of
the fraudulent Baron von Kissel in Washington, and described in detail
the baron's escapades at Bar Harbor and his later career in California
and elsewhere. Then followed a story, veiled in careful phrases, but
based, so the article recited, upon information furnished by a gentleman
of extensive acquaintance on both sides of the Atlantic, that Baron von
Kissel, under a new pseudonym, and with even more daring effrontery, had
within a fortnight sought to intrench himself in the most exclusive
circles of Washington.

Armitage's cigar slipped from his fingers and fell upon the brick hearth
as he read:

"The boldness of this clever adventurer is said to have reached a climax
in this city within a few days. He had, under the name of Armitage,
palmed himself off upon members of one of the most distinguished families
of the capital, whom he had met abroad during the winter. A young
gentleman of this family, who, it will suffice to say, bears a commission
and title from the American government, entertained a small company of
friends at a Washington club only a few nights ago, and this plausible
adventurer was among the guests. He was recognized at once by one of the
foreigners present, who, out of consideration for the host and fellow
guests, held his tongue; but it is understood that this gentleman sought
Armitage privately and warned him to leave Washington, which accounts for
the fact that the sumptuous apartments at the New American in which Mr.
John Armitage, alias Baron von Kissel, had established himself were
vacated immediately. None of those present at the supper will talk of the
matter, but it has been the subject of lively gossip for several days,
and the German embassy is said to have laid before the Washington police
all the information in its archives relating to the American adventures
of this impudent scoundrel."

* * * * *

Armitage rose, dropped the paper into the fire, and, with his elbow
resting on the mantel-shelf, watched it burn. He laughed suddenly and
faced about, his back to the flames. Oscar stood at attention in the
middle of the room.

"Shall we unpack--yes?"

"It is a capital idea," said John Armitage.

"I was striker for my captain also, who had fourteen pairs of boots and a
bad disposition--and his uniforms--yes? He was very pretty to look at on
a horse."

"The ideal is high, Oscar, but I shall do my best. That one first,
please."

The contents of th