Then Jules Chauvenet stood before them all, and as his eyes met hers for a second the color rose to his face, and he broke out angrily: "This is infamous! This is an outrage! Baron von Marhof, as an Austrian subject, I appeal to you for protection from this man!" "Monsieur, you shall have all the protection Baron von Marhof cares to give you; but first I wish to ask you a question--just one.

You followed me to America with the fixed purpose of killing me.

You sent a Servian assassin after me--a fellow with a reputation for doing dirty work--and he tried to stick a knife into me on the deck of the _King Edward_.

I shall not recite my subsequent experiences with him or with you and Monsieur Durand.

You announced at Captain Claiborne's table at the Army and Navy Club in Washington that I was an impostor, and all the time, Monsieur, you have really believed me to be some one--some one in particular." Armitage's eyes glittered and his voice faltered with intensity as he uttered these last words.