us--you are an unknown adventurer, carried on the
books of the police as a fugitive from justice, and I can walk to the
hotel and get twenty reputable men to vouch for me. I advise you to be
careful not to mention my name in connection with Count von Stroebel's
death."

He had begun jauntily, but closed in heat, and when he finished Armitage
nodded to signify that he understood perfectly.

"A few more deaths and you would be in a position to command tribute from
a high quarter, Monsieur."

"Your mind seems to turn upon assassination. If you know so much about
Stroebel's death, it's unfortunate that you left Europe at a time when
you might have rendered important aid in finding the murderer. It's a bit
suspicious, Monsieur Armitage! It is known at the Hotel Monte Rosa in
Geneva that you were the last person to enjoy an interview with the
venerable statesman--you see I am not dull, Monsieur Armitage!"

"You are not dull, Chauvenet; you are only shortsighted. The same
witnesses know that John Armitage was at the Hotel Monte Rosa for
twenty-four hours following the Count's departure. Meanwhile, where
were you, Jules Chauvenet?"

Chauvenet's hand again went to his face, which whitened, though he sought
refuge again in flippant irony.

"To be sure! Where was I, Monsieur? Undoubtedly you know all my
movements, so that it is unnecessary for me to have any opinions in the
matter."

"Quite so! Your opinions are not of great value to me, for I employed
agents to trace every move you made during the month in which Count von
Stroebel was stabbed to death in his railway carriage. It is so
interesting that I have committed the record to memory. If the story
would interest you--"

The hand that again sought the slight mustache trembled slightly; but
Chauvenet smiled.

"You should write the memoirs of your very interesting career, my dear
fellow. I can not listen to your babble longer."

"I do not intend that you shall; but your whereabouts on Monday night,
March eighteenth, of this year, may need explanation, Monsieur
Chauvenet."

"If it should, I shall call upon you, my dear fellow!"

"Save yourself the trouble! The bureau I employed to investigate the
matter could assist you much better. All I could offer would be copies of
its very thorough reports. The number of cups of coffee your friend
Durand drank for breakfast this morning at his lodgings in Vienna will
reach me in due course!"

"You are really a devil of a