The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1897-03-04
.HEXRY MEWBlEE'

for Europe without a moments delay
II. Carnac was an old man, and con-
stitutionally timid; the novelty Of the
idea was alone sufficient to startle him.
hIr. Holmes was the Emperor's ac-
redited agent in England, and could
not brook that another should take the
lead in so important a matter.
The count was the boldest and most
energetic Of the three, and the one most
attracted by the scheme: but he knew
little or nothing of the sea. and was,
besides. already under suspicion on ac-
of a 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 inclinations-
upon their faces; but he was not with
out hope Of gaining from them what
measure of support. was absolutely
necessary to his plan.
II am both fattered and strength
ened." he said, addressing them all,
by your kind Approval; the more so
as u 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 honJI
and Judgment have been committed the
vast funds of the imperial house. |
shall hope to receive a grant Of a sum
of money to defray the expense of the
expedition, which, however large. will
be inconsiderable when weighed against
the magnitude of the result.
M. 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. / 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 t~repidation. Il
shall ask a less dangerous but not less
difficult service. Our pretended mer-
chant-vessel must be commanded by a
captain of first-rate ability in
ship, and Of tact and resource sufficient
TO enable him to satisfy the inquisi-
lions 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 ar officer among the
neglected marine Of the empire"
He had hoped to lessen the risk of
refusal by asking them, in this way.
for a simultaneous assent to his re-
quests, but an embarrassing silence
followed his appeal.
Camilla flushed angrily, and he hast
ened to anticipate her.
well, Mr.. Holiness" he said, may /
rely on you, then, for my little million? ?"
mo, you may not" returned Holmes,
rudely. IT'S out of the question"
NJ. de Montaut ~persevered with
patient suavity. 81 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 I 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 wear
sob VIII nave ioSt YOUR place., the
Emperor leaves st. Helena on the 5th
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 NJ.
Carnac next.
MY dear friend" said the latter,
"you have altogether mistaken my
position. I dare not return to France
upon such an GRAND. I know none of
the imperial marine, and your scheme,
however ingenious, appears to my mind
too u~nreasonably audncious for me to
recommend any one to embark upon
it,"
Il am of the same opinion as NJ. Car
nae" added the count, hesitating no
longer. Il would dare anything in
reason, but this is a forlorn hope"
Then, gentlemen" broke in Camilla,
with a commanding gesture Of dis
missal, Eve have but to thank you for
your attendance this evening, and to
absolve o for the future. AS for this
paltry Million" she added, turning to
her brother-in-law, Il will see to that.
You shall find our captain. and the ac-
tive service we will take upon our
selves, If all the world turn craven,'
So saying she crossed the room and
went out with a sweep Of fine disdain.
CHAPTER ".
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