Cheyenne record., 1920-07-01
CHAPTER Xlx.-Continued,

"As soon as the baron asked me
where De Ravenol was l saw the
chance to get rid of him SO he
wouldn't be Fostering around any
more. said yes-I knew about
where he was-on the train-he went
to California in the morning."
"California |" gurgled. ION the
train! Not for a mile! Hes down
stairs In this house. hiding-he was
here when your baron came with u
warrant to arrest him!" And punctu-
ated with Billy's astonished exclama-
tions, l poured out my own thle Of
woe and romance and wound up with
monsieur's explanation-that 1t was q
plot of the French government to hold
up the Mexican deal by keeping
Claire's father from going to Mexico
and putting 1t through.
Don't believe it." cried Billy. "Mon-
sieur's 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 Ravenols 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 If we
ought to give him back the dia-
monds."
Before we could discuss 1t 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.
l thought I 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 mmediately-wisout to be able
to return zem to zeir owner when he
sens for zem-I am lost. Mon Dieu
am regarded ze same as a rObber.
"And how do tell him zey get lost7
1T is my young beautiful daughter
Claire who lets get lost zoze diamonds7
God forbid l tell him zut
But how does he answer when l
tell him ze truse? Does he say, DE
Ravenol. l am sorry you lose zoze most
precious diamonds, but accidents will
happen and know you are a good
mann"
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
lost SO easy as you say. So punish
you for robber and see Eat you gain
nossing from stealing my Jewels"
Monsieur heavcd a great sigh. "Zls
morning. If l have zoze diamonds,
an already on my way to Mexico, but
how"
Hide man. hide for a couple of
days" urged Billy. trying to cheer him
up. "Well help you. think you
ought to be down In your den now
I'm afraid every minute that man may
turn up here again."
Later. l remembered the alacrity
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
Il trust you wis my honaire-wis
what Is dearest to nevis my life"
Billy was deeply affected. could
see. and hsrried monsieur of. return
ing In about half an hour to report,
"All serene"
l fell asleep and was dreaming that
the dome Of the national capitol was
toppiing over on all Of us. when was
awakened by the ringing of the front
bell
l saw by the dim light 1t was early
too early for anything but a fresh
calamity--and hoped out of bed and
ran to the door.
who's there7" called through.
BILLY. Open quick"
Billy tumbled In. "Claire's 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 a coherent account
out Of him he told me that Claire had
been little lIght-headed" through
the evening.
"Then shes just wandered of in q
half-delirious state" affirmed posi-
avaly.
shes Kidnapped" Billy affirmed
more positively. "Old Follow-up has
snticed her out on the pretext Of find
Ing her father. and now he'll use her
a. bait to get him out. can't decide
whether to see him and tell him now,
or wait"