The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1902-11-15


.BQIIM running between Chalons-sur
V&AdI Marne and Paris set dowr
one of its outside passengers at the
first post station beyond Meaux. The
traveller, an old man, after looking
about him hesitatingly betook himself
to little inn opposite the posthouse
known by. the sign of the Piebald
Horse and kept by the Widow Duval
a woman who enjoyed and deserved
er and the best maker of gibelotte in
the locality.
Although the traveller was carelessly
noticed by the village idlers and re-
ceived without ceremony by the Widow
Duval, he was by no means so ordinary
ana uninteresting q stranger as the
rustics of the place were pleased to
consider him. The time had been when
this quiet, unobtrusive applicant for
refreshment at the Piebald Horse was
trusted with the darkest secrets Of the
Reign Of Terror and was admitted to all
times and seasons to speak face to face
with Maximilien Robespierre himself.
The Widow Duval and the hangers on
IN front of the posthouse would have
been astonished to know that the mod
est traveller with the shabby little car
petbag was an ex-chief agent of the
secret police of Paris!
Between three and four years had
elapsed since Lomaque had exercised
his official functions under the Reign
of Terror. His shoulders had contracted
an extra stoop, and. except at the sides
and back of his head his hair had fallen
off. In other respects, however, ad-
yancing age seemed to have improved
his personal appearance. His complex
lon looked healthier his expression
more cheerful. his eyes brighter. He
walked, too, with brlsker step than
Of old. His dress was neater than in
the days of his political employment
at Paris.
While his hostess had gone to fetch
the half bottle of wine that he ordered
he examined an old card which he ex-
treated from mass of papers In his
pocketbook. On the card was written:
when the troubles are over, do not
forget those who remember you with
~>S@Ae-A 6AotitNhCs w ncHcNtI you WISH
to see us or to hear of us again, stop at
the first post station beyond Meaux on
the highroad to Paris, and ask at the
Inn for Citizen Maurice"
When the Widow Duval brought In |
the wine Lomaque asked, "Can you In
form me whether person named
Maurice lives in this neighborhood ?"
"Of course | can! Citizen Maurice
and the cheyenne, his amiable sister
who is not to be passed over because
you don't mention her. my honest man
live within ten minutes walk of nv
house,
After getting directions and finishing
his wine, Lomaque walked as fast as he
could until he stood in front Of cot
tage, rough, simple building, with
strip of garden in front He observed
the graceful arrangement of the flower
beds and the delicate whiteness of the
curtains that hung behind the badly
glazed, narrow windows. "This must
be the place." And he knocked at the
door with his stick. 81 can see the
traces of her hand before l cross the
The door was opened. "Pray, does
the Citizen Maurice Lomaque began.
Before he could say any more his
hand was grasped. his carpetbag was
taken from him, and a well known
voice cried: Welcome! A thousand
times welcomed! At last! Citizen Maui
rice Is not at home, but Louis Trudalne
takes his place and is overjoyed to see
once more the best and dearest of his
Il hardly knew you! How you are
for the betterw exclaimed Lo-
maque as they entered the parlor.
Remember that you see me after a
long freedom from anxiety. Since I
have lived here have gone to rest at
night and have not been afraid of the
replied Trudaine. "Rose!
Rose! Come down! The friend whom
you most wished to see has arrived at
astr'
She answered the summons immedi.
ately. The frank, friendly warmth of
1er greeting confused and delighted
Lomaque.
do you bring any news from Parish"
asked Trudaine.
None" he replied, ''but excellent
Jews instead from Rouen. l heard ac
'identally, through the employer whom
have been serving since we parted,
hat your old house by the river is to
'ent again.
Rose started from her chair.
'Oh, Louis, If we could only live
here once more! NV flower parden,,-
HAS been well looked after" inter.
upted Lomaque, by the late propri.
tor.
"And the laboratory" added Louis.
Left standing. Here is letter with
III the particulars. You may depend on
hem, for the writer is the person
harged with the renting Of the