re of his foothold of fact. "The news you brought so affected me that
I failed of politeness and never asked your name."

"I am Inspector Val of the New York police."

"And you declare Count Storri a thief engaged in robbing your Treasury?"

"I say it word for word. More; he had it in train to burn a house and
abduct a girl."

The Attache surveyed Inspector Val with his sharp black eyes. Clearly,
here was a man whom it would not be wise--for the honor of the Bear--to
oppose!

"And this poor woman loved Count Storri," said the Attache, shifting his
glance to the dead San Reve. "She died, you say, to keep him by her.
Yes, you are right; they should not be parted now."

The San Reve, no longer jealous, and Storri, no longer false, were given
one grave, and the Attache of the Czar and Inspector Val alone attended,
as though representing rival interests. The San Reve's prayer of passion
had been granted; her Storri would be her own and hers alone throughout
eternity.

CHAPTER XXIII

HOW RICHARD AND DOROTHY SAILED AWAY

There came but the one name before the convention, and Governor
Obstinate was nominated for the Presidency by acclamation. Senator
Hanway wired his warm congratulations, and to such earnest length did
they extend themselves that it reduced the book of franks conferred upon
Senator Hanway by the telegraph company by five stamps. Governor
Obstinate thanked Senator Hanway through the eye-glassed Mazarin, who
seized upon the occasion to say that Governor Obstinate was more than
ever resolved in event of his election--which was among things sure--to
avail himself of Senator Hanway's known abilities touching public
finance in the role of Secretary of the Treasury.

Senator Hanway and Mr. Harley, the Georgian Bay-Ontario Canal still
rankling in the popular regard, did not attend the convention. This
permitted those gentlemen to be present at the nuptials of Dorothy and
Richard, a negative advantage which otherwise might have been denied.

Mrs. Hanway-Harley, basing it on grounds of duty, assumed formal charge
of the marriage arrangements in the later hours. She asked Richard to
name those among his friends whom he desired as guests at the wedding.
Richard gave her Mr. Bayard, Mr. Sands, and Inspector Val. Mrs.
Hanway-Harley pursed her lips. Mr. Bayard? yes; but why ask Mr. Sands,
printer, and Inspector Val of the police?

"They are my friends," said Richard.

Mrs. Hanway-Harley shook her head