CHAPTER XI.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 377, 15 June 1889, Page 3

CHAPTER XI.

VERA AVI LI, HV, KSOUTJED. Wat left Dunaburg in the diaguise of an old Russian merchant. At Berlin he became a Frenchman, and in this disguise he entered Paiis. He had not stopped on the way, but had gone directly to Paris, because he knew that was the destination of the two Russians, and his business now was more with them than with Ivan. Besides, if Ivan were true to Vera, it would not matter where he was <for the present. If he were not true, then he was sure to be where Sofia was. There was something odd, perhaps, in Wat's position, but it was not the first time he had gone out of his way, risking his life or liberty, and spent bis own money in aiding an unfortunate. As yet, moreover," he was not by any means sure that he was doing exactly as his employer would have wished. At any rate, he threw himself into his work with all his energy. j On reaching Paris he went first to the address- of the Countess Almazoff, as given him by Gresser. Both she and the Count Chernigoff were domiciled there, but of Ivan he could learn nothing in the few moments he devoted to the subject. The main thing was that the two Russians were there. He now went to the hotel he had given Gresser as his address, and, taking his room, asked if there were any letters or telegrams for him. There were none, the clerk said, but he thought there had come a telegram for him that morning. 'Where is it? 5 ' Oh, the messenger had taken it back with him.' • Where is the office it was received at ?' ' Mon Dieu ! how should I know ?' • Where is the nearest office ?' • Monsieur has but to go two blocks up the boulevard and then turn to the left. The office is about the middle of the block.' Wab started, out hurriedly. ' Oh, monsieur, the office is nob open at' this hour. It will open in the morning.' But Wab did nob stop. He knew he should nob find the office open, bub he was determined to gee the telegram if possible. It could only come from Gresser, and he would not telegraph unless he had something important to communicate. The office was closed, but Wat got the address of the clerk and hastened to the house. He was not there, but he was most likely afc his favourite cafe on tha Rue Bonaparte.

With a description of the man and the address of the cafe, Wat hurried off again. His man was the picture of Parisian comfort when Wat came upon him, and the probabilities were that he would refuse to budge without some strong incentive. Wat was ready with the incentive. He approached his man. 'Is this Monsieur Delite, the telegraph operator of the Rue Candal V • Yes.' ' This morning 1 monsieur received a telegram for Wat Den ton, is it not so?' ' I forgot nil about business after I closo the oiHce. If monsieur will come to mo in the morning, ho will learn all that concerns him. Good -evening, monsieur.' Wat put a twenty - franc note on the table, and said, pleasantry : ' The telegram is very important to me.' 'Is it tor you, then ?" exclaimed the operator, thrusting the noto into his | pocket. ' Oh, then, of couroe 1 will go get it for you. ' A quarter of an hour later Wat had tho telegram, and was hurrying with it to hi& room. As the telegram read, it was only a commonplace message ol no importance whatever The tiist translation by the key made it rend : ' Positive evidence in my hands shows your theory to bo all wrong. Cease work on the case.' The second and correct translation revealed the following startling words : ' Too strong for me. Vera will bo knouted at end of five days, as first arranged. Only important revelations will save her.' Five days I That letfc him just thirty-six hours to gain such valuable information as would enable Gresser to interfere. Wat buried his face in his hands and gave himself up to thought. Suddenly he sprang up, and hissing through his tightly shut teeth, ' Fionds '.' hurried out of the house and sped along in the direction of tho Countess Almazoft's residence.