The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1920-04-29
CHAPTER xIx.-Continued.


chance to get rid of him so he
wouldn't be pestering around any
more. l said yes-I knew about
where he was-on the traln-he went
to California in the morning"
california !" / gurgled. "On the
train Not for a mile He's down
stairs in this house, hiding--he was
here when your baron came with
warrant 70 arrest himl 70 And punctu-
sted with Billy's astonlshed exclamn-
lions | poured out my own tale of
woe and romance and wound up with
monsieurs explanation-that 1t was
plot of the French government to hold
mp the Mexican deal by keeping
Claire's father from going to Mexico
and putting it through.
Don't believe It," cried Billy. "Mop-
sieur's made mistake-he didn't see
the man. Why, Old Follow-up admit
ted to ME he was working for the En-
peror william De Ravenol's got the
wrong scent. But say-we must see
him right Off and put him wise to this
Say-it's awful tough-her father in
such hole. 1t most looks as IL we
ought TO give him back the dia-
monds."
Before we could discuss II 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
up and the clever way he thought he
had got rid of him by saying monsieur
had gone TO California.
thought / had seen monsieur at the
top notch of emotionallsm 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-
nonds mmediately-wisout to be able
to return zem to zeir owner when he
uens for zem-I am lost. Mon Dieu
am regarded re same as a robber
"And how do tell him zey get lost
1t is my young beautiful daughter
Claire who lets get lost zoze diamonds?
God forbid I tell him zat.
But how does he answer when
tell him re truse? Does he say, DE
Ravenol, am sorry you lose zoze most
precious diamonds, but accidents Will
happen and / know you are "A good
manT"
He paused for bitter laugh and to
wipe his face with his handkerchief.
Perhaps you sink he says Eat. Non
He tells mc-'De Ravenol, / know you
steal zose diamonds while you pretend
zey are lost. Sings like Eat don't come
lost so easy as you say. So l punisf
you for a robber and see Eat you gair
messing from stealing my Jewels"
Monsieur heaved a great sigh. "Zl'
morning. II / have zoze diamonds,
am already on my way to Mexico, bu
now"
"Hide man, hide for a couple o
days" urged Billy, trying to cheer hin
up. "We'll help you. / think yo,
ought to be down in your den now
I'm afrail every minute that man ma.
turn up here again"
Later, remembered the alacrit.
with which monsieur accepted the of
Ter, assuring us fervently, "only T.
hide saves me and my child from dis
grace. l srow myself on your mere
II trust you wis my honaire-wi
what is dearest TO nevis my life"
Billy was deeply affected, / coul
see, and hurried monsieur OFF. return
ing In about half an hour to report
"All serene"
fell asleep and was dreaming tina
the dome of the national capitol wa
toppling over on all of us. when l wa
awakened by the ringing of the iron
bell.
/ saw by the dim light II was earl
too early for anything but a fires
ealamity-and hoped out of bed an
ran to the door.
who's there?" l called through.
"Bllly. Open quick"
Billy tumbed in. "Claire's kidnaI
ed |" he shouted In my face.
l don't know whether put my arm
around him. or he put his around m
Both, probably but the next minu'
we were clinging together and h
chest was heaving with hard dry sob
When finally got coherent accouI
out Of him he told me that Claire ha
been a little light-headed" throue
the evening.
"Then she's Just wandered on in
half-delIrious state" l affirmed pos
lively.
"She's kidnapped" Billy afiirm'
more positively. "old Follow-up hi
enticed her out on the pretext of fin
Ing her father, and now he'll use h
as bait to get him out I can't deci'
whether to see him and tell him no
or wait"
Don't tell him yet" advis'
promptly. you're all upset and "