speedy solution will be found"
II cannot doubt it," said Lucchesi,
bowling to West II rejoice at the as
sociation. have heard Of Signor
West"
They left the minister's room to-
gether. and al Vests suggestion went
to nearby restaurant to lunch The
sooner they became acquainted and
understood each other the better
'Jt is an affair of state" said the