Faraday Bobbs, the Spree Free Lance

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 25, 22 December 1906, Page 26

Faraday Bobbs, the Spree Free Lance

By

LEWIS JOSEPH VANCE,

author of “The Blood Yoke,’’ “The Private War,” Etc.

He 1. I) TM A X." remarked Mr. Bubbs thoughtfully, as he stood at the xx indoxx of the dingy little lodging-bolide. “xxho i< this hang-dog looking individual vho*> Iw’-en loafing around the neighbourhood for the |«i<**l day or *<•?” There was a grunt to l»e heard l*eliind him. as Herr Heydtuianu. professed anarchist and landlord of the house, lal*oi io’.i'K hvi*te-.l from his chair and waddled ux er to Bobbs side. Holding himself well isi the Isivkground, the German cautiously reconnoitred the street through 'p’ciavlea- imp ossive as twin moons. The word was c.\jhll»-<i violently from his lips, after he had i< moved fn.m his teeth the stem <»f a pipe whose porcelain l»owl was not the >»*aM noticeable thing about it. “It iss him—df.” he announced, with melodrama tie unction. “1 hould in a million know h's> face.” . And lie cha3*acterifvd the iiarty in question with one bicath taking but comprehendvt polysyllable— which 1 sha’nt attempt to translate -partly l*-<au—■ an iiiisyiniuthetic editor would Idue-pciiril it wit’i ghoulish glee *f 1 dared. •‘Where do you expect t<» go to. Th•ydtliwnn?” inquired the xoiinger man solicitously. toydtinann paid no attention- “ s p —goiiermint *py!” he grunted, puffing vindictively. 4 *See how many drubblcs he makes me already again, inderfering niit my own business-minding lodgei*. Himmel! If I could mine two hands on hiss droat get. I wring hi*® neck yet!’’ The object «»f his xxratli was strutting wjih ;• cons* queiitial air d«»w n the little side street a iallish. slender body, with the rigid diouldei< of the tv pica 1 German who had served out his enforced p« riod of military training. <it hot xx i--.-. he was very neatly, with much of the affected dandyism of your mid-dle-class Pin—ian who rather fancies Li* -own liM»k-. He stared almut him with the near-sighted, superciliousness of the ordinary eixil or military jack-in-oflicn As he |ias<ed the dral» and Llowsy b»dgiug-lioitse. he glanced up at the windew-, a- if carelessly. Hexdtmaim iiacMiitineittly retreated to the back of the room. Boldts noticed that the pale, insignificant features of the -px were coloured 1»\ a bit of an unpleasant -mile, hut that hi- -x vs did not smile. Altogether. the American decided that he xvas not favourably in>|»rvssed. "What did von <ay hi< name xxa*?~ he inquire.] of Heydtmann. giving the government agent l«»ok for look until be had passed on. ‘T didn't say. LI > — Xedden.” said the anarchist shortly. '■yVhat d’you -u:»po-e lie wain- round here. Hex dlmann ?” Heydtmann glanced sharply at hi* guest, then *hook hi- head. •Mr ?” suggested Bobb-. -Had I Lettci be packing?” Again the German moved hi- head ponderouslx- from side to side. * No.” lie added. Of de. wavs of Herr Xeddon 1 know nodding**: 1 am a ( hrisUan —though an aiiai.-hi-the amended thought fully. “Where®*, he i>s a devil. I have, however, my Mispi.-ions. It is* dr r little. Frcu« L woman he iss after.” ‘'The girl xx ko has the front room on »y floor?* <

‘•Der same. She also i>s a spy.* ‘The devil you say!” Boblis returned to the windoxx' antf looked for the .igure of the Prussian secret agent. The agent had disappeared. however. Heydtmann drew a series of gutteial gurgles from his pipe. and. -<-owling irritably, departed in search of cleaning implements. After a bit. Boldts.- wearying of the emptiness of the street, took his hands cut of his ]»<K-kets and. whistling, went upstairs to hi- room. -With hi* hand on the door-knob, hoxtexcr. he paused: the whistle ceased abruptly. From the adjoining chamber his quick ear had caught the sound of a woman’s voice, singing gently. It was a good voice, of quality and trained. ami Bobbs—Bobbs listened. And it apjiealod to the American as an odd <-xytcrivnre—to -land in the hallway of a Berlin lodging-house, whose landlord xxas an anarchist of the extreme ]«ersiiasion. and listen to a pretty Parisian spy crooning a Breton folk--<»ng. The refrain was quaint, inexpressibly wcinl and plaintive. Bobbs lifted an eyebrow critically, analysing the emotions it evoked. Presently he changed hi< mind about attending -tricliy to hi- own affairs, and. jiassing to the eud of the corridor, tapped gently al the door. Instantly the singing ceased. There followed a rustle of skiit* and a Hurry of high h<*cU on the hardwood flooring. Then--•• Enter, monsieur.” said the pretty voice. BoLlts pushed the door open and step|w<l within. -Gm d morning.” ne -aid. ph*a-antly. “Will you pardon tin* it!'drusi<m and forgive my shutting the door?” As he spoke he did shut it. The woman eyed him with some amazement: Bobbs return<*«! he. regajd. with appreciation, and <mi!ed engagingly. It was the fij-st time that he had met her face to face. and. judging from hi< expression.- he. rather approved of her. His mental .comment was to the < tieet that she xxas a fluffy little thing, quite Parisieune. and I* ervforo iiiterHe appraised her a blonde xvith a good colour, probably artful, ami jm-cul-iarly inm.ceut eyes —**a baby stare.” in his own words. Otherwise, she was aimuiaciiiately ami a- inqieecably gowned as the average run of French women: ami inqierturbably s«df-|Missessrd. "May 1 inquire ?” she suggested, xvith a lifting of her eyebrows. "Most <-crt«iinly. I came to explain. My name is Bobbs: I’m an American: I have the next room on ibis tloor. I have no connection with any government whatsoever—German of other—ami you may pul away tin* pop-yun that you’re hiding -<» obviou-ly in the foldof your -kilt.” "Oli!” The wondering eyes widened: and abruptlx- the woman laughed deliciously. With a quick movement she swept across the room and placed the revolver in a drawer of her dressing table turning to rake Mr Bobbs with the Kibv start —-till inf<ctioiislv mirthful. “Monsieur is so Jr«dl.” she explained: **>o- how do you have it? —thoroughly American. Pardon, monsieur “Th»n*t mind me in the lca-i.” Bobb* emlurvd the Lattery of her eyes with altsolute «-i|iiaiiimity. ‘*l rather like tl»e way you laugh. But; really* my dear,

this is no lau»hing matter. I've come whisper a word of advice in your pretty ear.” Mademoiselle so!«red instantly, and quite gravely put her slender white linger. to the ear. as if to arouse it to attention. Inasmuch as it was a pretty feature, she could afford to do this. "Yes. monsieur?’' "Mayls-." re.pondeti Robbs, "rm interfering where I'm not wanted: but if you'll listen to me. mademoiselle, you'll leave for Paris to-day. I don’t know what may Ik- your errand in Berlin. but 1 could hazard a shrewd guess. I dare say, and—and the point of it all is that Herr Xedden of the secret police is keeping an eye on you." -Ah!" mademoiselle interjected, visibly impressed. "Pieeisely. Now. I've never had the ph-asure of meeting this Herr Xedden |>ersonally. but I've heard a thing or two about him. and I suspect you have. too. If I were you. I’d clear out and give him the satisfaction of the disappointment.” "Disappointineiit, monsieur f’ "He’ll lie horribly disappointed if he is balkeil of the chance to arrest you, my dear. That’s all. Simply my advice.” concluded Mr. Bobbs, with an air that added: "Take it or leave it. but it's the very best on tap.” I'pon this, the woman fell thoughtful—she eyed Mr. Bobbs fixedly, and was ap|>arently convinced of his honest intent. After which she puckered her brows and jmuted her scarlet lips and Ix-iit a steadfast gaze to the floor, meanwhile beating out a faint tattoo Wuh the tip of one polished little boot. Outside, the clouds shifted: and a shaft of sunlight penetrated rhe dingy apartment, and made the small, wellturned -lead of the Parisenne quite radiant. Bobbs, eyeing her. perceived lh.it -he might proie distractingly charming: and incontinently me.lifated retreat. At length -he looker! up. "Monsieur is very kind.” -he said, frankly serious. "1 shall hear his words in mind, with gratitude. even if”—and here she smiled —"if it proves impossible to take hi- advice. Thank you. mon-ieur.” But the smile wa- now troubled. 11. Five minutes later Herr Heydtmann. returning to hi- oflk-e after having operated on the pipe to remove the gurgle. encounten-d the American at the front door. Mr. Bobbs had a stout stick in one hand and a camera —a "snapper.” as he termed it—in a case dependent by a strap from one shoulder. Th- anarchist eyed the ease with somote distaste. "You are going—where?” he demanded bluntly. "For a little walk.” returned Mr. Boblis. “the day is tine, and—l hear that hi- majesty the kaiser, jealous of our only Teddy, is going to delight the loyal Berlin burghers by riding a bucking tor|K-do boat up the Spree.” "An 1 dot- ?” Heydtmann aimed his pipe -tem at the camera. "Is designed,” said Faradap pleasantly. *'to <-atch your kai-cr in the very act .'■ "It i« forbiildeii”—enti-nriously. "Quite so —without a permit: and tliej have refused me a permit. But 1,

Heydtmann.” said Mr. Bobbs, lapsing into exaggerated heroics, "am undaunted!” "You,” commented the sensible anarchist, "are a great fool.” "Heydtmann!' 5 Tile German evoked an unexjiected gurgle, and, removing the pi"e from his inoutli, scowled ferociously. "You wrong me,” pursued oobbs. "Yes?” "You don't suppose I am going to play into file hands of the jxfliee? They'd like nothing better. Look here!” Bobbs bent over the case, indicating its points with a lean, yellow forefinger. "This is my own invention. Heydtmann—designed especially to -nap the victim without his knowledge. You see, the clasp conceals the lens. 1 open the clasp, press this concealed button—and his majesty is mine forever, without ray removing the machine from the ease at all.” "Yery pretty.” grunted Heydtmann. "See dot you don’t get into trouble uiit it. These spies are der devil! 'tilings have come to dot pass to-day dot a jieaeeable anarchist cannot manufacture a bomb in der privacy of hiss own cellar but der polae must inderfere!’ He waddled away, rumbling with stentorian chuckles. Smiling. Bobbs let himself out into the May morning. For a moment he appeared to hesitate at the door, debating a choice of routes; in reality lie was searching the street, with keen glances from lieiieath the brim of his battered hat. looking for Herr Nedden. The spy, however, was invisible, although Mr. Boblis had a conviction that he was not far distant. At a leisurely p.iee the American made his way to the Wilhelm-Strasse, and then north to the Enter den Linden. Still more sedately he proceeded west toward the Tiiiergarten. His manner was that of an ordinary sightseer; in reality he was thinking deeply. „lie liersi-tence of Herr Xedden in haunting the neighbourhood of old Heydtmann's house disturbed the young man quite as much on his own account as on the French woman's. He was not a person given to magnifying his iinportanee in the scheme of things: to the contrary, he was apt to self-depreciation. It both pained and surprised him to believe that official Germany was taking such a deep interest in his whereabouts as to have "spotted” him on the second day «f his sojourn iu Berlin. Yet circumstances forced this view of the situation upon hi- consideration —circumstances not the .east of which was the faet that only recently he had lieen advised, unofficially but through oliicia! channels, that he was "persona non grata” to the German Government. He would do well, he had been given to understand, to limit the field of his professional activities by the borders of the German Empire. itherwise he would Ik- dealt with, not officially, but mysteriously and with despatch—especially with despatch. His presence in Berlin, then, was a bit of foolhanliness due to an inborn inability to take a dare. Curiosity, likewise, had something to do with it; Bobbs wanted to see what would happen. And. finally, he was in some degree influenced by the gaining fever inherent in his blood—he pitted Faraday Bobbs, his wife, against the Gerinaa

empire. And watched with deep interest the fall of the diet-. All of wliieh grew out of the faet that Boblis hail nothing in |iarticiilar to do. This happened at one of his temporary but. enforced vacations, following a periodical quarrel with the management of "Bannister's Weekly.” His habit of obeying the dictates of hi- own sweet will rather than those of Bassett "Bannister’s" editor, had again strained the latter's patience past the snapping-point. Serenely assured, however, that the weekly could not exist for long without his services, that hut a fortnight or so would elapse ere he would be again, per cable, gathered into the fold, the exstaff photographer looked about for mischief for his idle hands to do: ana, the choice finally settling between Berlin and Monte Carlo, the simple expedient of tossing a coin had decided t ie m»tter. An.l yet, this day Bobb- was iuclinAl to think that chance had turned against him. played him a scurvy trick. Herr Nedden’s sinister personality shadowed his niood. As he debouched from the Linden, the young man quickened his |«ace. A consultation of his watch had apprised him that he was in danger of la-ing late. Hurriedly he crossed the park, and with hardly a glance at the Column of X ietory—ordinarily he admired it lieyond all things German —hastened through to the southern embankment of the Spree. The sun was bright, the air mild—a day calculated to tempt humanity to the open places. .Man. woman, and e.iild. all loyal Berlin with nothing better to do was out in force, lining the embankments to natch something of a novelty in the way of a triumphal progress of the emperor—the kaiser, whose every outing is a triumphal progress, whose everv .-auiitcr furnishe- an excuse for a pageant. Berlin, indeed, is sated with pomp and ceremony, callous to the circumstance of royally: it is even becoming accustomed to its emperor. After a certain stage the uuex|ieeted ceases to b ‘ surprising. But this was something dilferent. It

isn’t every, day that you sec- a torpedo boat, however small, la-tween the banks of the Spree: and an admiral's uniform is something of a novelty to an inland town. 801-lis found himsi-lf on the outskirts of a -.date and -te.idy going crowd, far removed from a view of the river; he had need to it--- his ellunvs and his tact —the one gained him a way through the throng i-qually witli the other —before, in time, he- gained the front rank. A line of troojr-. gay in the uniform of the Fourth Foot Guards, punctuated the ver«e of the embankment at intervals of twenty paces or so. and held back the sightsc-er-. With them co o|»erated the municipal, uniformed police. Mr. Bobbs made little doubt that the crowd was sprinkled with secret police a- thick as plums in a pudding, and kept wary eyes alert for them. At the same time h<- hitched his camera-case around to the front, furtively adjusting the focus. Ami waited, craning hineck for the first view of the spectacle, no more than his iic-ighlmui-. to all appearances, a meek and lawful per-on. 111. Presently distant cheering heralded the appearance of the kaiser in his Hew role. A flutter of anticipation swayed the throng. Individuals pressed for ward, eager for a better view. Thimlice and the guards warned them back. Bobbs wa- carried to and fro. but jealously kept hi- place in the front rank. It is taboo to snap the kaiser with out official permission: Bobb- had trans .rressed twice before in other land-. Now he proposed to violat ■ the law on German soil. The opportunity came swiftly and in unexpected sb. e. The prow of the undergrown war-ship ]>oked ft'oni lieneath the Luther Bridge, and the boat raced upstream, with a clear channel. I’poli its bridge, where all might see and be properly impressed. Wilhelm posed in all the glittering glory of a brand-new admiral - livery, fairly brist ling dignity, gold lace, and mustache-. "He is "magnificent.” murmured Mr. Bobbs, watching am! appreciative, "but he is not war.” The American's forefinger trembled upon the button. Huzzas shook the firmament —huzzas dutifully rendered in full chorus. ITiey may even have shaken the earth and

the waters upon the earth. At all events. the iSpre-- misbehaved. A ]>eaceful stream and orderly, it devel oped a tipple. Not much of a ripple, but sufficient to distract -o frail a craft as the emperor’s. A torpedo ; boat is built for speed and little else. It- -ide- are of steel barely an eighth of an inch in thic-km—. It is responsive to the least of seas. And this was no exception to the rule. Like a thoroughbred rarer startled by a sud den noise, it struck that ripple- and shied. Alas for majesty! The lurch was fata I. . An imperial foot shot wildly out from und r the kaiser. Hi- gloved hands clutched madly the < ircumamlnewt atmosphere. 11l- sword maliciously inserted itself lietween hi- leg-, an-l — precipitately the- War Lord -at down. The I>ale-ite of the Mail-! Fi-t smote the deck with him-elf right heartily. And Bobbs pressed the button. The iucidcut wi- over in a twinkling: in a thought til- kai-er. sera-diling. had re gained hi- fe -t and wafrantically at liis dignity. Bobbs shift.d th- .camera care to -t position over one- hip. contriving t » loo—very innocent indeed. Mill: lull control of himsc-lf. he -nppre—ed hi- inward mirth; unlike- l-i- neighbours, h:liad no need to turn his b.x-k or hang his held to hie'- the -ttuogltng grin. To sinil - nrd'-r such eireum-tame- is a grave- otic-nee— nothing short of lese-inajc-st*-: and Berlin is fearuilly aware of this. It look no elia-ie-.-- with the - crct police that wer- lite, illy in its mid-t. But BoLT.s remained merely gravels comcrm-d. to ju igt- from hi- e xpression. In truth, be- wa- tone -rued, lint with quite another matter; for in the mid-t of the co-jp-i<m a clear whisper had tome to his < ar. ••Monsieur, do not turn yisir head!

He did not. •’ll i- I pursued the whisper—-*-Felic-ie Grisar-.l—of Heydtmatin’-. <>-i--good turn deserv-s another. '1 lie whisper Ix-eaine hurried. "You were observed— by 11. rr Nedden. Do not move. I will take tie- camera an-l hide it under my eape.” Fingers fumble 1 with the latch of the ea-e. "So! " said th- woman -oftly. The clasp clicked again. Am! —"Au re voir!" Bobbs heard. wit.:, an instant later, the woman’s voice, apparently addressing the crowd behind him: ".'-lessieurs—if you please—let me pass. For a space th-.- young man remained motioulc—. But already h ■ had repie.l Nedden. loitering furtively at i-o great distance; and as the throng drifted awav in various directions. Bobb- boldly st pped forth and pi—-I .Wretly F-neath'the -pv’- r-se: and. so doing, deliberately hitched the earner i ea-e forward. lb- turned south, and strode away briskly, with a purpo-eful. bu-i-i -siike air- all the while, of cour--. entirely cou-i-ioii- that he wns being followed. Soon he received expect d confirmation on this conviction. A hand, daintiIv gloved in daring yellow ki I. tapp-.-.t liinf imp-ratively on the shoulder; and a voire, a- oily and bland as a voice can b- that habitually ma-ticales Ger man gutturals, saluted him; "Mein. Herr!” "Hello!” returned Bobb'-, with surprised iiitere-t. He stopp-<! and whirled smartly on his he.-l. to fare Ncdde.i. whom lie favoured with a liru-k look ot inquiry. the seer.l agent's eyelili- drooped cunningly. He l-0.-.ed distantly with mechanical precision of movement, ami smiled the count. Hunt of that evil grimace which Bobbs had dislik;*d at sight. -I’ardoii.”-said the German. "Yon are doubtless a stranger in Berlin, sir. unacquaintcrl with the municipal ixgu lations—ehf' "How do you meanF’ “•You are -urely unaware that it is forbi.ld-n to take photographs of his maje-ty the emperor without express permission "To the contrary.’' returned Bobbs steadily, ”1 know it very well. But what is that to you. may 1 a-k!” "Simply that, hi that <-a- -. it is my duty to inform you that you are under arrest.” "The devil it i»!” expo-tnlated B.dd>vigorously. "And oil what cliargef Herr Nedden shrugged his shoulders ami assumed a tolerant expression. If Bobls chose not to understand, why bhker* Tile American, however, was lient on bickering. He insisted: he demanded an explanation of what he denounced as an outrage; he threatened Herr

Kvfffl *n. tn th. l itters obvious amn<cmriit. with an app<*:il to the American minister. In short, h<‘ created a nasty little Ricnc; and a crowd gathered, as crowd* v. ill upon t’i • >!ight;**t provocation in great ritiv-. ami obviously took side-* with Mr. Bobbs. So much <o_ in fact, that Nedd ii grew alarmed «ind impatient. •’On the chirm*, then."’ ho announced, ‘•that you have taken a photograph of his majesty the cinjieror without otl’n-ia! sanction. Now will you come along, niv tine fellow, or shall I call the po)iv« ? ’ *l.do-t assuredly I will not come along.** stormed Earraday. “This is a ridiculous churgv. sir. I low may I take a picture without a camera? Will you tell m.* that?” ••There!” The man’s lips curled Xtith contempt as his yellow hands indicated th • case. Whereupon, of course. Bobbs dramatically opened the clasp and displayed the interior of the case. ’’Where.” lit* demand’d, “is this preposterous camera? All in your eye, p<diceman! May not an inoffensive foreigner”—his gaze, following Nvdden’s, Went to the case, and hi- voire faltered for a single*, imperceptible breath—“carry his private papers with him vhcie\c-r ho pleases wheat he walks abroad, without being followed and insulted by a pig-dog-spy of the -caret police?*’ For. to his infinite* astonishment — Which he was nevertheless careful not to betray a small bundle of papers, held together by a stout rubber band, had been left in the case- presumably by that hand which had removed the camera. Go to!’* -formed Mr Bobbs indignantly. *’(ic*t out. sleuth’’’ with with cring scorn “before I give- you a real ■aucy slap!” “Ah. but do!” interposed Nedden, stepping nearer. “Do, Herr Faraday Bobbs. One pretext is as good as another. my man. T invite you to slap me and take* the tonsequences.” Ami he looked Bobbs truculently in the eye. There*. Bobbs could not but admit, the -ecret agent had him neatly. But he recovered in a thought and retorted: “Were it not for the police. I’d wipe up the walk with you. A night in a cell, however, is hardly worth the while*. One cannot fight with a spy. And,” Bobbs added, lowe ring his voice, “the American embassy is informed of my whereabouts. Herr Nedden.. and will Institute stringent inquiries upon the barest excuse. 1 think we understand one another! Now. sir, you can go.” “Very good.” said Nedden. “Very poo 1. indeed, sir. You have had your w. lining, and you have chosen to disregard it. Now. American embassy or flo. we shall see—what w c shall see.” TV. The spy squirmed away through the crowd ami disappeared : the* sensationFc*<*keis reluctantly dispersed. Mr Bobbs, impatiently evading the* sympathy of several by-tanders. whose tongues had become loosened immediately the fear of the police was removed. likewise went his way briefly, re turned to his lodgings. Much to his relief. fTeydtmann was Fheping tin* peaceful post-prandial >lecp <>f tin* well-meaning anarchi.-t. Bobbs was spared the old German’s inquisition. The young man was now in a hurry; he had but one* desire, and that to get himself out of Berlin with a vhole skin as soon as might be. ’I he adventure* of the morning had opened his eyes to Ins egregious folly, and now ih.it he had accomplished his purpose- taken the dare, and actually snap-shotted the* War Lord under his imperial nose—the prospect of seeing the* interior of a military prison, or of being srt upon by an intoxicated lieutenant of the* regular army with a long, keen sabre 1 In* most likely thing that could happen to the American held no fascination- for him at all. “I.” -rid hr firmly, “will now go - • way from here.” Ami <L termim*d to set about bis task of parking without further kt<ay. But first he stopped at Madamoiselle Hri-ard’s door ami discreetly knocked. .■Receiving no response, be concluded that -he had not yet returned, and going to his own room lw»gan tossin" his belongings into the single trunk which he had deemed w i-e to risk with himself in Berlin. The major part of bis luggage, including Lis invaluable and Well beloved collection of photographic

apparatus, he had saved from po—ible rontisi a lion b\ shipping to friends in Paris. He had left his door ajar, that the woman might not return to her room without his knowledge; (he necessity for seeing her and exchanging the bundle of documents—of whose nature* lie had m>’ the least doubt in the world — for his camera now alone kept him in Berlin. The long hours of the afternoon wore away, however, aiul she failed to appear. Heydtinann. on the other hand, laboriously ascended the stairs, remarked the young man's preparations for departure, ami grunted a phlegmatic approval. In the face of his evident curiosity. Bobbs volunteered no information; Heydtinann professed devout adher cnee to the most extreme principles of anarchy, together with profound contempt for his fatherland’s ruler ami scorn fur any such puling sentiment as patriotism; but Bobbs was not so sure that the Prussian’s inherent antagonism to all things French might not develop disastrously for Madamoiselle Felicie. did Heydtinann discover that she had actually been successful in her mission. What tha;t mi-d«»n might be. Mr Bobb- knew not. nor cared to know. Tin* loosing of a rubber band would have told him. but he held his hand therefrom without effort. The native honesty of the man was unalterably opposed to the principles of espionage; and lie acted. furthermore, upon a homely adage of bis mother-country, to the effect that what he didn't know would not hurt him. 'Toward nightfall he had his trunk conveyed to the railway terminal, and checked through to Paris by the Nord Express. Himself he settled patiently to await the return of madamoiselle, with regard to whox* fate he now began to harbour serious misgivings. These, however, were partially allayed by Heydtinann. who. having also remarked the girl's prolonged absence, had taken the trouble to institute inquiries through the underground chan nels maintained for the benefit of his ilk. and now announced io Bobbs with positive assurance that the girl bad not so far. hern arre-ted. Shortly after this discovery—to be precise, at nine in the evening—a messenger brought Mr Bobbs a short note from the lady in question. Translated, it ran: Monsieur: You wen* quite right. Put on my guard, however, by your warning. 1 have succeeded in evading the police. I was. however, hard pressed at the moment when I found it necessary io exchange the papers for your camera. 1 have the latter safe, reads to exchange for my papers if you will be so kind as io bring them to me. To return io Herr ricydtmanifs would involve instant arrest. I fear. T appeal to your chivalry as a gentleman and an American to aid me in my unhappy perdicament. The bearer is quite ignorant of his errand, and will conduct you to one who will undertake to bring vou here in complete safety. F. G. Ah-h!*‘ commented Mr Bobbs, stroking iiis chin over the note. “Tn the messenger waiting. Heydtinann?'* The German nodded in the affirmative. ‘•J am needed.” explained Bobbs. Tie stood thoughtful for a space, then took up hi- hat. “Good-by. Heydtinann,’- he added. “I'm off. If ever you come to Paris io blow up the Chamber of Depot ic- why. look me up. You know the address.” “Sure.*’ agreed the anarchist. “But -—1 dunnn. Dere is- leetle chance. Der Inner Circle hass der dry-rot off late. Dey blow up noddings—n.oddings. Ami"—shiugging his ponderous shoulders- “dese childrens call demseifs anarchists! Ach!” It was the ultimate expression of disgusted contempt. Thirty minutes later Bobbs, with lii«? guide, alighted from a cab ami found himself in a desolate suburban thoroughfare. Without positive knowledge having passed the boundaries of the Beilin known to him—he guessed the location a- an <»ut-kirt of Charlottenburg, 'This surmise his guide briefly confirmed: adding, from the window of the cab, the information that the gentleman ■was to wait in that -pot for further developments; and. without pausing to listen to Mr Bobbs’ remonstrances, promptly drove away.

“Very good.’’ agreed Mr Bobbs, philosopher, to the empty air. unconsciously repeating Nedilen’s parting words t>> him: “We -iiall now see what we shall see.” For several minutes it seemed as if he had been brought to that spot to enjoy an uninterrupted view of a length of muddy road. Hanked by parallel sidewalks. a few scattering <lwellings ; and a row of generously spaced gas-lamp in diminishing per-|H*ctive. Ami then—- “ Herr Bobbs?” inquired a voice over his shoulder. So noiseless ]«ud been the man’s apprefach that the American was fairly startled; he wheeled with a disconcerted exclamation, and fared the man whose absolutely neutral and colourless appearance left no room for conjec--1 ure v Hi- attire might have been that ef a needy clerk or artisan. His battered cap with lustreless visor might have once belonged to a student at one of the national universities, or, with equal likelihood, to a deck-hand on one of the Spree steamers; it was pulled well down over his brows, leaving nothing visible in that dim light, save a drooping. ragged moustache and clean shaven chin. ‘‘My name is Bobbs.” returned that gentleman cautiously, reffectiiig that the fellow had dressed himself admirably tor the part of conspirator. Hundreds such as he daily passed in Berlin’s streets without a second glance. “You come in response to a note?” “Or course.’’ “From whom?’’ “You slmuld know—since you know so much.” “Madamoiselle Grisard?” The man made a mouthful of the French svllaliles. “If you are from her.’’ suggested Bobbs mildly, “you had best take me to her. and not waste time shouting her name aloud on street corners.’’ “You are testy, sir. Let us have the business over with. then. Give me the papers and we will say no more.” “To the contrary,” asserted Bobbs briskly, stepping back a pace and put ting a hand in his side pocket. “J.ead the way—and bear in mind, my man. that I’m armed. If the police are in this. I*ll take it out of your hide. Remember that.” “Nover fear.” the man growled surlily. “I merely offered to save you a long and troublesome journey. Come, then.” He started off up the street, sham bling along, round of shoulder and slouchy—the portrait of a typical German down on his luck. Bobbs followed at a discreet interval his eyes searching the shadows, his wits keenly on the alert. In the course of five minutes, however. they came without incident io the end of the street, where the sidewalk was broken off abruptly and the continuation was nothing but a muddy slope down to the lip of the Spree. Here., if anywhere. Bobbs thought. In* would be set upon. 'The nearest light was a hundred yards away, the nearest dwelling twice as far —and that without a sign of human habitation. The snot was gloomy and desolate enough foi* any deed, however dark. But his gui h* kept* stolidly on. slipping ami sli ling and floundering noisily on the declivity. And. after an instant's uneventful hesitation. Bobbs, though mystified, concluded that his fears of a police trap had been groundless. that the man was nothing more than a sullen lout, and with slight misgivings set himself to the descent. It was one accomplished speedily, if at the expense of his clothing and temper. Tn a little time the American found himself at the bottom, ankle deep in ooze, liberally bespattered to his waist ami thoroughly disgruntled. Moreover, his guide had vanished — either into thin air or some shadow more than ordinarily impenetrable. Bobbs lifted his voice irritably. “What now?” he snapped. “No treachery. you fool!” “There was time enough A»r that back there.*’ came the response from the murkiness to h.is right, ”iJ l*d thought of it. Hold your tongue and—wait.’’ He had either to obey or right-about-face and march back to Hcydtmann. The American resigned himself to the former alternative. Having come so far, he would see the adventure through. Presently a faint drumming sound trembled upon the air near at hand. The waters swashed and gurgled myB-

teriously. Something coughed violently, and then subsided into harsh and steady respiration. “What the devil!” growled Bobbs. “If the night wasn’t as black as my hat . Where’s that moon ?” Simultaneously a boat glided out of the blackness and grounded with a slight jar in the mud at his feet. Straining his eyes. Bobbs was able to make out the man’s figure—a dim, irregular shadow erect in the stern, apparently propelling the boat by means of a single oar. A faint, ruddy glow amid ships, however, falling upon a cloudy jet of vapour, apprised Mr Bobbs of the fact that he was to continue the trip in a power launch. Tn response to a grunt from the man, he waded out through two inches of water and scrambled in. seating him self by the engines. “Is it far?” he inquired briefly. “Far enough.” “Then you attend io the steeringgear.” <aid Bobbs. “We needn’t waste any time. 1 know these engines.” “So much the better.” “Readv?” “Aye.” The American grasped the throttle and drew it slowly open. The boat, sputtering asthmatically, swung out and far upon the black bosom of the Spree: then darted forward, as closely as Bobbs could estimate, into the nightcloaked west. The channel here ran narrow—too narrow for comfort. Lights flashed past, close on either hand. Other lights, long rows of them, radiated away into the distance, like illuminated spokes of some gigantic, slowly revolving wheel that in time rolled away, leaving vast expanses of velvety darkness. punctuated afar by glimmering arc-lamps. A train crept upon them slowly from out of the east, raced them abreast for a pace, and drew away—a chain of brilliant windows following madly after a crimson column of smoke and fire. Spandau's illumination bore down upon them: and Bobbs slackened speed in deference to a word from the man at the wheel. Slowly, peacefully enough, they crept around the semi circle, under bridges, past Spandau. Stresow. Tiefwerder. Wilhelmstadt. Pichelsdorf, at length’ leaping out into the broad embrace of the TTavel like an arrow from a bow. Here again Bobbs lost his bearings. He began to wonder how much longer the journey would take. As yet it showed no signs of ending; and he hardly felt friendly enough with his guide to risk a rebuff by inquiring. He tended the engine and waited with such patience as he could muster. On the light other villages flashed past. After some time the launch slowed up to go under a bridge, then took another broad stretch of water at top speed, with Potsdam corust-aiing ahead. Again it slackened spec J to negotiate a narrow chanivd. and again sprang away like an unleashed greyhound. Bobbs ceased to specn'afc. He was. figuratively as well a- literary, now ill at sea; it camo to him in th? nature of a surprise, indeed, .vhen his guide broke the silence voluntarily. “Half speed!” he ordered; and then immediately: “Quarter!” Bobbs obeyed. At the command, “Stop her!” the boat rested motionless upon the broad surface of a jet-black sheet of water, whose shores were quite indistinguishable in the darkness. Only the contour of the surrounding hills marred the illusion of a vast and all hut shoreless sea. Ahead a dark mass bulked vaguely out of the water, and from it. a Li! Io the right, gleamed the solitary light visible within the circle of the hills. “Quarter speed ahead!” 'l'lie launch moved forward slowly. The mass crept up upon them noiselessly; its outline took on more definite shape—a greater blackness, blotting out the stars. “Stop! ” The engines ceased their pulsation■». The boat glided on soundlessly until its keel grated on gravel. Bobbs' guide had left (ho wheel and run forward to the bows. Now ho leaped ashore, taking with him the end of the cable. He held the boat while the American followed iiim, then tethered the cable to some invisible object. “Come.” be said bruskly. and set off inland, following n winding, beaten path through und< rbush and pines, Bobbs af his heels.

Before them the light d«»dgc<l in and out between the tree trunks, growing ever blighter and nearer. Within a hundred yards from the shore they left the timber and stepped into a cleared space. In the centre stood a small, iuw cottage, in one of whose windows burned the lamp that had been their beacon. Without hesitation the man led the way to the door, which he thing open unceremoniously. ’‘Filter, if vou pleas#-.” said h r - ly“After you.” Air Bobbs disclaimed the honour. “As you will.” The fellow showed Bobbs his back ami stepped w’.tliin. The American, thinking that no police on earth would have taken so mu<h trouble to capture him. when he might have lieen taken with all necessary secrecy on the I milks of the Spree in the first instance, crossed the threshold of the cottage, wdhout a doubt. As h' did so he heard the man’s voice: “See, mademoiselle, whom 1 have brought you!” The lamp glare blinded the young man-momentarily-, lie caught a Herting glimpse of the girl. seated over across from him. with something white drawn over the lower half of her face; and he heard a strangled cry of warning. Too late. As he hesitated, blinking, the man turned upon him. seized him by both lapels of his coat, and forced these back and down over his shoulders. effectually binding his arms for the time. Then with incredible rapidity the fellow’s arms explored and turned out the American’s pockets. Before he could recover. Bobbs had been thoroughly searched: the fiction about the revolver. which he seldom carried, had liven exposed: and th? packet of papers lielonging to the woman had been torn from his breast pocket. Then he staggered back before a furious blow upon his chest. In a trite he recovered, shrugged the coat back upon hi- shoulders, and gathered himself for ji spring across the room—only to halt with his nose in close, too close, juxtaposition to that of a pistol. “Slowly! said the man. “Slowly! Get back there, swine! Ah. Letter!” — as the American gave ground. "With a stride the fellow turned and got his back to the door. Ihe lock (•licked. lie withdrew am! pocketed the key. “So!” he repeated. “Now we can talk.” “Neddon!” gasped Bobbs. beside himself with rage and humiliation. That he had permitted himself to be so easily played upon! “Exactly,” agreed the spy. “Neddon. T am he.” He scented pleased with the announcement. He repeated it shortly, in act cuts of elation, his c old. malignant gaze travelling swiftly from one to another of his victims. The revolver he held conspicuous to lend emphasis to his comma nds. To Bobbs: “You may release the frauh-in.” he announced pleasantly. “Then we will have conversation.” The American bowed to the situation and went Io the girl’s side. She was seated in an armchair, her hands lashed to its rungs: a double line of rope was drawn tightly about her chest and shoulders and the back of the chair; a handkerchief had lieen passed between her teeth and knotted behind her oars. Beyond doubt she was suffering: equally beyond doubt she wa« entirely calm and collected. Her cyc« mot Bobbs’ with meaning as he bent above her. fumbling with the knots, and ho understood that she wished to convey to him her entire* ignorance of the trap. His hands worked nimbly; very shortly she was free. She arose with some effort and took a turn up and down the room, under the watchful eye of Herr Neddon. Then to Bobbs: All, monsieur!” she appealed. “All right,” said the American. “I understand. Never mind.” “It was this—this ” “Steady!” interposed the Prussian. “I’m in a good humour now. but my temper's .bad. Don’t call me nasty names, or 1 may forget that you're a woman.” “Doubtless you'd be glad of the excuse.” growled Bobbs, exploring the room with eager attentive eyes. But he dix-owied no loophole of escape; the windows were heavily shuttered and there was but one door—that by which they had entered, now effectually guarded. The French woman lifted her shoul*

dcr» together and resumed her chair. ••And you.'wir,” the I’niftsuia hinted to tliv American, motioning with his revoher toward a convenient seat. Bobbs, it <li*cretion. took it. Ncddon relaxed something of lit a pose of watchfulness, drawing a chair lor himself to the table, upon which he placed the lamp, to one side. The packet of papers and the revolver lie laid before him. •'lt will he unwise for you to attempt to c.ueh me napping, mein Herr,” he BiiggO’ded. eyeing Bobb.-. ‘'l here ii twenty fret of *|*are between us, and before you could reach me—l am very quick.'* he concluded significantly. -<>h. you’ve g< t me safe enough, ’* g:limblcd Bobb*. The secret .’gcui slipped the band from about th • piper.- and la’d them out- Iwfi’ir him. One by one he ojieiied and spread th•■'.n wide b neath his gaze, limiting with satisfaction, although he »ave none r.n re than a hasty glance ere refolding, laisihg his eyes for a swift rcconiuiissar.cr of his prisoners, and addressing himself to the next. A very few minutes .-ullicied for the examination. Ncddon gathered tie papers again into a compact bundle and restrapped them, turning with a little, ironic bow toward the woman. “My compliments, jnadeinoilsecl!'* sail lie. “lou have b< en very skilful.” she had no reply for him. He slipped the packet into his pocket, picked up the revolver, and tapped the table with its muzzle. eyeing the pair thoughtfully. "You. there:" he snapped suddenly. *You Giisard woman! Where is that caiueia?” “In Ihe Spree,” she replied, with face axerted haughtily. Be.bbs caught at lii> breath with relief. So that had Jiot been confiscated! Without that evidence against him, ho had. .it lea-4 a fighting chance if lie could get h's ta-e before the United States minister. I'he Prussian's m».uth hardened: its c» .yiei— d rootied. •■'l'he Spree?” ’ “I dropped it over when crossing the biidge.” she stated calmly. - ’.Von did? 'flic deyil!” Ncddon liu dilated, glowering at her. “Kart Vt n siaulTcir.” he ssrtd suddenly, “was - follow iiig ?y-<Hi. _ He made no mention of ■y« ur throwing any tiling, a way. I think you arc tying. * Aery po«n» r v. mein “I Terr”—with infinite contempt -your confrere does imt see everything?' “Sc,! \\« 11. m. matter. At least. He have you both?’ 'l'he Prussian smiled mali<iou> triumph. “You fool!” the tiirl < oniinented cold’ Iy. Eh. madcmois’dlr” Ncddon svemel f r prised. but not augrv. “Why?*’ “Fool.” *1: • repeated deliberately: •Tx y* ii ledd your fortune in'your bi.mis ami — vou'll let it slip Ixdwecn ycur tinge, s.” Ncddon -carched in his pocket for a cigarette, found and lit one. and inhaled dt eply : from his frown it was plain that the woman had given him f. ch! lor thought. “The papers. y« u mean?” he s.sked a- length. “The papers?*’ assented the girl. •'You will turn them over to your suieiinrs. and iltvy will take all the credit, hit in Paris - “There is something in what you Bay.” agreed Herr Ncddon amiably. “1 v ill confess than it has occurred to me before.” A flush «.f hope dyed ihe girl’s cheek. Ci was it the excitement of the desperate gaim she played?” “Release us.” she said swiftly: “ret .in thw papct«; bring th in to me in Paris. and I will see that you get ” “(hie moment, mademoiselle?'laughed tn • *py hai-hly. “What I will get for these pap. is is a matter lietween me and the head of your secret service. Aou w ill have no hand in it. I cannot afford to hah • the price.” “ I rue?’ -aid the girl refit (-lively. *'f had not thought of that. You cannot afford to have a partner, for the money vill bo all that you will’ever get. After the «al •. Frame will have no further Use for you. and you will be unable to retain to Germany.” * “Kh? Why? Why. mademoiselle. Way i nut ply a profitable trade fur main year- German '..a rets for French l<>ui-?” Ncddon demanded shaiply, •*My portion j.s- wiairc here.” . The woman laughed: looked at Herr Ned Ln: smiled at the mystified Mr. &>ddt<: ami shook her head in gentle derision. “it is.” nhe admitted, “for

the present. But you forget the photo- “ I Mud ogiiqdi! But that is—the spree- ” stammered Neddeii. Again she shook her head gently, in negation. “The camera—yes, that is at the bottinn of the river, monsieur. But In-fore I threw it away. I removed the film.” “Where is that, then?” “In Paris.” “Impossible! ” “Not at all. 1 mean that it is in Paris, to all intents ami purposes. It is mi its way there by a trustworthy hand, monsieur—to the address you gave me. Monsieur Bobb- ’’ “Ah. yes.” Bobbs had the wit to affirm instantly. “ Xnd w ill lie published within the fortnight. When that happens, Herr Ncdden. you will be unable to return to Germany. Do you suppose the kaiser will tolerate you one instant after he learns that you caught the author of the outrage but suffered the negative to escap-* you! But figure to yourself Low pleas.d he will be with you. when all Eun»|»c is laughing—y*cs. and ail America —at the portrait of the War Lord sprawling like a blind puppy ” -Yes.” Nedd-it interrupted glumly, •'you are right. That photograph must he .suppressed?’ “There is one way.” Bobbs took a hand in the game, now comprehending the girl’s scheme. “And that ?*’ “Let us go. Retain the papers. Make your own arrangements with the French secret service. For myself. L will guarant<*c that the picture will never appear.” 'I he Prussian’s face lightened. “Good. I agree. But let me think.” ’He appeared to meditate deeply for several minutes—with a hand, however, ready upon th • revolver.” “I will not deny.” lie announced, -in the tnd. “that this was in my mind from the beginning. Why else should 1 have troubled to lure you both to thi< place, when I could have bad you ar rested in Berlin?” "I woiuLred,' admitted the French woman. “Of course.” lite would-be traitor dismissed the suggestion with a contemptuous wave of his hand. “1 had mv eye on those papers from the first.” he announced, without visible shame even’ it seemed to his victims, wit it some pride. “1 have it all arranged -to leave the country with th-ni this very night. I knew that one of you had them; and it is necessary that you shall not L • at large to lay information against me b. fore morning. By this simple manoeuvre?' he continued. “I have arranged all that. 1 had intended, I admit, to entrap you and wire Berlin to arrest you hero in the morning. But. with yonr promise that you will suppress publication of that photograph. Herr Bobbs, ( will refrain from such action —which means life impris onment in a military fortress for you both, at the very Lust.” He aroso and backed toward the door, smiling ironically. “1 have yonr word?’’ he inquired of Bobbs directly. “You have—provided we get out of the country alive.” “No fear of that. I have worked tins alone none other knows that you have l>een caught.” He ojiened the door and paused with one hand adjusting the key in the outside keyhole. “You will. I am sure, jmrdon the pre <*pitaney of my departure.” he continued. with sarcasm. “1 am pushed for time. You appreciate. 1 am sure. Infortunaiely. I teel constrained to lock von in. but I considerately leave you without bonds, and you will find no dilticult y in forcing an exit—by day.light, that is. Then it may l»e an hour or two before yon van hail a boat?’ “What for?”’ “To - c<mvvy yoti to the mainland, mein Herr.” And he laughed. “This lodge is on an island in the niiddb* of the Havel. ’l'he nearest land is half a mile distant on one hand, a mile on the other. And the water—brrr!” He shuddered in effected dismay, evidently in hi’»h * g<M»d humour with hiniself. “Cold as ice! Good night.” Abruptly he slammed the door and turned the key. For a moment Bobb* and the woman eyed one another in dismay. Then self confidence returned to the American.*' “Never mind, my dear.” he comforted wonderful skill.” ••S>di!” She held up a cautioning finger. Bobb* li-tvned. From the river with-

out came the muttled spluttering of the launch. It grew in volume, then swiftly died. Silence followed. “And now.” said Bobbs, “to get out <if this in time to put a spoke in that infernal scoundrel's wheel!” And. picking up a heavy chair, he moved toward the d(»or. V. For seme minutes he battered away at th<* |xinels without visible effect; the door was of oak and stout, made to last. Ihe chair was shattered to kindling wood in the young man's hand, but the barrier endured, with only scratches and shallow dents to show for its ill treatment. “This won't do at all.” Bobbs paused and vast around the room impatiently for sum-* more serviceable implement. But the woman had anticipated him, and stood offering him a stout poker. •‘Better, thank you?' he acknowledged her service: and returned to the attack. This time, however, he devoted his efforts to breaking off the door-knob; and by (lint of heavy blows accomplished his purpose. Pushing the fractured shank out of a|>erture. Bobbs inserted an end of the poker and bore heavilv upon it. after the fashion of a lever. Reluctantly, with a splintering sound the wood yielded: then the lock broke and the door swung inward. So abruptly that Mr. Bobbs was caught off his guard and promptly went to the floor. He was up in an instant, however, laughing at the woman's expression of concern, and wiping the sweat from his brow. “Serves m<* right.” he gasped. “No sense in this at all. Might just as well have battered open one of the window shutters. Never occurred to me.” He paused, inhaling deeply the cool night air. grateful to lungs too long accustomed to the close atmosphere of the lamp-lit room. ”If you’ll wait here, please?’ h • said. “I'll explore. Back in a brace of shakes.” And was gone into the night. The woman leaned against the jamb of the shattered door, staring out into the east, where a late arising moon, whose absence Bobbs had regretted earlier in the evening, was silvering the sky above the trees. It may have seemed Jong to her. trembling with impatience as she was. nor in the least inclined to place faith in the apparent docility. She feared a military prison more, perhaps, than any fate, imaginable: and the time seemed long to her. On the other hand. Bobbs is willing to afliriu that he was back within t *n minutes. “Made a round of the island, he announced. panting in his haste. “He told the truth in this instance, at least—we’re on a small body of land entirely surrounded by water. I see no signs of a boat or way of escape —unless ”■—he paused doubtfully “you can swim?” I'he girl shivered apprehensively. *• But no. monsieur.*' “ All right.” he cried cheerfully. “Don't worry. I can. I” make a try for the nearest shore, and see if 1 can’t scare up a boat of some sort.” “ No. ah. no. monsieur! ” She caught him by the arm. trembling with fright. “ The water is so co-o-old! ” She shivered. “ Nonsense. Tried it with my hand. It's fairly hikewarm. Bet you a red chip that Prussian hound never took a cold bath in his life.” But still she clung to him like a terrified child. “ But, monsieur, you would not leave me here alone, in this wilder- “ Beteher yer life I would! ” he contradicted. “ I’m not going to take any chances on Nedden’s change of heart, thank von ’m*»*t to death. Haven t got a patricle of use for the inside of a fortress in my business. Rest easy, my dear- I’ll find a l>oat. and come l>ack for you. never fear.” Hr had touched the right cord. She let him go. awed by the vision lie had con |Ured up. Smiling grimly in the darkness. Boblw strode down to the bank whicii hr had judge was the nearest mainland. It was difficult to estimate in that light, but he was hardened to the taking of chances. He stripped to his underclothing . and-without a tremor waded out until his feet left bottom, then began Co swim, using the double overhand stroke plashful but speedy. He had need for speed, aside from the urgency of his predicament—the necessity for shaking German soil from his

at the earliest possible moment. More tiian anything he feared cramps, ami Nedden had spoken soothly comerning the temperature of the water. If anything, it was colder than ice. Bobbs wondered that it did not congeal about him.

But it did not. And the moon, rising above the freest, proved a friendly luminary. guiding him to the nearest short*. In time he clambered out, dripping anti chilled to the bone, but still undaunted; and right briskly he strode along the water’s edge, looking about him with keen eyes.

Fortune seemed to have favoured him; evidently he had landed on the edge of some country estate. A dozen yards took him to a small dock, jutting out a hundred feet or so into the river; and at its end a rowboat, with locks and oars in place, rocked gently at the end of its painter. Bobbs made no ado whatsoever about confiscating it; his only concern was to get away with the plunder before espied, lie set himself to the oars ami pulled lustily; and the exercise warmed his blood and brought him hack all aglow to the spot where he had left his outer clothing. Stepping ashore, he hitched the painter to a convenient tree-trunk and resumed hi" attiie with a prayer, and an earnest one. that be might not catch his death of cohl; and returned apace to the Woman. VI. “ Blind luck.*’ Bobbs declares. •’Never saw anything lik£ it in all my born da\>. We’d been waltzing over ploughed I .nd that had been rained on for upward of two thousand years—at least it felt that long. Maybe it was as much as an hour. 1 know the woman was worn and ready to cry. 1 was holding her up affectionately with one arm. and having goose-flesh every time my heel struck a atone. thinking it must be a battalion of Uhlans hunting us down. ”It had got on to, I reckon, one o’clock, ami still there were no signs of roads —not so much as a cow-path going nowhere in particular. The moon-was rhining peaceful and serene, and i was (lodging imaginary bullets every time f saw lite, light glinting on a wet leaf, when • " ; ’’Out we come upon a broad -trefch of white highroad, anti all but stub our toes on an automobile, standing there ;vs dead as C aesar’s wife, 1 brought up short and dapped my hand over the lady’s mouth, for fear she’d screech and spoil things. Maybe I had some notion of the lay of the land. “At any rate there wasn’t anything lifelike about the machine except the legs'of a man, protruding from under the rear of the tonneau, lie was lying on his back and playing the ’ Anvil Chorus’ on the car’s inwards with a n» on k< y-wrviub. •' He came out by inches, scrubbing along on the hack of his neck and Fwt-aiing something wicked. After a while his fare camo out into the moonlight. and then l.e raised up on lii.elbuws and .looked how glad h<* was to see me. as natural as could be. Herr Xeddcu, of course. Equally certain. I jumped him. It was short but sweet, and by the time T had taken the wrench away from him and handed- him scvero-al good ones. 1 was all het up. I remember wondering, when 1 got on my feet, however we bad managed to wip? up so much terra ifrina: I give you my word, that road was fairly smoking for twenty feet either \piy. ” Mein Herr laid gone to sleep, peaceful and touching. We didn’t dare leave him. so. with some twine we found in tin- repair-kit. I tied his hands together and gagged him, then bundled him in on the floor of tlie toiineau, under-the rear ’ There was a spare robe. and we covered him with that." anil L gave my lady his gun. with instructions to pat him with it. soothingly, if hr began to squirm. Meantime, of course, she bad nabbed her burn'll of incriminating documents from his inside pocket. a!n<L Lad turned-chip-per as you please.' I climbed intpi H»c cliaffeur’< seat, and played with the cranks until 1 got wise to thr coinl>i*nation. ‘•’rhere was only-!owe thing to l»e done - strike for the Austrian frontier. -If daybreak caught us'iu Geriiuniv it would Im* all up. We were a hundred and fifty miles, proltably more, north of Bodenhack. and not a road-map within reaching distance. But I knew it was south. Mid wont-h wf -went-. U-ceiiiig •tars.

“That ride lieats anything 1 ever went through. We bored a hole through more German srriierv than has ever been penetrated before Or since, and in less time. “Don’t ask me how we struck it. This is a luck story. There isn’t any sweet reasonableness about it at all. “ It was broad daylight when 1 pulled up and a*ked a rustic by the roadside where we were. When he said two miles north of Bodenbach, I could have kissed him. I didn't —mainly liecause he didn't look as if he’d take any in his. He was a big strong man. and I—l had pressing business farther south. ’• After we’d skimmed over Bodenbach. I stopped her in a little stretch of wood and turned Herr Nedden loose. 1 don’t know that I’ve ever seen a more pettish police-agent, especially when I explained to him how comfortable I had found his fur-lined motor-coat. after my bath. “Bless his little heart! He didn’t do much except -putter and fizz like a soda water bottle with a l»ad cold. Only, w?*a we were ready to go on ami leave* him there, he ran after and begged me to stop long enough to answer one question: Would I keep my word about not publishing that picture of the kaiser? ’’Thre w tret ears in his eye a. so I Raid I would. “We left the car at Prague and took the train—to shorten a tco-long story, got to Paris by a roundabout route, carefully avoiding German territory. 1 hat little French woman turned over my film—it stems she had it inside her corset or somewheie all thr time, and I developed it ard g< t a snlendid m gativc. No. it won’t ever be published. “In Palis. Bannister’s, n.r Bius-e!. began to flirt with me ag<i.«. and the next thing I knew 1 was tied up for a term of years, and on my way to India oi a P. and O. boat. Inasmuch as [ had been successful in making Russia. Germany, Austri.i. Servia. the Balkans generally. to say nothing of Turkey, too hut for me within a year. 1 wa< glad enough to sav go:»d-bv to Europe. . . . It s a queer world.’’