Ruth said nothing to Monsieur Lafrane, although she was startled. He had had no idea, then, of taking her to the Dupay farm. She was somewhat relieved by this discovery, although she was curious as to why she was being carried to the chateau.
It was plain that their visit was expected. The great front door of the old pile of masonry was wide open and a flaring, swinging lamp illuminated the entrance hall, the light shining far across the flagging before the door. As the girl had noted, there seemed no fear here at the chateau of German night raiders, while the village of Clair lay like a black swamp below the hill, not a lamp, even in the hospital, being allowed to shine from windows or doorways there.
“Will you come in, Mademoiselle?” said the leader of the expedition softly.
One of his companions got out, too, and him they left in the entrance hall, standing grim and silent against the wall like an added piece of 198 ancient armor, of which there were several in sight, while the secret agent and Ruth entered an apartment on the right.
It was a library—a long and lofty room, paneled with carved oak and furnished in a wood quite as dark, the chairs and huge table being massive. There were a few fine old pictures; but the bookshelves were almost stripped of volumes. Ruth noted that but a few dozen remained.
The floor, too, was bare; yet by the stain on the boards she saw that once a huge rug must have almost covered the room. Everything remaining gave the apartment a stern and poverty-stricken air.
These things she noted at first glance. The countess was present, and it was the countess who attracted Ruth’s almost immediate attention.
She was quite as handsome and graceful as she had seemed when Ruth saw her walking in the road. But now she was angry, and her head was held high and her cheeks were deeply flushed. Her scant skirts swishing in and out of the candlelight, she walked up and down the room beyond the table, with something of the litheness of the caged tiger.
“And have you come back to repeat these things you have said about Bessie?” she demanded in French of the secret agent.
“But, yes, Madame la Countess. It is necessary that 199 you be convinced,” he said respectfully.
“I cannot believe it. I resent your accusation of poor Bessie. She has been with me for twenty years.”
“It is so,” said the man gravely. “And we cast no reflection upon her faithfulness to you, Madame. But have you noted no change in her—of late?”
“Ah, who has not been changed by the war?” murmured the countess, stopping to look at them across the table. Then for the first time she seemed to apprehend Ruth’s presence. She bowed distantly. “Mademoiselle Americaine,” she murmured. “What is this?”
“I would ask the mademoiselle to tell you what she knows of the connection of your servant with these men we are after,” said the secret agent briefly. Then he gestured for Ruth to speak.
The latter understood now what she had been brought here for. And she was shrewd enough to see, too, that the French secret police thought the countess entirely trustworthy.
Therefore Ruth began at the beginning and told of her suspicions aroused against Legrand and José when still she was in America, and of all the events which linked them to some plot, aimed against France, although she, of course, did not know and was not likely to know what that plot was. 200
The men were proven crooks. They were in disguise. And Ruth was positive that José was closely associated with the old serving woman whom Ruth had seen with the dog.
At mention of the greyhound the countess and the secret agent exchanged glances. Ruth intercepted them; but she made no comment. She saw well enough that there was a secret in that which she was not to know.
Nor did she ever expect to learn anything more about that phase of the matter, being unblessed with second sight. However, in our next volume, “Ruth Fielding at the War Front; Or, The Hunt for a Lost Soldier,” she was destined to gain much information on several points connected with the old chateau and its occupants.
Now, however, she merely told the countess what the agent had asked her to tell, including the fact that Bessie had been seen that afternoon riding away from the chateau with the two criminals, Legrand and José.
Her testimony seemed to convince the lady of the chateau. She bowed her head and wiped away the tears that moistened her now paling cheeks.
“Ma foi! Who, then, is to be trusted?” she murmured, when the girl had finished. “Your pardon, Monsieur! But, remember, I have had the poor creature in my service for many years. 201
“I must accept all your story as true. The American mademoiselle convinces me. This José, then, must be Bessie’s nephew. I had heard of him. I must thank her, perhaps, that she did not allow him and his associate to rob me before she ran away. The apaches!”
“We will get them,” said the agent cheerfully, preparing to depart. “I leave men in the neighborhood. They will communicate with you—and you can trust them. If the woman reappears alone we must question her. You understand?” and he spoke with some sternness.
The countess nodded, having recovered her self-control. “I know my duty, Monsieur,” she said. Then to Ruth, putting forth her hand, she added:
“You have called and find me in sore trouble, my dear. Do I understand that you work in our hospital at Clair?”
“Yes, Madame,” replied the girl.
“Come to see me again, then—at a happier time.” She pressed Ruth’s hand for a moment and went out. The secret service agent bowed low as she disappeared. Then he said with admiration to Ruth:
“Ma foi! A countess, say you? She should be a queen.” Ah, this good republican was quite plainly a lover of the aristocracy, too!
Ruth was whisked back to the hospital. On 202 the way Monsieur Lafrane assured her that she would be gratefully remembered by the French secret police for what seemed to her, after all, a very simple thing.
The men were confident of soon apprehending Legrand and his companions. “And then—the jug!” ejaculated the leader, using with gusto what he fondly believed to be another Americanism.
It was not likely that Ruth would sleep much that night. Her mind was greatly overwrought. But finally, about daylight, when she did fall into a more or less refreshing sleep, an orderly came to her door and knocked until she responded.
“Mademoiselle has waiting for her on the steps a visitor,” he said, with a chuckle. “She should come down at once.”
“A visitor, Henri?” she cried. “Who can it be?”
“One young Americaine,” he replied, and went away cheerfully humming a tune.
“What can that Charlie Bragg want at this hour in the morning?” Ruth murmured, yet hurrying her toilet. “Possibly he brings news of Tom!”
Down she ran to the court as soon as she was neat. A man was sitting on the steps, leaning against the doorpost. It was not Charlie, for he was in military uniform and she could see an officer’s insignia. He was asleep. 203
She saw as she left the stairway and crossed the entrance hall that he wore his arm in a sling. She thought instantly of the unknown American in Lyse Hospital who had lost his forearm. Then——
“Tom Cameron!” she cried, and sprang to his side.
The soldier awoke with a start. He looked up at her and grinned.
“Hullo, Ruthie,” he observed. “Excuse this early call, but I might not have another rest day for a long time. We’re going into the trenches—going to take over a sector of the French line, they say, before long. So——
“Hullo! What’s happened?”
“Your arm, Tom! You are wounded?” she gasped.
“Oh, shucks! Got a splinter of shell in it. Nothing much. Keeping it in splints so it will mend quicker,” he said.
“But your letter, Tom!” she cried, and there, in the early morning, standing upon the hospital steps, she told him the story of the happening that had so disturbed and troubled her.
“Don’t that beat all!” exclaimed Tom. “I wondered what had happened to that letter that I had just finished when I was called on duty. It was Sam Hines who had his arm torn off—poor fellow. We heard from him. He’s getting on 204 all right, but, of course, he’ll have to go home.
“He must have picked up my letter, maybe to give it to me, knowing I had forgotten it. Well, it’s all right, Ruthie. I can tell you lots more than was in that letter—and you’ve got a lot to tell me.”
So they sat down, side by side, and related each to the other all their adventures, while the great guns on the battle line boomed a rumbling accompaniment to what was said.
THE END
THE RUTH FIELDING SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
12 mo. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors.
Price 50 cents per volume.
Postage 10 cents additional.
Ruth Fielding was an orphan and came to live with her miserly uncle. Her adventures and travels make stories that will hold the interest of every reader.
Ruth Fielding is a character that will live in juvenile fiction.
1. RUTH FIELDING OF THE RED MILL
2. RUTH FIELDING AT BRIARWOOD HALL
3. RUTH FIELDING AT SNOW CAMP
4. RUTH FIELDING AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT
5. RUTH FIELDING AT SILVER RANCH
6. RUTH FIELDING ON CLIFF ISLAND
7. RUTH FIELDING AT SUNRISE FARM
8. RUTH FIELDING AND THE GYPSIES
9. RUTH FIELDING IN MOVING PICTURES
10. RUTH FIELDING DOWN IN DIXIE
11. RUTH FIELDING AT COLLEGE
12. RUTH FIELDING IN THE SADDLE
13. RUTH FIELDING IN THE RED CROSS
14. RUTH FIELDING AT THE WAR FRONT
15. RUTH FIELDING HOMEWARD BOUND
16. RUTH FIELDING DOWN EAST
17. RUTH FIELDING IN THE GREAT NORTHWEST
18. RUTH FIELDING ON THE ST. LAWRENCE
19. RUTH FIELDING TREASURE HUNTING
20. RUTH FIELDING IN THE FAR NORTH
21. RUTH FIELDING AT GOLDEN PASS
22. RUTH FIELDING IN ALASKA
23. RUTH FIELDING IN HER GREAT SCENARIO
24. RUTH FIELDING AT CAMERON HALL
25. RUTH FIELDING CLEARING HER NAME
26. RUTH FIELDING IN TALKING PICTURES
27. RUTH FIELDING AND BABY JUNE
CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers NEW YORK
THE BARTON BOOKS FOR GIRLS
By MAY HOLLIS BARTON
12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. With colored Jacket.
Price 50 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional.
May Hollis Barton is a new writer for girls who is bound to win instant popularity. Her style is somewhat of a reminder of that of Louisa M. Alcott, but thoroughly up-to-date in plot and action. Clean tales that all the girls will enjoy reading.
1. THE GIRL FROM THE COUNTRY
2. THREE GIRL CHUMS AT LAUREL HALL
3. NELL GRAYSON’S RANCHING DAYS
4. FOUR LITTLE WOMEN of ROXBY
5. PLAIN JANE AND PRETTY BETTY
6. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
7. HAZEL HOOD’S STRANGE DISCOVERY
8. TWO GIRLS AND A MYSTERY
9. THE GIRLS OF LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND
10. KATE MARTIN’S PROBLEM
11. THE GIRL IN THE TOP FLAT
12. THE SEARCH FOR PEGGY ANN
13. SALLIE’S TEST OF SKILL
14. CHARLOTTE CROSS AND AUNT DEB
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THE BETTY GORDON SERIES
By ALICE B. EMERSON
Author of the “Ruth Fielding Series”
12mo. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors.
Price 50 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional.
A new series of stories bound to make this writer more popular than ever with her host of girl readers. Every one will want to know Betty Gordon, and every one will be sure to love her.
1. BETTY GORDON AT BRAMBLE FARM
2. BETTY GORDON IN WASHINGTON
3. BETTY GORDON IN THE LAND OF OIL
4. BETTY GORDON AT BOARDING SCHOOL
5. BETTY GORDON AT MOUNTAIN CAMP
6. BETTY GORDON AT OCEAN PARK
7. BETTY GORDON AND HER SCHOOL CHUMS
8. BETTY GORDON AT RAINBOW RANCH
9. BETTY GORDON IN MEXICAN WILDS
10. BETTY GORDON AND THE LOST PEARLS
11. BETTY GORDON ON THE CAMPUS
12. BETTY GORDON AND THE HALE TWINS
13. BETTY GORDON AT MYSTERY FARM
14. BETTY GORDON ON NO-TRAIL ISLAND
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THE LINGER-NOTS SERIES
By AGNES MILLER
12mo. Cloth Binding. Illustrated.
Jacket in full colors.
Price 50 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional.
This new series of girls’ books is in a new style of story writing. The interest is in knowing the girls and seeing them solve the problems that develop their character. Incidentally, a great deal of historical information is imparted.
1. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE MYSTERY HOUSE or the Story of Nine Adventurous Girls
How the Linger-Not girls met and formed their club, and how they made their club serve a great purpose, introduces a new type of girlhood.
2. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE VALLEY FEUD or the Great West Point Chain
The Linger-Not girls had no thought of becoming mixed up with feuds or mysteries, but their habit of being useful soon entangled them in some surprising adventures.
3. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THEIR GOLDEN QUEST or The Log of the Ocean Monarch
For a club of girls to become involved in a mystery leading back into the times of the California gold-rush, and how the girls helped one of their friends to come into her rightful name and inheritance.
4. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE WHISPERING CHARM or The Secret from Old Alaska
Whether engrossed in thrilling adventures in the Far North or occupied with quiet home duties, the Linger-Not girls could work unitedly and solve a colorful mystery.
5. THE LINGER-NOTS AND THE SECRET MAZE or The Treasure-Trove on Battlefield Hill
The discovery of a thrilling treasure-trove at the end of the maze where the Linger-Nots learn many useful facts and the real secret of the hidden maze.
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THE GIRL SCOUT SERIES
By LILIAN GARIS
12mo. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors.
Price 50 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional.
The highest ideals of girlhood as advocated by the foremost organizations of America form the background for these stories and while unobtrusive there is a message in every volume.
1. THE GIRL SCOUT PIONEERS or Winning the First B. C.
A story of the True Tred Troop in a Pennsylvania town. Two runaway girls, who want to see the city, are reclaimed through troop influence.
2. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT BELLAIRE or Maid Mary’s Awakening
The story of a timid little maid who is afraid to take part in other girls’ activities, while working nobly alone for high ideals.
3. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT SEA CREST or the Wig Wag Rescue
Luna Land, a little island by the sea, is wrapt in a mysterious seclusion, and Kitty Scuttle, a grotesque figure, succeeds in keeping all others at bay until the Girl Scouts come.
4. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT CAMP COMALONG or Peg of Tamarack Hills
Their discovery of Peg, the mysterious rider, and the clearing up of her remarkable adventures afford a vigorous plot.
5. THE GIRL SCOUTS AT ROCKY LEDGE or Nora’s Real Vacation
Her dislike for the rugged life of Girl Scouts is eventually changed to appreciation, when the rescue of little Lucia, a woodland waif, becomes a problem for the girls to solve.
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THE PATSY CARROLL SERIES
By GRACE GORDON
12mo. Illustrated.
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This fascinating series is permeated with the vibrant atmosphere of the great outdoors. The vacations spent by Patsy Carroll and her chums, the girl Wayfarers, in the north, east, south and west of the wonderland of our country, comprise a succession of tales unsurpassed in plot and action.
PATSY CARROLL AT WILDERNESS LODGE
Patsy Carroll succeeds in coaxing her father to lease one of the luxurious camps at Lake Placid, for the summer. Established at Wilderness Lodge, the Wayfarers, as they call themselves, find they are the center of a mystery which revolves about a missing will. How the girls solve the mystery makes a splendid story.
PATSY CARROLL UNDER SOUTHERN SKIES
Patsy Carroll and her three chums spend their Easter vacation in an old mansion in Florida. An exciting mystery develops. It is solved by a curious acrostic found by Patsy. This leads to very exciting and satisfactory results, making a capital story.
PATSY CARROLL IN THE GOLDEN WEST
The Wayfarers journey to the dream city of the Movie World in the Golden West, and there become a part of a famous film drama.
PATSY CARROLL IN OLD NEW ENGLAND
Set in the background of the Tercentenary of the landing of the Pilgrims, celebrated in the year 1920, the story of Patsy Carroll in Old New England offers a correct word picture of this historical event and into it is woven a fascinating tale of the adventures of the Wayfarers.
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THE JANE ALLEN COLLEGE SERIES
By EDITH BANCROFT
12mo. Illustrated.
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This series is a decided departure from the stories usually written of life in the modern college for young women. They contain a deep and fascinating theme, which has to do with the inner struggle for growth. An authoritative account of the life of the college girl as it is lived to-day.
JANE ALLEN OF THE SUB TEAM
When Jane Allen left her beautiful Western home in Montana, sorely against her will, to go East, there to become a freshman at Wellington College, she was sure that she could never learn to endure the restrictions of college life. But she did.
JANE ALLEN: RIGHT GUARD
Jane Allen becomes a sophomore at Wellington College, but she has to face a severe trial that requires all her courage and character. The result is a triumph for being faithful to an ideal.
JANE ALLEN: CENTER
Lovable Jane Allen as Junior experiences delightful days of work and play. Jane, and her chum, Judith, win leadership in class office, social and athletic circles of Sophs and Juniors.
JANE ALLEN: JUNIOR
Jane Allen’s college experiences, as continued in “Jane Allen, Junior,” afford the chance for a brilliant story. There is a rude, country girl, who forced her way into Wellington under false pretenses. An exchange of identity gives the plot unusual originality.
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PEGGY LEE SERIES
By ANNA ANDREWS
12mo. Illustrated. Jackets in full colors.
Price 50 cents per volume. Postage 10 cents additional.
A charming series of stories of a young American girl, Peggy Lee, living with her family (including many unusual pets) on a large coffee plantation in Central America, and her many adventures there and in New York.
The action is rapid, full of fun, and takes the reader not only to many interesting places in Central America, but in the country as well, where Peggy attends a school for girls. The incidents are cleverly brought out, and Peggy in her wistful way, proves in her many adventures to be a brave girl and an endearing heroine to her friends and readers.
1. PEGGY AND MICHAEL OF THE COFFEE PLANTATION
2. PEGGY LEE OF THE GOLDEN THISTLE PLANTATION
3. PEGGY LEE AND THE MYSTERIOUS ISLANDS
(Other Volumes in Preparation)
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