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"As she was a guest of my niece, and of course left Killimaga very hurriedly after the abduction," said Father Murray, "it is quite probable that the Grand Duchess took the first clothes and other effects that came to hand. She may even have purposely used things belonging to Miss Atheson in order not to have anything in her possession that might betray her identity."
I am presuming, of course, that I have rightly guessed what Big Kingdom is looking after the interests of your Grand Duchy." "You're right, Griffin; the Ministry could never let her name be mentioned." "As the grand duchess, no. But they could mention the name of Ruth Atheson, the Padre's friend, the Lady Bountiful of his poor, the girl I love.
They were so sure about it that they killed that officer." "Ruth Atheson is my sister's daughter, Mr. Saunders," was the only answer vouchsafed by the priest. He boarded the train, followed by his companions. Saunders sat in puzzled silence till the junction point was reached. Then the three alighted, and Father Murray turned to the detective. "Mr. Saunders, I am going to ask a favor of you.
He fixed them on Saunders, and his voice came very steady and quiet. "Know what, Saunders? Know what?" "Know what? Why, that Ruth Atheson is not Ruth Atheson." "Then who is she?" Saunders drew a deep breath, and stared hard at Mark for what seemed a long time to both. The detective broke the tension.
That is perfectly understood, Your Excellency, perfectly understood." The Minister bowed. "I thank you, Reverend Sir. I am glad you do understand. Miss Atheson was a friend of the Grand Duchess Carlotta. She had known her in Europe. Why should she not have been a guest at the Ministry of the nation which exercises a protectorate over the domains of her late Royal Highness?
The phrase, "all the details," bore an almost sinister significance. His Excellency gave a sudden start. "Atheson Atheson." His voice was tense and he spoke slowly. "What was her father's name?" It was what the priest had been waiting for, had expected all along. Forgotten for years yes. But where was the diplomat who did not have the information somewhere in his files?
You seem to be one of the rare beings he regards with special favor. You like him in return. The combination is excellent for my purpose. I do not know when this woman first came into Monsignore Murray's life, but he has seen her quite frequently during the last few years. No one knows where she came from or who she is, except that she calls herself 'Miss Atheson."
The girl who stepped out of the car was unmistakably Ruth Atheson. Behind her came a raw-boned, muscular woman, and a powerful-looking man.
"When, gentlemen, will you be ready to receive Mademoiselle Atheson?" Father Murray bowed. "Whenever Your Excellency is pleased to send her." "Perhaps, Reverend Sir, you will honor me by your presence at luncheon?" As Father Murray hesitated, he added, "It will be better that you should accompany Mademoiselle Atheson to the hotel.
"I think you ought to know that there is someone besides yourself interested in Miss Atheson. The incident she mentioned yesterday seemed a small one, but well, I had to move pretty quick to keep that man from making himself obnoxious. He had a photograph in his hand and was determined to see her face in order to make comparisons. Incidentally, the constable was with him."
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