Page 121 (1/1)

"Hear them howl! What the devil can be the cause of all this rumpus?" cried the other

At that instant a half dozen police-guards appeared at the head of the stairs Upon seeing the Americans they stopped and turned as if to oppose a foe approaching froloss separated himself from the white coats above and called to the men below In alarm they started for the street door He ith the froroup above and then toward the bewildered Americans

"What's the loss, and even as he spoke a conflict began at the head of the stairs, the police, auged es through a se-room of the hotel Despite their queries he offered no explanation, but rushed the out of the opposite door, down a short stairway and into a side street A half dozen police-guards were awaiting them, and before they could catch the faintest idea of what it all h an alley, as if pursued by demons

"Nohat in thunder does thisto slacken the pace He and Anguish were just beginning to regain their senses

"Do not stop! Do not stop!" wheezed Dangloss "Youdreadful happening if you are caught!"

"If we are caught!" cried Anguish "Why, what have we done?"

"Unhand e!" shouted Lorry

"For God's sake, be cal you When we reach the Tohere you will be safe, I shall explain," gasped the panting Chief of Police A few ry, iued

"Is this a plan to prevent the duel?" de upon the chief, who had dropped li his brow When he could find his breath enough to answer, Dangloss did so, and he ht as well have thrown a bombshell at their feet

"There'll be no duel Prince Lorenz is dead!"

"Dead!" gasped the others

"Found dead in his bed, stabbed to the heart!" exclaientleht place"

He then related to theone to the Prince's room to prepare him for the duel The door was closed but unlocked, as he found after repeated knockings Lorenz was lying on the bed, undressed and covered with blood The horrified duke er had been driven to his heart as he slept The hotel was aroused, the police called, and the excitehest pitch when the two friends came from their room a few minutes after six