The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1897-03-02
~ HENRY NEWBO. r.

for Europe without moments delay"
M. Carnac was an old man, and con-
stitutionally tinid; the novelty of the
idea was alone sufficient to startle him.
Mr.. Holmes was the Emperor's ac-
credited agent in England, and could
not brook that another should take the
lead in SO important matter.
The count was the boldest and most
energetic of the three, and the one NEST
attracted by the scheme; but he knew
little or nothing of the sea, and was,
besides, already under suspicion on ac-
count Of previous abortive attempt.
In the event Of another failure he
would undoubtedly suffer the extreme
penalty at the hands of his enemies.
The colonel, who knew them ALL had
no difficulty in reading their intentions
or at any rate their inclinatfonS-
upon their faces; but he was not with
out hope of gaining from them what
measure Of support was absolutely
necessary to his plan.
Il am both f1attered and strength
ened,' he said, addressing them all,
"by your kind approval; the more SO
as our share in originating this
scheme is but small compared with the
assistance which I hope to receive from
YOU who will thus earn the larger part
of the glory and rewards which attend
success.
From Mr.. Holmes, to whose honor
and Judgment have been committed the
vast funds of the imperial house, I
shall hope to receive a grant Of sum
of money to defray the expense of the
nEnpditinT will
be inconsiderable when weighed against
the magnitude of the result.
IN. lie Comte, who has been endowed
by nature with the strength and cour-
age of a hero, will, L trust, think those
qualities worthily employed in the serv
ice of one who appreciates them SO high
ly. 1 look to him to work the submarine
boat, which will be famous in history,
and in which he will receive the first
greeting from the Emperor in freedom.
From you monsieur" he continued,
turning to NJ. Carnac, who was await
ing his turn in visible trepidation, 81
shall ask a less dangerous but not less
difficult service. Our pretended mer
chant-vessel must be commanded by
captain Of first-rate ability in seaman
ship, and of tact and resource sufficient
to enable him to satisfy the inquisi-
tions of the British officer who will
board the ship in the usual course on
her arrival You alone of us have still
free access to France; you will, I am
sure, find us such an officer among the
neglected marine of the. empire"
He had hoped to lessen the risk of
refusal by asking them, in this way,
for simultaneous assent to his re-
quests, but an embarrassing silence
followed his appeal.
Camilla flushed angriiy, and he hast
ened to anticipate her.
"Well, Mr. Holmes" he said, ''may I
rely on you, then, for my little million?"
mo, you may not" returned Holmes,
rudely. TITS out of the question"
M de Montaut persevered with
patient suavity. IT understand" he
said, "you have many calls upon you;
we can perhaps supply a part from
other sources. How much, then, is the
most you can give us?''
Nothing, for the present" was the
reply; possibly next year may have
some small sum to spare
Next year," cried Camilla, rising to
her feet, and looking superbly down
upon the little agent. Before next year
you will have lost your place; the
Emperor leaves ST. Helena on the 9Th
of May! And she turned her back
upon him.
The colonel looked at the other two.
He saw that the count was wavering,
and to give him time he turned to M.
Carnac next.
my dear friend" said the latter,
"you have altogether mistaken my
position. I dare not return to France
upon such an errand. I know none of
the imperial marine, and your scheme,
however ingenious, appears to my mind
too unreasonably audacious for me to
recommend any one to embark upon
it."
81 am of the same opinion as M. Car
nae" added the count, hesitating no
longer st would dare anything in
reason, but this is a forlorn hope
''Then, gentlemen" broke in Camilla,
with a commanding gesture of dis
missal, 1--WE have but to thank you for
your attendance this evening, and to
abso1ve you for the future. AS for this
paltry Million" she added, turning to
You shall find our captain, and the &C
tive service we will take upon our
selves, if all the world turn craven"
So saying she crossed the room and
went out with sweep of fine disdain.
CHAPTER ".
T. HEN DIG K