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 ling by offering no explanations whatever about herself and by demanding them of others.

"You are wet, gnädiges Fräulein," he reminded her solicitously. "I brought the motor car for you. If you will proceed I shall see to all things for Herr Hauptmann."

"Hauptmann von Forstner carried upon himself certain papers for which I now must be responsible," Ruth returned to Dittman.

"Ah, yes; of course, gnädiges Fräulein."

"You may obtain them for me."

Dittman knelt again, obediently, and carefully and methodically went through von Forstner's pockets. A few minutes before, when Ruth had been alone but for the Russian slaves, she had realized that she ought to obtain the papers in those pockets, but her revulsion at making the search had halted her. Now that proved altogether fortunate. Her fate here hung upon little things; and one of those trifles which supported her, undoubtedly, was that she had waited for this Dittman before allowing disturbance of any of von Forstner's effects.

Dittman gathered together everything from the pockets—money, keys, penknife, cigarette case, revolver, and memorandum book, besides two thick packets of folded papers; and he offered all to Ruth, who accepted only the packets and the memorandum book. Dittman assisted her to climb the slope to the waiting car.

"My bags, Dittman," Ruth said to her escort when she was seated. They had been held fairly well away from the water by the position of the wrecked car; and there was more than a chance that the leather had kept dry some of the clothing within. Ruth did not know what lay