The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-08
THE STRANGER
AND THE PRINCESS.
BY SEWARD W. HOPKINS.
BY sswar Hopkins

ship would lead.
They left the bridge and Joined the
throng on a well lighted street. 1t was
not a fashionable quarter. yet there was
much OF the lighter side Of life to be
seen under the arc lights.
They passed an inviting cafe, and then
the stranger vered round and made for
| the door
you spoke of food. There is plenty Of II
here"
II, do not remember saying I was hum
gry" replied Wallace.
"No, you did not. But IL II near mid
night. And at midnight all men who have
not just eaten are either hungry or
asleep"
Wallace smiled and followed.
''The fellow Is a character worth know
Ing" he said to himself. "A true child Of
Bohemia"
Wallace had learned many things. but
he had not yet learned to read all men.
A trining but pleasing supper was set
before them. They ate II with many
/ quiet jest. neither OF the strangely met
pair telling the other his name or the de-
tails OF his life. II was as II they had
tacity resolved 20 forget the unpleasant
episode so fortunately ended.
They drank their wine and smoked
again.
Come" said the man OF the cloak. "it
is 2 o'clock. You must long for sleep"
He spoke and acted as though Wallace
had been in the streets a month. On the
contrary, he had not yet quilted the
comfortable lodging he had occupied
since he had become a temporary resi-
dent OF Paris.
"I could Sleep" he answered. but
will not trouble you so far as TO trust TO
you for a bed. think 1 know where I
can find one"
"Ah. hal But. now have got you. will
not let you go. Men who long for death
are too few Just now. You are a prize. my
brother. a prize"
Wallace had determined to give his
quandom friend the slip. return to his
lodging and make preparation for leaving
on the morrow. The fellows remark al
tered his resolution.
''Hello!" he remarked mentally. There
is something I'm the wind greater than /
thought. This fellow ts a conspirator of
some kind, at that The rascals Of Paris
never lack tools TO do their work. This
must be something extraordinary. I'll
just let him go on, and perhaps I'll have
a chance TO defeat crime"
What do you say?" asked the cloaked
stranger.
"oh. since you are SO kind will ac-
cept." said Wallace. But do know
where could sleep
"Oh, any one does, even IL IL II q hay
stack. But come with me"
They walked briskly several blocks and
turned several corners.
This is the Rue de Mont-Rouge." said
the guide.
Wallace suppressed an exclamation. He
had heard OF the Rue de Mont-Rouge. II
was we'll known as a street OF mysteries.
Here we are said his guide in an
other moment. You will find our friend
Jaques very hospitable, ] assure you"
80 Jacques. then. is the host? But
the name of my friend do not know"
"Oh. my name! all me brother"
Wallace did not hurry avail HIM
self OF this privilege.
They entered the door before which the
stranger had stopped. II led to small
anteroom where a middle aged man sat
dozing in chair before a desk.
Wake up. my friend" said the guide
In a tone OF reproach. I'VE are too
weary to allow this
"Oh, you!" exclaimed the sleeper,
rousing himself. And that other
lis my friend VIII you be good
enough to give him a comfortable room
and bed?'
WELL" grunted the drowsy host IT
could not do II even to oblige you"
And why. then? May / venture to ask
that?"
For the simple reason that the house
is full. Even in your own room there Is
another"
What! Come. this will never do!
Have l not warned you against that?"
Warned? Yes, you warned. But he
ordered me TO admit all who gave the
"Oh, as TO that II Is all right. But
really this poor fellow has not slept in
a bed in a month. He must be accom-
modated."
but who Is he? Is he one OF our
He is a candidate who may surprise
you all within a week"
"oh. ahl Indeed! We must see what
can be done"
Wallace and his guide sank into chairs,
while the sleepy lodging house keeper
plothered around In his slippered feet.
''He will find you place." said the
stranger.
II shall welcome It," said Wallace
| with a yawn. Amy place now, IL is
3 o'clock"
jacques. II that was the name OF the
sleepy head left the office. While he
was out there entered from some other
portion OF the inn n tall, overdressed
man whose features were those OF a
wolf His keen, shifty eyes lighted up
when he saw the cloaked stranger but
darkened with distrust when he saw
Wallace.
who is this?" he asked. pointing to-
ward Buckford.
The enicoties OF the polite society haven't
made much impression here" said Wal
lace to himself.
This is a companion. 1 picked up on
the Pont du''-
"Oh. very well. since you know him"
interrupted the other. Let him go some
where. I want 10 speak 20 you on mat
ter Of great Importance"
"As 10 that. I have hustled old Jacques
off TO find a place for him to sleep. He is
in despair / found him on the bridge
contemplating the water | recalled our
need OF men who have good appearance
and no fear OF death. I brought him TO
you. DO with him what you can"
Good, He looks like n brave fellow"
said the wolf. elanclng with sharp scIu-
tiny az Wallace. Buckford could catch
but a portion OF the coversation.
"Oh. he will do. And he looks the gen.
tlmean."
"Oh, quite. And he arrives opportunely.
have the news OF the -
What DO they arrive in Paris soon
| cr than arranged2"
"They are on the way. and unless they
| delay on the road they will reach Paris
! tomorrow. IL was given out that they
, would arrive on Saturday, four days from
now"