Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-06-05
CHAPTER II.
THE EMBAssADoR's WAGER.

THE EMBAssADoR's WAGER.
As walked on, however, my mind
was working like clock. Lorgnacs
agitated manner, his strange words at
our parting, the presence of Condo in
Paris. the fact Of his being spied upon
by the Spanish embassy and by such
an agent as D'Aramon, all these point
ed to some mystery. My curiosity was
excited to the highest pitch. At that
time no man in Paris was us eager as
/ to poke his nose into matters that did
not concern him. And now that am
speaking of myself might as well de-
scribe myself as was then. was
tall and slightly built, but strong and
active as cat. My features were
sharp and pointed, SO that at college
got the unenviable nickname Of the
Ratchet. The mention of this always
led to trouble, sometimes for me, some
times for my tormentors. But the
name had dropped into oblivion since
had come to mans estate, although my
sharp features remained.
In the meantime there was this mys-
terry to be solved, and I was determin-
ed to get at the bottom of the well. 1t
was clear that 1t was political mat
ter, and then-I looked around me and
saw that was near most inviting
looking seat, where the branches of a
fallen tree spread out like an easy
chair. My companion, whose percep-
ton in matters Of this nature was even
keener than mine. was already there,
and, following Pompon's example,
settled myself down to unravel the
skeins of the puzzle.
had not been there above half an
hour, during which made but little
progress, when I heard my name call
ed out and saw Lorgnac walking to-
ward me with hasty steps.
"Well," he said as he came up to me,
shave you seen any one?"
I did not exactly like to give away
m2spysssSorsn nspips, but ], swear ,tAst
has, knQRn bow mat tiers Sst6Vd Z
&6e{1fa4 i've ayed With ihim Cd 8
8 b9tlk Svsys&6 keA yontii ehce II
Gyasisf ansWefad.
cabbage for cabbage, Lorgnac. Tell
me your secret and I'll tell you mine"
my secret Is not my own" he an
swered.
"Nor, I suppose, is mine, and I am
growing old and wise. You remember
the proverb-a close mouth catches no
files"
he stamped impatlently. Look
here, lie Brusquet, II you have seen
any one let me know who 1t Is! II the
prince has been spied upon and seen,
there will be frightful disaster un.
less We can prevent It; not only disas-
ter for him, but for"- He stopped,
hesitating, and lifted my hand.
do not give away your secret. Sit
down and let US talk, and I'll tell you
what have SEEN"
He took q seat beside me, and I went
on.
you see, 1 am going to tell you in
my own way. But first I must ask
you question"
"And that ISL"
"Why are you, cadet of the regi-
ment Of Aunis, not with the arrny2'
He blushed little and stammered,
''The peace. Of yaucelles still stands"
"And yet we are fortifying Marien-
bourg and Rocroy, and the admiral is
leyying forces openly in Picardyp
what has this to do with the matter
In hand2"
wait and see. I will not be long
now in coming to my point"
'Then come to it! tell you every
moment is of import"
"Hasten slowly, Lorgnac! have told
you what we are doing. And now for
the others. II there is war, we will
have Spain and England against us, for
Mary of England will side with her
husband"
"Yes-yes."
"Well, mon anil You are aware that
England is open to attack from Scot
land. You are aware, too, that the Car
dinal Beaton and large embassy are
coming to France. You can see that an
alliance between France and Scotland
say IL 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 thew waro leading
me. /, who had begun this talk in an
idle spirit of mischief. was now belnp
prIcked by my own pins.
For a moment 1 remained silent, and
Lorgnac's hand closed upon my arm
like wise.
go on!' he said, his voice husky. He
seemed to be moved powerfully by
some inward feeling.