The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-04-05


81 was particular about the time.
Mr. West. because in half an hour
have to introduce you to a man who
will assist you in this business. and I
wanted to give you the facts first"
Valentine West was not fond of hav-
ing assistants thrust upon him. but he
did not say SO.
Some months ago a young lady was
brought to England and placed at
ladies' college at Cheltenham," the
minister went on. consulting the papers
in his hand. Her name was Signorina
Con.ini. She was about eighteen years
old. was sent here nominally to learn
English-really to get her out of the
way. have not seen her. but I am
told she IS beautiful, which is possibly
true, since she appears to be a most
disturbing influence in the minds of
several people. A week ago she disap-
peared. and she has got to be found"
Wet looked surprised
More a case for the police than for
you. eh?"
Il was thinking so, sir"
Unfortunately this young woman.
although OF small Importance in her.
self. tho daughter of quite bourgeois
family. am told. has attracted the at
tention Of very highly placed person
-(Ouill Oh uSCdAy. IT you are
well posted in court knowledge, Mr..
West, yoa will understand that such
marriage for such a person would en-
danger a dynasty. The young woman
was quietly exiled and the affair con-
sidered at an end. Now it is ascertain
ed that Count Pietro is not to be found.
IT is supposed he has come to Eng
land, found the lady, and has abducted
her from her Guardians at Cheltenham.
The affair becomes a diplomatic one"
And she disappeared a week ago."
said West.
cover q week ago"
Then they are probably out of the
country"
The ports have been watched" said
the minister. There is every reason
to think the% are in England, waiting
probably until our vigilance has slack
ened. The necessity for keeping the
matter as quiet as possible to prevent
diplomatic complications. of course. in
creases our difficulty. Yesterday I had
a visit from an Italian detective who
has seen 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 introduced to you
this morning. You see the affair is
| considered serious Anything in the
| abhorrent to the count I understand,
| and rather than be separated from this
| girl he>would renounce his rights"
will catching them prevent his do
ing SOP asked West.
| That Is hardly our affair. We have
] to catch them since they are in this
country. Afterward their own people
must deal with them. Are there any
/ points you wish to raise before have
this man in? I expect he is waiting"
rs it known when the count dis
appeared" West asked.
Il believe not. He was supposed to
be at some shooting box but was not
there. He may have set out on this
scheme month ago.
rs there any proof that he Is IN Eng
land?"
Nothing definite, as far as I know
answered the minister.
'The conclusion is jumped to, take
1T, merely because the girl Is here?"
said West.
Il imagine that Is the case"
One more question. sir: Have you
any reason to suppose that the italian
Government is using this affair to
make a catspaw of US in some other
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 a
pause. What exactly is in your mind.
Mr.. West?"
Nothing definite, sir. I am merely
trying to look at the problem from diff
ferent an sles."
| at do NOT v.,isI 70 irdrauoa va, 4, a1x-
way" the minister said, 'but, remem-
her, you have a woman to deal with
Clever enough to entangle the count.
she may he clever enough to slip out
OF this difficulty. 1 should remember
the woman rather than the count,
West
West smiled as the minister rang his
bell. 1t was well known that he dis
trusted women. and had once publicly
declared that in every diplomatic diff
hculty the rustic OF a petticoat was to
be heard. The comic papers had not
allowed him to forget the statement.
The Italian detective was ushered
into the room. n vigorous man., quick
IN movement. mobile in face.
"Signor Lucchesi. this is Mr.. valen-
tine West" said the minister Mr..
West is In possession Of the main facts
| ~ LIS NS~NoeO PAODlSAA, anu IS aware
that publicity in the matter is most
undesirable. Between you, 1 trust. a
speedy solution will be found"
II cannot doubt IT," said Lucchesi,
bowling to West Il rejoice at the as
ISOLATION. I have heard of Signor
West"
They left the minister's room to-
gether. and at Vests suggestion went
to a nearby restaurant to lunch. The
sooner they became acquainted and
understood each other the better
TT is an affair OF state" said the
Italian; 'most important and secret.