Go, and God be
with you." The matters which had brought him from New York to Paris had all been
definitely concluded--Grace and he were married--his plans had all been
made, to return to America, and home. Monsieur Dufrenne, the proprietor, expects you, and will join you at
once. Monsieur Dufrenne you can trust in all things. It seemed preposterous. "What is it, Monsieur
Duvall?" "Nothing, monsieur, except that your train leaves--" he consulted his
watch--"in twenty minutes." "The
matter does not appear very important," he grumbled. "Here is the place of Monsieur Dufrenne," he
remarked significantly. "Yes. "Let us go." "I understand that Monsieur de
Grissac has been robbed of his snuff box," he replied. "Yes. "Nothing, monsieur." Of all the absurd
expeditions, this seemed the most absurd. "Nothing, monsieur. "Snuff, monsieur. That is all I know." What the crisis was, Grace did not learn. Take a room in the name of
Grace Ellicott, and wait further instructions." That was all--no hint of
how or when she and Richard were to meet, or what had been the cause of
their separation. "Nothing," she replied, without turning. Grace faced
about. "Yes, mademoiselle, I am in his confidence. I know the purpose of your
visit here, and I come to give you further instructions." Still, she felt the necessity of caution. "Please explain," she remarked, without further committing herself. She glanced at the ring on
Grace's finger and smiled. she inquired. "This, mademoiselle. This theft was committed this morning." asked Grace. "Yes, mademoiselle. Such is, indeed, the case." "That I cannot tell. I do not know. "Undoubtedly. Very valuable, as you say. "Why?" asked Grace, somewhat
mystified. He is an enemy of my country. He has many
agents, and is a man of great power." He is
looked up to by all. His work as an enemy of France is quite secret,
known to but a few. There is a reason, which I am not
permitted at present to tell you, which causes Monsieur Lefevre to
believe that Dr. Hartmann had a hand in this matter. He is very
shrewd--very cautious. "But I am not ill," she said, with a laugh. "We have thought of that. The matter has been under consideration ever
since we were advised, early this afternoon, that you were coming. "Precisely. "Yes. You are in a
walking dream. "I think not. "Even life itself cannot be spared, in this case. "Undoubtedly, and at the very first opportunity." He is quite safe, and can be trusted. "We have thought of that, and have prepared the way. Hartmann." "That is the best course. Take a cab at once, go
to him, and state your errand. She did not waste much time,
however, in speculating upon the curious affair in which she found
herself involved, but putting on her hat, started off at once in search
of the American Minister. "We have no time to lose." "Yes. Of that I have been informed," the detective remarked, dryly. "I disagree with you, monsieur. Otherwise, I
shall be only groping about in the dark." "I do not think so, monsieur." As a matter of fact, its value is great. "Why?" "True. In that case, its recovery will be vastly
more difficult." "A quantity of snuff, monsieur." "Nothing." "Yes. It is the only form in which I use tobacco. "Let us proceed, gentlemen. Duvall nodded. "Permit me to ask you a few more questions." "I am at your service, monsieur." "This morning, at nine o'clock. interrupted the detective. "No. "I at once rushed out into the hall, calling for Noël." I see. "Yes. "No. "I do not know. The matter is incomprehensible. "So far as I can remember, it is." he asked. "Yes." "That is true." It is an inside room." "Nothing. "You did not, then, notify the police?" "No. The matter is one that, for reasons of my own, I do not wish to
become public." "Yes. I went
up to see him, to find out why he wanted them. I permitted him
to write the letter." he exclaimed. "What, monsieur?" "The letter." "I sent it, of course." "Yes. They were accustomed to spend their afternoons
off together, I understand." asked Duvall, impatiently. "Yes. The matter has no significance. the Ambassador asked. "Nothing, monsieur. He has been quiet ever since six o'clock, when I
took him his supper." "Writing, monsieur. And seal it was. "It belongs to the
men who have been repairing the rain spouting," he exclaimed. "They
leave it in the garden, at night. "Undoubtedly, monsieur. Your servant, I have no doubt, took the box while shaving
you this morning. You doubtless dozed off, thus giving him the
opportunity. It was a
desperate chance, but he took it. "My God," he moaned, "I am lost!" "You are right," he said. "I'm afraid not. "Oh, this may tell us
something." "Yes." The snuff box may still be here. "It would be useless, monsieur," Duvall remarked with a faint smile. "Why?" Further, it is my opinion that he will leave London at once. The name, he remembered, was given in the note as
Perrier. "There is nothing more to be accomplished
here, monsieur," he remarked, quietly. "Lose no time," he urged. He stood
at the door as his guests departed, shaking as though with a palsy. He will soon be leaving the shop. If he does so, before you do, I shall follow him. 'Poudre Perrier,' it is
called." "Oh, you might wrap it
up. "Yes, sir." There was nothing in the least suspicious about the whole
transaction, and the little Frenchman contented himself with observing
Seltz as he put away his brushes and prepared to stop work for the day. the detective asked, quickly. "A clever scheme, I must say." He looked about
eagerly for the man who had left the shop so short a time before, but he
had disappeared in the darkness. He started forward. "You stay
here and watch Seltz. If I do not return, report to me at Monsieur de
Grissac's." Neither of them was Seltz. Another assistant left. She waited in the handsome drawing-room to which she had been
conducted, nervously wondering what the nature of her reception would
be. She told him who she was, hopefully, and
was delighted to find that he placed her at once. "My dear girl, I'm delighted to meet you. She was a fine woman. "Yes." "I do not wonder that you feel upset." "No--that is, not at present. "I see. You couldn't do better. I know him
very well, and like him immensely. "No. "My dear girl, you would have no trouble. Grace said,
hesitatingly. "Certainly. Say in half an hour. "Perfectly, Mr. Phelps, and thank you very much." "Nonsense, my dear girl. Only too happy to do it for you. Just at present she is
out, taking tea with some friends. I want you to know her." "Excuse me for a few moments, while I telephone
the doctor." "You're lucky," he said. Any of the cab drivers will know it,
of course. He
led the way to the door, and ushered the girl into her cab. "Glad I was
able to be of service to you," he said, as she drove off. There was no one in the room when she entered, but before she
had time to select a chair, a door at the rear of the room opened, and
Dr. Hartmann came in. "You are Miss Grace Ellicott, I believe." He glanced at
the card which he held in his hand. "Yes. "Yes. My aunt, whom I loved very dearly, had died." "No. I have no recollection of what occurs." The doctor's face was lit with a satisfied smile. She trembled. "No," she replied,
firmly. "I should not care for it." "I hope it will not be necessary, doctor, to use it upon me. "Very well, miss," the doctor laughed. "It may not be necessary. You understand my terms, of course." The doctor named a large
sum. "You can go to your room at once, Miss Ellicott," the doctor went on. It is merely a sedative, to quiet
your nerves. It is not possible to do much for complaints such as yours,
by means of drugs." She would face any danger to serve him. As midnight
struck, all was dark and silent. Now was her chance. "It is better so, is it not? Neither you, nor
I, can afford to be mixed up in it." "We must take some risks, my friend. the doctor inquired eagerly. "Yes. Our man
will report to you at once. He knows nothing of the matter, of course. He will deliver the box to you, and receive the money." "I do not know his name. The doctor nodded slowly, chewing on his cigar. "I hope you are right,
Mayer," he said, and looked at his watch. "Sit down," the woman commanded, sharply. "Take off your shoes," the nurse went on, in a
stern voice. "Now your dress," the
nurse ordered. Grace began awkwardly to remove the dressing-gown she had
thrown about her. Dufrenne turned suddenly, much startled, then recognizing Duvall, drew
him to one side. No one is there but Monsieur Perrier." The Frenchman pointed to the window. "The shop--it is
closed for the night," he said. asked Duvall, sharply. Surely. "What is it you wish, gentlemen?" Duvall demanded, sharply. "Alas--I do not know. he exclaimed. "Possibly," Duvall ejaculated, dryly. "You will do nothing of the sort," exclaimed Duvall, angrily. "I am a
detective," he said, shortly. "Be careful what you do." "Get up, and hold your tongue first of all. "There's just time,
if we hurry--come." If you do, you'll get yourself into a peck of trouble." "Liverpool Street station,
in a hurry," he cried. "I do not understand,
Monsieur Duvall," he began, but the detective cut him short. "The thing
is as plain as a pipe stem," he said. Of that we cannot be certain, nor is it material. "You reason well,
monsieur," he remarked. "That I cannot tell you, of course, except that, as I said before, the
plot to steal it inevitably originated there. We shall learn more
to-morrow, after we have arrived in the city. "There is no use in attempting to do anything until we reach Harwich,"
the detective remarked, pulling his hat over his eyes. she exclaimed. She obeyed, much against her will. she asked, innocently enough. "I hope I caused no trouble," she said. You are going out for a walk, I see." "Yes. I love the air." "Good-morning," she said, hastily, as she left the room. She did not know from which direction the wagon would appear, nor would
she be able to recognize it, even should she be lucky enough to meet it. She gave a slight nod, and continued to approach him. Grace went up to the horse, and began patting its nose. "Yes." Her reply was quick, eager. I
heard them talking about it, last night. He does not suspect that I am watching him." He may be here at
any moment. She glanced back, as the servant opened the door in response to
her ring, and was not surprised to see that the vehicle had entered the
grounds, and was rapidly approaching the house. The situation was a trying one. To arrest
the man, except on French soil, was out of the question. There was nothing to show that it had been
stolen. Dufrenne turned. As he did so, he uttered an exclamation of utter astonishment and
disgust. He glanced for an instant at his companion, then turned away
as he saw the latter's stare of astonishment and dismay. He wanted to be
alone, to think out this matter for himself. There was no answer to this question--the fleeting glimpses which Duvall
had secured of his face, through the barber-shop window, had told him
little or nothing of the man's character. "Let us go
below." "We must return to London at once," he
said. The Frenchman looked up, puzzled, yet with an expression of
renewed hope in his eyes. "Yes. In that case, why not
search for the right one. If Seltz is on board, we will follow him to
Brussels. If not, we will return to London. Duvall went after him at once, directing Dufrenne to go to the Hotel
Metropole and secure a room in his own name, where he was to wait until
he heard from his companion. He made no pauses, and did not
hesitate at any time during his long walk. "Oh, Lablanche, glad to see you," he
said. Monsieur Duvall is with you, I observe." "Yes. Dufrenne turned to his companion. "Good. "Hurry. I will
wait for you." he said. There
is no time for delay. I will follow at once, with another of our men." I am going to see
Dr. Hartmann." There was a door, it is true, in the
right-hand wall, which had once given entrance to the hall, but against
this a heavy instrument case, with glass doors, now stood. "Good-morning, sir," he remarked, in French. "Yes," he said, pleasantly. The doctor looked at the card carelessly. "Sit down, please." "Thank you." The doctor smiled, not displeased at the other's flattery. "Not at all. The doctor considered his patient narrowly. "I have understood so, Doctor,"
he remarked. "It isn't about myself that I have come," Duvall hastened to inform him. "It concerns a man in my employ--my valet, to be exact." The doctor frowned, and made as though to rise. A Belgian, too, I think. I receive
only a few patients, and those of the highest standing." "I know that. asked the doctor, shortly. "He imagines, from time to time, that he has been robbed." "No. At other
times, jewelry that he has never possessed. "Excellent. "About a month, now. "Exactly. "Undoubtedly. "I requested him to meet me here to-day at
noon," he said. I should have brought him with me,
but he had arranged to go this morning to see his people, who live in
the town. He was to come directly here, after leaving them." He went
over to the window and looked toward the road. The doctor rose. "No doubt he will be here very soon," he remarked. "You
can wait here, if you like. I will join you on his arrival. "When the man arrives, kindly let me know." As he did so, he peered out across the hall, and
for a moment the key almost dropped from his fingers. Show him in here immediately. Quick." It seemed so cruel, to be this near to him, and yet to not even be able
to touch his hand! Grace withdrew, closing the door quietly after her. he asked, bluntly. "Yes," he said, haltingly. "I wish
to see Dr. Hartmann." "About the snuff box, of course?" Again the man started. he asked, suddenly suspicious. He has been waiting for you. You have
the box with you, of course?" "Yes, I have it. "That is correct," remarked the detective. "Give it to me." Hartmann." I will call him. He held out his hand. "Don't be afraid," he said. The box will
not be out of your sight." He glanced swiftly at it, crushed the
paper into his pocket, then started toward the door at the rear. "To call the doctor, my man," Duvall replied. "Don't excite yourself. He
will be here in a moment, with your money." "My man," he remarked, in a low tone. "Sit down,
my good fellow," the latter presently remarked, as he took a chair. "There, there. Sit
down. He looked significantly
at Dr. Hartmann. He made no movement to sit down, but continued to look
expectantly at Dr. Hartmann. "Give yourself no
uneasiness, my man. "You shall
have your money in due time. Seltz sat down, helplessly. The doctor had told him that the money he expected would be
forthcoming--he resigned himself in patience to await the latter's
pleasure. exclaimed
Seltz, his voice trembling with anger. He was, after all, in a peculiar
position. The snuff box was gone. "How old are you, my man?" "Thirty-six." "No." "Yes." "Yes--pretty well." He scowled, then suddenly spoke. if I have." said Duvall, in a tone of remonstrance. The doctor glanced at Duvall. "No more of this
nonsense, now. The doctor, who had also sprung to his feet, started toward the angry
barber with outstretched hands. "Keep off," he cried. As he spoke, he tightened his arm about Seltz's throat until the latter
gasped for breath. I've got to get him away from here,
somehow." "I am very much afraid that he must be sent to an
asylum." "Undoubtedly the best place for him, my dear sir," remarked Hartmann,
dryly. "I see your cab is waiting, outside. He went
over to Seltz, who was now struggling faintly, and felt his pulse. He went to the wall and pressed an electric
button. The doctor smiled. "You will want this, I
suppose." He felt for
his pocketbook. "Nothing, my dear sir." The doctor smiled. He drew the note from his pocket, but Duvall
waved it aside. "I insist, my dear sir. He avoided her glances, making no sign
that he recognized her. The doctor, somewhat annoyed, requested her,
with elaborate but firm politeness, to withdraw. Duvall nodded to him, then pointed silently down the
street. Beyond this, the box contained no other
ornamentation. He did use snuff. "It isn't worth a hundred francs," he said. "No, monsieur--what you say is indeed true, yet I would not sell it for
a hundred million." "Alas, monsieur. "You are right, monsieur, and at once. There is a train for Antwerp in
half an hour. "We've got to take him with us, you know. "Yes. That also is important." It fell to his side, lifeless. We cannot delay an instant, on any account." "I do not agree with you, monsieur. "Yes, monsieur, my wife. "Yes, monsieur. I see that. But
that she is your wife I did not know." He pondered for a moment,
glancing at his watch. "It is a great pity. "The box is
perfectly safe in our hands. Hartmann." "That I cannot say. She must go with me. "But why, my friend? The box
is safe." "Safe, monsieur! You would be
in no greater danger, if you were carrying about with you a package of
dynamite." He is very well known here in Brussels, and very powerful. He looked out of the window in silence for a long time,
trying to think out some plan that would insure Grace's safety. Duvall nodded. We will leave the matter
to you." "Excellent, monsieur. Hartmann." "I should not advise you to attempt to
communicate with her, monsieur." "Undoubtedly." exclaimed Lablanche, suddenly. He vouched
for her to Hartmann. "Wait for me here, gentlemen. "Richard
Duvall," he said aloud, to his secretary. "Undoubtedly," the detective assented gravely. "I am not acquainted with
him, myself. asked Mr. Phelps, with some asperity. "I know that. The Minister considered the matter carefully. "No." "Not yet. He went toward
the Minister, and, taking a package of papers from his pocket, placed
them in the latter's hand. I wish to say to her but a few words. She will
be very glad to hear them, I know." The Minister returned the papers to Duvall and glanced at the clock upon
his desk. "I shall be very glad indeed to accept, Mr. Phelps. The Minister nodded. "Very well, if you wish it, Mr. Duvall. Under the
circumstances, I will consent. "You will be doing Miss Ellicott a
great service, my dear sir," he said. "And one thing more. "Take care of
the snuff box," he said, pointedly. They counted on her. "Certainly, mademoiselle," she said, and moved aside as
Dr. Hartmann came along the hall. he remarked, as he paused for a moment. "A charming man, Mr.
Phelps. I may look in later, myself, and bring you home." He glanced at the thing
carelessly, before placing it in his waistcoat pocket, and as he did so,
he fancied he detected a slight noise in the corridor without. It was vacant. As the hour was striking, the butler announced
Mr. Brooks. She nodded, with a twinkle in
her eyes. "Mr. "Quite so." "I hope your servant is better." He again tried to free his wrist, but the doctor was too
strong for him. She did not know of her
husband's intention to leave Brussels that night. "Doctor," she cried out, "what are you doing?" "I
have a few questions I desire to ask you, Mr. Brooks." "I cannot possibly ask them here, in the presence of Miss Ellicott. The doctor
evidently did not suspect, at least not very strongly, that she was
anything other than she seemed--a patient. "Thank you for bringing me home. I hope we shall meet again,
sometime." I have no time to waste." "Nor have I. Good-night, Miss Ellicott." he asked. "He is waiting for you in the laboratory, Herr Doctor," the man replied. This way, if you please." He motioned down the hall. "Be so good,
Mr. Brooks, as to proceed at once." Hartmann closed the door carefully behind him, and came on down the
corridor, his footsteps echoing loudly on the concrete floor. The doctor pointed to an iron door which faced that by which they had
entered. "There is nothing here," he said, in a voice of keen disappointment. It is not
there." The doctor muttered an oath. "No. He also has been searched, with the same results." asked Duvall, calmly. "Oh,
yes--I know your name. "I do not know what you are
talking about, gentlemen. I have no snuff box, nor do I use tobacco in
that form. If you do
not, I promise you you shall pay heavily for it." I know who you
are. Now tell us where it is." "I do not know what you are talking about," he
said, quietly. "Take off his things, Mayer. I'll
get a dressing-gown, from above." "Take him to the small bedroom in the west wing," said the doctor. "We'll get it out of him, before we're through. Hartmann, however, did not
observe it. he
asked, angrily. Hartmann laughed. "You will be quite comfortable here, my friend. Make yourself quite at home, I beg of you." He glanced at the barred windows, the door,
half-open, leading to the bathroom, and realized that there was not the
slightest hope of escape. It seemed likely that his stay
would be a long one. The morning, of course,
would tell. There was nothing to indicate to Hartmann that Duvall was acting in the
interests of the French secret police, but the doctor suspected it,
knowing as he did that the recovery of Monsieur de Grissac's snuff box
would become at once a matter of the utmost moment to Lefevre and his
men. There was nothing to connect her with Duvall. He
was conscious of a knocking at the door. He looked at the watch and saw, to his
astonishment, that it was after nine o'clock. Now that he was dressed, he wondered what he should do with himself. It
did not occur to him that the doctor would do other than keep him
confined to his room, yet the man who had brought the breakfast things
had not apparently locked the door when he went out. Then suddenly another doubt assailed him. Duvall went up to her. "Good-morning, Miss
Ellicott," he said, in a voice clearly audible within the house, were
any of the windows open. "Good-morning, Mr. Brooks," she said, affecting great surprise at seeing
him. "Oh, yes." Beautiful day,
isn't it?" She murmured some response, waiting for him to speak again. He does not know it is there, and I don't dare try to get
it, for fear he will find out. "I understand." "But be careful--very careful." "I will." "It would be useless," he said. "I cannot go without the snuff box." she asked. "Let them know that I am
here, and why I cannot escape. Tell them that the snuff box is safe--so
far. "Be careful," he said. "We are being watched. I shall leave you now. He was
helpless. "By all means," he replied. "Keeping you here, Mr. Duvall? The doctor seemed impressed with the remark. "Absurd, Mr.
Duvall," he exclaimed. But where you have concealed it, I confess
I cannot imagine. It
is not among them, of that I am certain. Now I am convinced that it is
here. The thing is a mystery to me, Mr. Duvall, and I compliment you upon your
ingenuity. It is beyond me. Are you going to turn it over to me, or must I force you to do
so?" "You are
wasting your time, Dr. Hartmann. "I give you until to-night,
Mr. Duvall, to do as I ask. "You use
strong words, my friend. Good-morning." After luncheon, he decided to go down and have a talk with Grace. Much to his surprise, he found
the door of his room once more locked. Try as he would, he could not keep his eyes open. His head, his neck, his whole body,
were rigid, immovable. He made no reply. Somewhat irritated, no doubt. Well, well,
that will soon wear off. We'll make it ten, the next
time. He went to a switch on the wall and pressed it, and instantly
the cone of light disappeared. He glanced at Hartmann with reddened eyes. "Let me up, damn
you!" he shouted. The doctor bent over him, his face smiling. "Just a moment, Mr. Duvall. "Get up," he said. Enough of this nonsense," he went on,
scowling. "I mean to be quite frank with you, my friend. You know what the effect is, for six hours. Give it up, and you can go at your convenience. I advise
you to save yourself much suffering, and give it to me now." he asked. At a glance, he
saw that it was still there. He was about to stoop and pick it up, when
a sudden fear swept over him. Suppose he was being watched. The doctor
was in the room above. "Thank you," she called, and hurried toward him. "He is here," she said quickly, in an undertone. "The box is safe. It is
hidden. Tell them to send help, quick." That was all. She nodded, not considering it necessary to inform
him that she had carefully poured it, dose by dose, into the sink. Good-night." She would go to the
laboratory that night, if she could by any means escape the vigilance of
the woman on guard in the hall, and find out, if possible, whether or
not Richard was confined there. She waited for hours. So far, she felt that she was
safe. It
did not yield. At last she found it, and looked into the
room. There was but one
chance for Richard now, she felt, and that lay with her. She would leave
the house, in the morning, proceed at once to the Minister's, and tell
him the whole story. She saw him glance quickly toward her
hat, as she put it on. He nodded, as though the matter were quite unimportant. she inquired, wide-eyed. "Nothing, luckily. Walked down the corridor a short distance, the nurse
tells me. "I am sorry it will be necessary," she said, "but of
course you know best." At
the corner below, a small, youngish-looking man turned in behind her. She colored, started to pass on,
then stopped. "Good-morning," she gasped, faintly. "I'm so glad to see you," he rattled on. She answered it at once. he
asked. Grace assented, and they went out together. "It is safer," he whispered. "We may be observed." he
inquired. "Yes--yes." He
may hear it. It is the only way." "There is a phonograph in the
library--a small one. "But--" she began. I do not know that Mr. Duvall will
understand what the message is--it is a chance, but we must take it. You know him. It will be most
unwise. He bowed, and walked rapidly down the street. She read it over and over, aimlessly. It
was _The Rosary_. "I shall be back again in a few hours," he
said, as he left the room. There was a
faint hum of conversation in the laboratory above him, which convinced
him that it was still day. There was nothing further, however, and once more
the silence became like the darkness about him, a grim and positive
thing. he
snarled. The door, of iron, a dozen men
could not break through. There was a rosary upon the top of the box, it is true, but what
of it? Then suddenly, in a flash, the thing came to him. As he did so, his fingers
unconsciously pressed upon the large pearl at the top. There was nothing else upon the paper, but
Duvall realized that he held in his hand the key of the cipher. These questions, he knew, could not be answered now. Without the key, no one could use it with success. Then he turned toward
the door and had barely time to hurl the opera hat into a dark corner,
when the door opened, and Hartmann appeared on the threshold. There was nothing to be done now, until after luncheon. "It might annoy
them, if they were sleeping. She did not play The Rosary at once, but made use of one of the other
records. "You will pardon me, I know, but
it is quite out of the question. It seemed somehow so
wrong, so cowardly of her, to lie here in comfort doing nothing to aid
him who, in name at least, was united to her forever, and in love was
more dear to her than her own soul. It seemed like a providential opportunity. She did not know what to do, as step by step she approached that black
and gaping hole. She did not cry out--there was no one from whom she could expect aid. "Sit down, young woman," he said, gruffly. he shouted. "Tell me, or it will be
the worse for you both." Again she faced him, refusing to answer. "You can do
no further harm here, for I know your purpose. You are working with
him--you are a detective--a spy, as he is. Now I know. If you know--you had better
confess, if you have any regard for his welfare." Hartmann came to him. "What is it, Mayer?" he asked, eagerly. she heard Hartmann cry, with a harsh laugh. "So you are his wife, eh? Very well. "This is what they did to me, before I discovered how
to control them." "Now
come here." "Look--in there." she screamed, then turned on
Hartmann with the fury of a tigress. cried Hartmann, triumphantly. "Take her arm,
Mayer," he called out, as he seized her by one wrist. she cried, as she bent over him, her shoulders
shutting off from his tortured face the blinding rays of the light. If he refuses to speak, she will speak. She told him her story, brokenly, with many sobs. "I could not help it,
Richard," she moaned. "I did my best. "I know it, dear. You have done all you could. "None. "Yes, I heard, and understood." "I do not know. It may be, although I cannot see what to do now. "Richard, what is that light? "I do not know--exactly. I am not sure. I do not know whether this is true or not. I refuse to let you suffer like this. I can't do it, I
won't. If you do not speak, I shall. Oh, my God! "Grace, you shall not tell them." "I will." "I forbid it." "I cannot help it, Richard. You
must not speak. Wait, I implore you. "I will. Dr. she screamed. "Ah, so you have come to your senses, have you?" the doctor cried. "Yes. He's up in the laboratory now. Now speak." "First, let my husband up." "Unbind him," he said. As he did so, Hartmann
turned to Grace. he commanded. "We are wasting time." Before Grace could reply, Duvall turned to her. "I forbid you," he cried. You are destroying my honor. I refuse to let
you do it. "Take her out of
here, Mayer," he cried. Up with her to the laboratory. She'll talk
there, quick enough." "You shall not." "Be
quiet," he growled. "You will be happier
in a moment, my friend," he laughed. he demanded. As he spoke, he crossed the room, his eyes gleaming, and faced Grace as
she sat in the chair. "Wait and see, old man," said Hartmann, roughly. "Stand aside, please." he shouted, starting forward. "You shall not
do this thing. he roared. "No nonsense,
now!" "Hold your tongue, or it will be worse for you." "The box is in the room below," she
cried, in a voice shaking with emotion. Then he turned to Grace. "Girl, are you
telling me the truth?" She nodded, bowing her head upon her hands. "If the box is in the room
below, come with me and find it." The Frenchman staggered along like a man in a daze, offering no
resistance. "Now," he said, "where is it? Find it." Then she turned away, her mind made up. She would save
him, come what might. She glanced about quickly, trying
to discover its whereabouts in one of the dark corners. "Here is the
snuff box." he screamed. "You shall not--you shall not." exclaimed the doctor, brushing the old man aside as
easily as though the latter had been a child. "This is it, Mayer. "Now we are
all right," he muttered. You are a traitor, a contemptible dog of a
traitor, and you deserve to die." "Let me alone," he gasped. "I am so tired, so very tired!" she cried. Go away, and tell the others
what you please. "Yes. Out with you. He went to the door and held it open. I have done you no injury. My man here will agree with me. "Come, Richard," she said. "Let us go." He made no reply, but followed her blindly. He sat silent, plunged in
a deep stupor. she said,
listlessly. "We can get a steamer there, or cross to England." It seemed to matter very little
where they went, now. he asked. "In forty minutes, monsieur. exclaimed Grace, in much surprise. We can telegraph for
them. "I must
make my report to the Prefect," he answered. "It is my duty." "I cannot afford to run away. "I am very tired, dear," he told her. There is a hard task before me, when I
get to Paris. Grace
watched them idly, indifferently. Her hopes, however, were in vain. Dufrenne threw open the door of the
carriage, which had previously been unlocked by the guard, and followed
by his men, entered the compartment. "Here is the fellow," he cried,
angrily, pointing to Duvall. "Arrest him." she cried, in a
tense whisper. "Let him alone. You shall not touch him." "Keep away, I tell you. he cried. "I am a
member of the secret police, as you know. This man is a traitor to his
duty, and for that he shall be punished. Arrest him," he said again to
his men. Grace recoiled, and dropped the revolver she held to the floor. Dufrenne took
the seat beside Grace. she
thought. Dufrenne turned to her presently. cried the little old Frenchman, his bent shoulders straightening,
his eyes flashing until he became a stern and vengeful figure. You are cowards, both of you. The guilt was hers. Silent, she shrank back into her corner, not daring to look up. The Frenchman sank back, all his anger swept away. "It is pitiful,
monsieur, pitiful," he said, quietly. "Yet in what I now do, I am but
doing my duty." "Madame, I feel for you in your
suffering. You acted through love. Of that I am sure. But I could not let you suffer, dear, for I love you--I
love you." "He has given it up--the
scoundrel--the traitor; he has given it up, to save himself and his
wife." I saw him do it. They had been torturing him,
in some way, I do not know how. "Yes." "What
did this Dr. Hartmann do, when the box was given to him?" He read the paper. It is too
late. cried the Prefect, suddenly. "I must see him. He is
not the man to do such a thing as this. I must talk to him. "No, monsieur. He is outside, he and his wife. "No, monsieur. They were coming to Paris." Bring him here--bring them both here at once. I must question
them." Dufrenne turned to the door. "In a moment, monsieur, they will be before
you." said De Grissac, sadly. "We shall see. As he spoke,
Duvall and Grace came into the room. "Yes." "It is true." "It was my fault, Monsieur Lefevre," cried Grace, going up to him. Oh, I could not stand it--I
could not!" "Young man," he said, "you have done a terrible thing--perhaps even now,
you do not realize how terrible a thing. Without the cipher, and its key,
they could do nothing. It is the solemn truth. Grace began to weep, hysterically. "It was all my fault," she began. "In the laboratory, on the second floor. He cried out
to me--forbidding me to do so. demanded the Prefect, sternly. "Yes." He looked at Duvall, his face working convulsively. "Certainly not,
monsieur," he replied. "I could no more have solved the cipher than they
could. Naturally. He went toward the detective,
an eager look in his face. she cried, and then sank sobbing but happy
upon his breast. "My boy," he cried, laughing and crying at the same time,
"forgive me--forgive me. I was hasty. I should have let you speak,
first. "Young man," he said, "we owe you
the deepest apologies. I salute you, not
only as a brave man, but as a very shrewd one. As for me, I fear I am
only an old fool." "A patriot,
monsieur, and for that I honor you. But one thing you, and all of you, gentlemen,
should know. "I know it, my friend. I was a fool, a dolt, even for one moment to
doubt it. "My poor children," he cried, smiling at Grace. It is indeed
shameful, and the fault is mine--mine alone. You have
earned it." He glanced at his watch. "Madame, you are fatigued. You need
rest--sleep. "I'm afraid to leave him, even for a
minute," she said. I will not be long." She gave his arm a little squeeze, then turned to the Prefect. Good-by, Richard." "It belonged to my father,"
he said, simply. We shall meet again, I promise
you." The thing is done. You would not _dare_ to fail me,
should I call upon you for assistance." "Go now, my children.