The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1897-03-12
~ HENRY NEMslL

6yHEKRr 1NEWRN ~
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 iattered and strength
ened," he said, addressing them all,
by your kind APPROVAL; the more 80
as our share in originating this
scheme is but small compared with the
assistance which 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
sof money to defray the expense Of the
expedition. which, however large, will
be inconsfderable when weighed against
the magnitude Of the result.
M. lie Comte. who has been endowed
by nature with the strength and cour-
age Of hero. will, I trust, think those
qualities worthily employed In the serv-
ice OF one who appreciates them so high
~. 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 M. Carnac. who was await
ing his turn in visible trepidation, II
shah ask q less dangerous but not less
difficult service. Our pretended mer-
chant-vessel must be commanded by a
captain of first-rate ability in seaman
ship. and Of tact and resource sufficient
to enable him to satisfy the inquisf-
ttons 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, am
sure. md US such an ofiicer among the
neglected marine Of the empire"
He had hoped to lessen the risk Of
refusal by asking them. In this way,
Tor q 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. cts out Of the question"
n. de Montaut persevered with
patient suavity. II understand" he
said. "you have many calls upon you;
we can perhaps supply 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 year
you will have lost 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 way sing
and to give him time he turne' 6/1jM
Carnac next. ~
my dear friend,'' said the latter
''you have altogether mistaken my
position. dare not return to France
upon such an errand. I know none 'o1
the imperial marine, and your scheme
however ingenious, appears to my mind
too unreasonably audacious for me tc
recommend any one to embark upon
/ it,
Tam Of the same opinion as M. Car.
nae" added the count, hesitating nc
longer. II would dare anything ir
reason, but this is forlorn hope"
''Then, gentlemen" broke in Camilla
with a commanding gesture Of dis
missal. I'VE have but to thank you fol
your attendance this evening, and t.
absolve you for the future. As for thii
paltry Million" she added, turning t.
her brother-in-law, II will see to that
You shall find our captain, and the &C
tive service we will take upon our
selves, IL all the world turn craven!'
So saying she crossed the room ant
went out with a sweep Of fine disdain
The colonel, who recognized NOR,
clearly that his enterprise and all con
cerned in it were at the mercy Of thos
to whom he had committed his secret
remained behind to soothe the trample,
feelings Of the three discounted gentle
men.