The evening world. Newspaper, January 27, 1915, Page 17

*, head of the column, and was supple- CHAPTER VI. (Ocatiwasd,) The Lieutenant Reports. 'T was not until the boat train ‘was nearing the environs of Paris that Hobbs threw some light over the situation, with the result that it in- @tantly became darker than ever Before. It appears that Miss Guile was met at the landing by a very eed looking young man, who not emily escorted her to the train but ectually-entered it with her, and was @ven now enjoying the luxury of a Private compartment as well as the > eontents of a large Juncheon hamper, © eay nothing of an uninterrupted view of something far more inspir- tng than the scenery. “Frenchman?” inquired Dank list- lessly. “American, I should say, sir,” said Hobba, balancing himself in the Oorridor outside the door and stick- ‘mg his head inside with more confi- @ence than a traveller usually feels when travelling from Cherbourg to Paris. At the Gare St. Lazare Robin had ® brief glimpse of Miss Guile as she hurried with the crowd down to the cab inclosure, where her escort, the @fert young stranger, put her into @ waiting limousine, bundied Mrs. Geston and Marie in after her, and then dashed away, obviously to see ‘their luggage through the customs. She espied the tall figure of her fel- Jow voyager near the steps and leaned forward to wave a perfunctory fare- well to him. the Prince was accosted by a ly man. man was Gourou, Chief of Po- and Commander of the Tower in per: “Can the ‘B’ stand for Blithers? Can she be?’ — Next day one of the Paris papers carried this headline: “Migs Blithers Denies Report. Bigned Statement Mysteriously Re- ceived, American Heiress not to wed Prince of Greustark."’ ‘The following card appeared at the | mented by a complete resume of the Blithers-Graustark muddle: ‘Miss Blithers desires to correct an erroneous report that has appeared in the newspapers. She is not to be married to the Prince of u- stark, nor is there even the remotest probability that such will ever be the case. Miss Blithers regrets that o! has not the honor of Prince Robin’ acquaintance, and th epecitically stated in th that he does not know The statements-of the two most vitally affected by this ing rumor should be taken The name of Maud: Applegate Blith- ers was appended to the statement, and it was dated Paris, Aug. 29. Thereafter followed a lengthy de- scription of the futile gearch for the young lady in Paria, and an inter- view with the local representatives of Mr, Bluth all of whom declared that the signature was genuine, but refused to commit themselves further | without consulting their employ They could throw no light upon the situation, even going eo far as to declare that they were unaware of the Presence of Miss Blithers in Paris. it appears that the signed state- ment was left in the counting-rooms of the various newspapers by a heavily veiled lady at an hour agreed upon as “about ten o'clock.” There Was absolutely no clue to the identity of this woman, ‘lL suppose you will now admit that | am right about the jetter B,” #aid Dank sullenly as the Prince read this news. “whi see Miss Guile I shail re blank if she is Maud Applegate, and if she says she isn’t, I'll take her word for it,” said Robin. Well sald the Prince, i 1o Ince, ruefully, still take her word for it.” ts ther Tt aball be en L shal equally frank and tell her that lam Robin of Graustark. ‘That will put us all equare again, and we'll see what comes of it in th a."* “You don’t mean to say you'll— you'll continue as you were?” gasped Edelweiss, successor to the celebrated Dank. Baron Dangloss. After he had greet- ed bis prince, the quiet little man an- pounced that he had reserved for him ap apartment at the Bristol. “I am instructed by the Prime Min- ster, your highness, to urge your im- Mediate return to Edelweiss,’ he went 2 that nothing will serve to subdue the feeling of uneasiness that prevails ex- cept your own declaration—in person ~—~that these reports are untrue.” “I ghall telegraph at once to Baron Romano that it is all poppy-cock,” . “I refer, of.course, I am eaked Quinnox. Bree oar be sure that I shall not annoy Miss Guile,” retorted the “and you may be equally sure “t beg your pardon, Robin, but I @i4 not employ the word ‘annoy,’ ted the Count. “—that she takes me for a gentle- i “man if not for @ prince,” went on deliberately. enone is ‘another aide to the case, boy. Asa gentleman you cannot w this lovely girl to—er—well, to fall in love with you. That would be cruel, wantonly cruel. And it is just the thing Seo ‘on with”— yiMy dear Count, you forget that I am only R. Schmidt to her, and but one of perhaps a hundred young men who havo pleased her in thi perilous position. vesenree other way ‘row sir. take the isk, nt Miss Guile. at if there js to be @, I am the one who ly to fall, and to fall hard. You assume that Miss Guile is beart-whole and fancy free. ‘Gad, I wish that I could be sure of it!" He with such fervor that the Count was dismayed. “Robin, my lad, I beg of you to consider the consequences that"—— “There's no use discussing it, old friend. Trust to luck. There is a bully good chance that she will send me about my business when the time comes, and then the salvation of Graustark will be assured.” He said it lightly, but there was a dark look In bis eyes that belied the jaunty words. “Am I to understand that you in- tend to—to ask ier to marry you? demanded the Count, profoundly troubled. ‘Remember, boy, that you are the Prince of Graustark, that you"— “But I'm mot going to ask her to the Princa of Graustark. I'm ing to ask her to marry R, Bonisiat:* said. Robin, composedly, “Enough! Enou, cried the Count, ips and laring straight ahead, Oernat the way to talk,” cried Robin, enthusiastically. “By the way, I hope Dank is clever enough to find out who that young fellow is compressing his while they are clearing the luggage in there. I had a look at him just now. He ts that Hobbs de- more. He ls a CHAPTER VI!. ‘T was at this moment Hobbs confided to Dank, @ little farther down the station, that Miss Guile’s trunks had been massed under the letter “B" in the customs, “And af frst op- portunity Denk told | ” bound to happen if p; ry “That depends entirely on Mise bat) Paes at “But you wouldn't dare to marry Maud Applegate Biithers, sir. Your people have declared they will not tolerate such an alliance, You would be driven out of Graustark — “I think that would depend a good deal on Miss Guile, too, old chap,” said Rodin coolly, Dank swallowed very hard. “I want to be loyal to you, your high- n he said as if he did not think it would be poasible to remain #o, + “T ahall count on you, Dank," said Robin earnestly, “But"——- began the lieutenant, and then stopped short. “Let me finish it for you. You don't feel though you could be loyal to Miss Blithers, is that it?” think that would depend on Miss said Dank, and then be to be excused. He went out of the room rather hurriedly, Robin, aft “Well, Hobbs,” said er his astonishment had abated, “what do you think of it?” “{ think he’s in love with her, sir,” @aid Hobbs promptly. “Good Lord! with—with Miss recleely 0, 8! “Well, I'll be darned!” said the American half of Prince Robin with great fervor. reproved Hobbs, “Tut, tut, er,” previous calling joeroreen, “Are you re “Yea, I'm going out to search the highwaya and bywaye for Bedelia,” said Robin, a gay light in his eyes. The day was warm and clear, and js was gleaming. Robin stretched ‘isk walk across d up the Ri hesitated and then retraced his steps slowly down the street of diamonds, for he ted Mise Guile of being interested in things that were costly. Suddenly inspired, he made his way de la Concorde and set- on one of the seats near t rance to the Champs Elysees. It was his shrewd argument that if she planned a ride on that exquisite morning it naturally would be along the great avenue, and in that event he might reasonably hope to catch her coming or goin; A man came up and took at ide him. “Good morning, Mr. Schmidt,” said the n Baron Gourou, and ing him. In the Rue de “The deuce you sa; you know thet it was Miss Guile? You've no means of knowi “It is a part of my profession to Tecognize people from given desorip- tions, In this case, however, the iden- tification was rendered quite simple by the actions of the young lady her- self. She happened to emerge from @ shop just as you were passing and I've never seen any one, criminal or otherwise, seek cover as quickly as e did, She darted back into the shop like one pursued by the devil. Naturally I bung around for few minutes to see the rest of the play. Presently she peered forth, looked stealthily up and down the street, and then dashed across the pavement to a waiting taximet It affords me pleasure to inform your highness that I took the number of the machine,” He glanced at his cuff-band. “Where did she go from the Rue de la Paix?’ asked Robin impa- tently. “To the Rits, I was there almost as soon as she. She handed an en- velope—containing @ letter, I fancy —to the carrii man and drove away in the direc of the Place de VOpera, I have a sly notion, my Prince, that you will find a note velieg, ves on your return to Rotel. aD) to be in haste, aha juile just now, " But how do & keep alongside, Baron, you'll have to run, I'm afraid,” cried the Prince, ie was instantly in his seven-league ots. There was a note in Robin's rooms when he reached the hotel. It was not the delicately perfumed grticle that usually is despatched by fictional heroines, but a rather business-like envelope. As Robin ripped it open with hie finger, Baron Gourou entered the toa nouncement. m, but not without giving vent ight cough in the way of an an- Robin finished reading the note and passed it over to the Baron, The latter read it aloud: “My motor will call for you at three this afternoon, and we wili t Tun out to St. Cloud for tea; the Pavillon Bleu. Mrs. Gasto: spending the day with relatives at Champigny, and we may as roll be mice, and play while the cat's away, under the circumstanct If you have another engageme: Pray do not let it inter the pleasure I am seeking.” “Nothing could be more exciting, my dear Prine said Gourow, with “she signs herself ‘B. Guile,’ and I am sure she is magnificently beguiling, 18 you Mg Farge the play on words. all 9 @ jolly little that Robi ness. venture,” In could ee pay, in his ary generally accredited with sense and refinement,” said he after a moment. “I think I have it too, She is a Mberately putting you to a rather se- vere test.’ “Test? What do you mean?” “She is trying you out sir. Gulle—or possibly Mise Blithere—is taking @ genuine risk in order to de- termine whether you are a real gen- tleman or only a make-believe. is taking a chance with you. may call it @ jolly little adventure, but I call it the acid test. She You Young women of good breeding and refine- ment do not plan such adventures with casual, shipboard acquaintances, She in who, you are. I must ceedingly clever and courageous. “Thank you, Baron, ed is forearmed. I main a gentleman at any cost.” Robin laughed. say she’ tends to find out what, not “She is so shrewd and resourceful that I am almost convinced she can be no other than the daughter of the . I believe he amasing Mr. Blit? achieved most of h success through wheer impudence, though it is com- monly described as daring.” “In any case, Baron, I shall make is point to find out whether she ts engaged to the Prince of Graustark. Pray do not come back to us with the news that she is engaged to R. Schmidt,” eaid Gourou significantly. Robin smiled ¢eflectively. “Phat would make @ jolly adventure of it, wouldn't it?’ At three o'clock a big limousine swung under the porte cochere at t! Ritz and a nimble footman hopped down and entered the hotel. Robin Was waiting just inside the doors. He recognized the car as the one that had taken Miss Guile away from the Gare St. Lazare, and stepped for- ward instantly to intercept the man. “For Mr. Schmidt?” he inquired. “Oul, M'sieur.” Thrilied by excitement, entered the car. He observed the at of the two men on th pleasurable eense of io Prince of Graustark letter L in gold in the panel of the door, and le mental note of the eniart livery ‘ont seat, A delicate perfume lingered in the car, convincing proof that Mise Guile had left it but a few minutes before ite arrival at the Ritz, As @ matter of fact, she was ni earer than thought, for the oar whirled into the he Rue de la Paix and stopped at the curb not more than « hundred yards from the Place Vendome, Once more the nimble footman hopped down and thre door, A slender, 32 you engoct te in @ hive linen gown end'a & the from which blue plumes, of a diamond merchant's shop, before Robin could move from corner, popped into the car and sat down beside him with @ nervous little laugh on her Hps—red showed rose-like and tempting be- hind a thick chiffon veil, obviously donned for an excellent reason. exquisite features of Miss Guile were barely distinguishable beneath the ry Closed ‘sha wie tts ‘almost door a yal fore the Prince hed recovered from his surprise, the car glided off in the the Place de l’Opera. “Ien't it just like an elopement?” crted Miss Guile, and that she was vastly pleased with the sprightly introduc- Girection of plain to him tion to straight seat. {t really your" and he was surprised to find that his own voice trembled, “Oh,” she said, with a sudden dif- beh fidence, “how do yo' you think of me, of you, you'd pig | without speaking smiling, “How tended his hand, She sank back looked at him for a certain what to say or do next. The shadowy red lips were smiling and the big dark eyes were eloquent, even through the screen, “I may as well tell you at the out- set, Mr. Schmidt, an uneasy am quite sure the adventure, Her trembled slightly and she sat up very in the wide, comfortable uaeag, in ie et and never once speaking to you?" “It I were to tel: you what I think but it wae ignored. into nevi never—done a thing like this before,” sald, ‘and therefere conf Wedne By Robert Minor sprung two gorgeous speak Mr, Schmidt, emerged from the door you know how impéssible it is to— to get a moment to on when and, his lips that my lovely one-! dragon. placed myeelf in her care and—woll, she is very dependable person. You will understand, won't you?” “Pray do not distress yourself, Miss Guile,” he protested. ‘The last word ig spoken, I am too happy to spoil day * Goubting its integrity. les, I believe I know you better you think I do,” He expected her to reveal some sign of dismay, but she was suddenly “Then you will not mind my eo- centricities,” she said calmly, “and we shall have a very hice drive, some tea and a—lark in place of the more delectable birds presc: “d by the chef at the Pavillon Sleu. As the car turned into the Boule- vard des Capucines Robin suppres- sed an exclamation of annoyance on 101 Avy Gourou bon pans do? What must standi: on the curb almost within Ay arm's length of the car as it passed. The former was peering rather in- tently at the two men on the front seat, and evinced Igtie or no interest in the occupants the tonneau, “Wasn't that ur friend Mr, Dank?” inquired Mise Guile with in- te: reat. “You,” eaid he, and turned for an- other look at his compatriots. Gou- rou was jotting something down on his cuff-band. The Prince mentally The The the Be it was quite voice cried Robin, right out again ae said he, you dot” He ex- the corner and moment as if un- promised him something for hi ins. ‘But he is a care,” ia hi that I've never always toning his heart, Mise Gu note in her voice, 7 Pe ey y Aig ee see of that,” said he, “By the way, who was the 4 nfege to & vast jooking chap that came to Cherl wealth of satisfaction.” to meet you?” ill “What do you think of me?” ” “L think at you are frightened ‘A very old friend, Mr. Schmide. almost out of your boots,” said he boldly. “No I'm not,” eaid she resolutely, *', “I am only conscious of feeling ex- tremely foolish.” “T shouldn't feel sealing off for a cup of tea,” said he. t's Quite regular, you kno ig frequently done circles when the cat's away.” “You see, I couldn't quite scrape up the courage hotel for yor eral sev and I—] & dreadtal 1 person, “Not at all,” he declared promptly. Then he resolved to put one of the questions he had made to ask at the first you mind telling me why you aban- me so completely, so heart- leasly on the day we lan ano ti ethorwiln e Beka shou! ot r. midt,” eaid, the tremor gone from her tee doned e voice, “And yet for tea,” he He could not help ataring. “Why ia to-day so different from yester- day?” “Tt ten’ ed eald. “Doesn't all this prov His face fell, “Don't you want to be seen with me, I “Wait! Will you not be satisfied with things as they are and refrain from asking unnecessary questions?” “I shall bave to be satisfied,” sald be ruefully, “I am sorry I Schmidt,” she cried, eat, you be to-day?” He a Baron's shi the opportuni: banal go by without ry, mone tent, after all, ® merely at she was s to rectly to J a eaid, “I kn who are stopping there i—well, you won't think I'm you take me to Bt. Cloud waid pointedly. “Ah, but no one ts to know of this,” , contrite at once, “There is absolutely no reason why I should not be seen with you. But appeased when I say wanted to be remembered conjecture and let to say something T've known him aince I was that high.” (That high was on @ line with her knee.) pena, fellow,” was his com- men’ “Have you been reading what the ws are saying about your friend ir, Blithers a: ‘hia obstreperous Maud?" she asked. “You. I see she positively denies og yeole bey gall es ikewise the prospective use,” whe added. “Lan't It sicke: a “I wonder what Mr, ire is aay- said he ‘audaclously. » Bit 1 to-day,” "Boor ld , he must be as sore as & orab, By the way, it is reported that she crossed on the steamer with ae “I am quite certain that @he did, Mr, Schmidt,” said she. “You really think so?” he cried, Med?” regarding her keenly, “The man who came to meet me quite well. He is confident her at Cherbourg.” 14 he, and was thorougly convinced. “I may aa well confess to you, Miss Guile, that I also know her when I gee her.” “But you told me positively that you had never seen her, Mr, Schmidt,” she said quickly. “I bad not seen her up to the second 4 out on the Jupiter,” he explained, enjoying himself immensely. “It was after that that you"—— “I know,” he gald, as abe hesitated; “but wn see I didn't know she was Miss Blithere until some time after I had met you.” ‘There was a chal- lenge in his manner amounting almost to a declaration, She leaned forward to regard him intently, t possible, Mr, Sohmidt, that you suspect me of being that horrid, vulgar creature?” Robin was not to be trapped. There was something in the shadowy eyes that warned him, “At least, I may say that I do not suspect you of being a horrid, vulgar creature,” he said evasively, “What else can this Miss Blithere be If not that?” “Would you say that she ts vulgar because she retases {9 ScknaWieGe £ of Setpatarass wees iy things I want te engagement.’ 4 that way about al in the very best the will yout” le up his mind pportunity, “Do Mies Guile? Am eaid that, Mr. with you alone the a word, Perhaps He merely re- I lation, that's all, » Gifficulty that he restrained the im- —==BY E. W. HORNUNG=S=— a ‘Auther of the RAFFLES Stories) Rie A to—to—to-—what do at then the aipy wart tbat st besa “I'm game,” sald he aam. For a minute or we atraight into each was excl “T think as you do about it, Mise Guile,” said he, and she Was silenced. CHAPTER VIII. The Mice in a Trap. T HEY had a table in a cool, shady corner of the broad porch overlooking the Place d@’Armes and the Seine and ita vociferous ferries, And front seat of there a messenger handed the Prince glance showed him that the brief note was from Gourou. A characteristic G eorved as a signature. As he read, a herd line appeared between hig eyee and his expression grew serious. “It Is really nothing, Miss Guile,” be had not fate in its de ville intervened fonea” succega seemed ‘almost 4 “Don’t tear it up!" ehe cried sharply. ‘what does it say? I have a right to know, Mr. Schmidt, even though it ts only @ joke, What has this friend of yours to say about me? ‘What coarse, uncalled-for comment has he to make me think mom jee im fon suddenly real reflection. r w me to see that ore reine ot, if you don't mind.” “But I insist, oir! I'll not go a o! from thia place until I know what thia ls about.” policemen from the car and tatowed's Whereupon the grown of serge ereupon Ville trooped in ing! them the neatly liveried with the golden letter L oa cuffs. An Anstant later they were to a fair-sised room on the to alt . tt about the room, the Sr eee end was the J “T insist on telephone to eyes were wide with—was it alarm bale yi He isa “You haven't answered question, Mr, Bohmidt.” — named Gourow. spect you ot being bite Bikes See rouar upebind; @uspect you o! ny ors.” for Mr. * *, “But you did suspect it.” “Ie it @ part of his duty to watoh “I was pleasantly engaged tn specu- your movements?” she asked, leaning forward, It Is generally be- forw: i Heved that Miss Blithers sailed under “No, He is my friend, however,’ said Robin steadily. “According to an assumed name—ilterally, not this epistle, it would appear that it te “In there y reason why you duty to keep track of should imagine that my name is not TE png May 1 ask Why you Guilet™ should be shadowed by of “Yea, Your juswere le resplend- ently marked with the second letter 2. the Alphabet—a gory, crimson “I 00,” eho aald reflectively. “You examined my luggage, ae they say in the customs office. And you couldn't put B and G together, is that it?” “Obviously.” “If you had taken the trouble to po ty sonia have found os equally Maleur. cs jendent G on the oj te ei Valour.” y j f hand ever trunk, Mr. Schmidt,” “Will you conduct i ~ ena acketly, “i phone boots?! whlopered Stas. Geli” did not examine your lagwage, tearfully. ee ane Sie A bags 4 ie int left much for him to etand upon, “Rather unique way to put moved, but at the same time ong’a taltiais on * trunk, ion ee & eee eye over the Ii “It ponseases the virtue ° re aitty," she aamittes, “and It never Pray regard me as “Well, what's to be done’ falla'to excite curiosity. I am sorry We tnaies you were misied. I would trou to kina?” Bhe 414 not answer at once. When the epoke, it was with a determined effort to maintain her composure. “I am sorry to have subjected you to all this, Mr. Schmidt. We will de- part at once. I find that the cat is never away, 60 we can't be mice. t What @ fool I've been.” There was something suspiciously suggestive of like to have with thi of Gra Ja by possible!” eald Utting his eyebrows and his litte mustachics in an extreme ontnene — a to tang tence to a delicate make @ small 1e o advertised match comes off in spite of all the denials. Given a determined father, an ambitious filled ughter and nobler . and I don’t evitable can be avoided. His face was flaming. be rl tempests in the ahak worki?” by all the It was with Pulse to put right in the matter without further ado, fail, but the Judge, “And are you sure that the Prince is ft y il" “It is ridiculous to sul #0 empty of purse as all that?” he laty Oe managed to say, without betraying himself irretrievably, “There doesn't seem to be any doubt once. that he borrowed extensively of Mr. Bilthers,” ehe said scornfully. “He m endant and ordere! je’ footman at When he returned to the 6 was reading the note onve ore. “Tt te is under some obligations to hie really quite thrilling, isn't would-be-father-tn-law, I” submit, #T" she said; and there was til & en of me tan't he? je ees ca. Te ver of faaianation ip her vole. Be eee Fo lll suppose 80, - "Are you not myat! mitted uncomfortabiy. ces "Not tn the least,” aad VOpera, the Place he prompt- “And therefore owes him some- ly, and drew a chair up close pealde thing more than @ card in the news- hers. ‘It's as plain as day. ur Papers, don't you think?’ father has found you out, that's all (Really, Miss Guile, I—™— Let's read it again,” and they read it aftatre are of [oy ont B to liste wise,” Dogan. ire are of no im} ba to the it 5 wo why should I expect you to land “Two men from a private detec. up for him?" been om: “I confess that I am @ great deal ince yesterday in watching the more Interested in Mise Blithere than movements of your companion, for the purpose of safeguarding Tam in the Prince. By the way, what would you have 4 hi her against good-looking young portion? | YOU PM en, T suspect, t have it from the a yg Lent ge it reliabl: t that hi nk I should have acted Tost reliable of sources ai or : ae ed ‘the services of as independently as she.” “If your father were to pick out a most simultaneously husband for you, whether or no, you Ke oe cae OF our ‘sailing from would refuse to obe: ow York. may obey the paternal you to know that th command? ey you to St, Cloud In a high-power “Most assuredly, As a matter of bt are wi ine c oar and no dou! ratohii fact, Mr. Schmidt, my father has ex- ou as you read thie pressed @ wish that I should marry a Man who doesn't appeal to me at all.” I eM 9 I. Ukewise is not far away.’ Ln a Bohmnldte she’ sald. vustulg. sit is ore oF less as e done,” he said, pointedly. we: ban gen HO mos 8 Stag oy “Mie Blithers, I understand, has the “7 were ware advantage of me in one respect. I tant thet An Mprmnta Sen et me ida was made und the" — “Good Lord!” that being done?” m'sieur, Three filled m your faithful frignd, who am told that she wants to marry an- y, other man and ts very much in love with htm,” “A chap named Sooville,” said Robin, unguardedly, “You know him, Mr, Schmidt?” “No. I've merely heard of him. take it from your remark you don't want to marry anybody—et Present.” “Quite right. Not at present, Now gt Be Sats ot normerting sae, A bas Blithers! Down with the pivjecres! Stamp out the vulgarians! Is there anything else you can suggest?” she oro i the Pri Maud!" ) noses ne eaid he, and doffed bis hat, The sa foal note in his votoe was not lost her, otarted cau into the aii nervous, ae ee eS mr