The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-04-22
CHAPTER xIx.-continued.

more. l said yes--I knew about
where he was-on the train-he went
TO California in the morning"
california ~ I gurgled. ION the
train! Not for a mile! He's down
stairs in this house, hiding-he was
here when your baron came with
warrant to arrest him" And punctu-
nted with Billy's astonished exclama-
tions. | poured out my own tale OF
woe and romance and wound up with
monsieurs explanation-tha it was a
plot the French government to hold
UP the Mexican deal by keeping
CIaire's father from going to Mexico
and putting it through.
''Don't believe it," cried Billy. "Mon-
6teurs made a mistake-he didn't see
the man. Why, old Follow-up admit
ted to me he was working for the EN-
peror William! De RavenoPs got the
wrong scent. But say-we must see
him right off and put him wise to this.
Say-it's awful tougher father In
such q hole. 1t most looks as ii we
ought TO give him back the dia-
mOndS.r
Before we could discuss it and how to
communicate with the gentleman HIM
self. he appeared at the front door.
He'd gotten out in the basement, in
stead of his own fiat, because he'd
heard voices and had taken his chances
on slipping upstairs unobserved.
/ hurried him in, chastened spirit,
and Billy plunged into the recital OF
his interview with Baron Won Follow
had got rid of him by saying monsieur
had gone to California.
1 thought had seen monsieur at the
top notch of emotionalism already, but
was mistaken. He actually tore his
hair-not a great deal, but enough to
see
''My life is ruin wis zis revelation"
he walled. "Wisout to obtain zose dia-
monds ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to be able
TO return zem to zeir owner when he
sens for zem-I am lost. Mon Dieu
pm regarded re same as robber.
Sand how do tell him zey get lost?
lit is my young beautiful daughter
Claire who lets get lost zoze diamonds?
God forbid tell him Eat.
t'But how does he answer when
tell him re truse? Does he say, De
Iiavenol, am sorry you lose zoze most
precious diamonds, but accidents will
happen and I know you are good
rnan?'"
He paused for a bitter laugh and to
wipe his face with his handkerchief.
Perhaps you sink he says Eat Non
He tells me-'De Ravenol, know you
steal zose diamonds while you pretend
gey are lost. Sings like Eat don't come
lost so easy as you say. So I punish
you for a robber and see Eat you gain
messing from stealing my jewels.
Monsieur heaved a great sigh. "Zis
morning. if 1 have zoze diamonds, I
am already on my way to Mexico, but
now"
Hide man, hide for a couple of
days" urged Billy, trying to cheer him
up. wen help you. I think you
ought to be down in your den now
Tn afraid every minute that man may
turn up here again"
L
with which monsieur accepted the Of
fer. assuring us fervently, "Only to
hide saves me and my child from dis
grace. / srow myself on your mercy
II trust you wis my honaire-wis
what is dearest to nevis my life."
Billy was deeply affected, I could
see. and hurried monsieur off, return
70
'AIi serene"
/ fell asleep and was dreaming that
the dome of the national capitol was
topping over or all of us, when was
awakened by the ringing of the front
bell.
/ saw by the dim light 1t was early
too early for anything but fresh
caiamity-and hoped out of bed and
ran to the door.
''Who's there?" called through.
BILLY. Open quick"
Billy tumbled in. "Claires kidnap-
ed !" he shouted in my face.
I don't know whether put my arms
around him. or he put his around me-.
, Both, probably; but the next minute
we were clinging together and his
chest was heaving with hard dry sobs.
When | finally got coherent account
out of him he told me that Claire had
been a "little light-headed" through
the evening
'Then she's just wandered off in a
haIf-delirious state" I affirmed posi-
lively.
''She's kidnapped" Billy affirmed
more positively. "Oid Follow-up has
enticed her out on the pretext of find
Ing her father, and now he'll use her
as bait to get him out. / can't decide
whether to see him and tell him now,
or wait"
Don't fell him yet" I advised
promptly. You're all upset and you
think she's Kidnapped know she isn't
she's just lost. She's wandering
about the streets now looking for her
father"
l dressed. What could I do? Moth
ing but stay home and wait-as had
been doing all through. I was hardly
through my simple breakfast when
George came up.
"INhy, that gen'lem'n-the one sent
the note you wouldn't see yestiddy-
he say he got an appointment with you
fer nine o'clock"