The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-11-26

as L to poke his nose into matters that
did not concern him. And now that |
am speaking of myself, l might as syell
describe myself as / was then. 1 was
tall and Slightly built, but strong and
active as a cat Ny features were
sharp and pointed, SO that at college
1 got the unenviable nickname of La
Fouine, or The Fitchet. The mention
of this always led to trouble; some
times for me, sometimes for my tor
mentors. But the name had dropped
into Oblivion since 1 had come to mans
estate, although my sharp features re-
manned.
In the meantime there was this mys-
terry to be solved, and 1 was determined
to get at the bottom of the well. 1t was
! clear that it was a political matter, and
| then-I looked around me, and saw that
l was near a most inviting-looking seat
where the branches of a fallen tree
| spread out like an easy chair. My com
panion. whose perception in matters or
this nature was even keener than mine,
was already there, and, following Pom
pofS example, settled myself down to
unravel the sleins of the puzzle.
l had not been thers above half an
hour, during which l made but little
progress, when l heard my name called
me with bastv steps.
WELL" he said, as he came up to me,
"have you seen an-one?
did not exactly like to give away
my nuts for nothing; but 1 swear that
had 1 known how matters stood,
would not have played with him as
did, but have spoken out at once. AS it
was, l answered:
Cabbage for cabbage, Lorgnac-tell
me your secret and I'll tell you mine
MY secret is not my own" he an
swered.
Nor. 1 suppose, is mine; and I am
growing old and wise. You remember
the proverb-a. close mouth catches no
flies
He stamped impatiently Look here,
LIE Brusquet, If you have seen any
one let me know who it is. If the prince
has ben spied upon and seen, there will
be a frightful disaster, unless we can
prevent it, Not only disaster for him,
but for He stopped, hesitating, and
1 lifted my hand.
do not give away your secret! Sit
down and let US talk, and I'll tell you
what I have seem
He took a seat beside me and 1 went
on:
you see! 1 am going to tell you in
my own way. But first l must ask
you a question"
And that is?"
why are you, cadet of the regi-
ment of Aunis, not with the army?"
He blushed a little and stammered:
1.-The peace of Vauceiles still stands"
And yet we are terrifying Marien-
bourg and Rocroy, and the admiral is
levying forces openly in Picardy!"
What has this to do with the matter
in hand?"
wait and see. I will not be long
now in coming TO my point
Then come to it, 1 tell you every
moment is of import"
Hasten slowly, Lorgnac, 1 have told
you what we are doing; and now for
the others. If there is war, we Will
have Spain and England against us,
for Mary of England will side with
her husband"
"Yes-yes."
well, mon ami, You are aware that
England is open to attack from Scot
land You are aware, too, that the
Cardinal Beaton and a large embassy
are coming to France. You can see
that an alliance between France and
Scotland-say if the dauphin were TO
wed the young queen of Scots-would
make US strong"
"Yes''-his voice was very grave.
My thoughts had run far beyond my
speech by this, and / began to tremble
at the end to which they were leading
me. l, who had begun this talk in an
idle spirit of mischief was now being
pricked by my own pins.
For moment / remained silent, and
Lorgnac's hand closed upon my arm
like a wise.
Go on" said he. his voice husky. He
seemed to be moved powerfully by some
inward telling
Well 1t would be a great thing for
Spain to prevent such a marriage,
would it not?''
He said nothing. but kept staring at
me as went on.
And now, Lorgnac'-my own words
came slowly and painfully suppose
that the Spaniard could show there was
truth in a story that was whispered