The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-12-21

seal, "'tis from DIR. Franklin. Busi-
ness of the colonies surely. Stay-you
shall hear it:
London. Jan. 10, 1775.
"Sir-Dr. Craik. who needs no introduce
tion to you. on his return to Virginia will
see that this reaches your hand. 1t will
inform you that NJ. de Penet 10 arrived
from Philadelphia. He astonishcd me
much when he told me that II was too dis
creetly doubted In the colonies as to the
disposition of tho court of France with
regard to us. The English court here has
little OF this doubt; indeed there has been
actual trepidation. The good news i
send by this letter Will show you that
there was abundant ground for such fears
Not only have King Louis and M. Turgot
his minister OF finance. considered toBeth-
er by what means they might assist so
unhappy and interesting a people, but 1
have just learned that nobleman of
great family connection and great wealth
Is lately sailed for your colony, an officer
In the flower of his age. who has already
proved his talents in Corsica. 1 am in
formed by our co-worker Deaumarchais
who Is now here at the town house of
Lord Mayor Wilkes In Princes Court that
this gentlcman's judgment Is much valued
at Marseilles. and I'm case the state of tho
cause In Virginia (Which the king deems
most important of the southern colonies)
seems to warrant he will doubtless be
commissioned to mako certain representa-
tions touching aid and comfort to come
from France In the event OF united hostil.
tiles am satisfied that any civilities
and respect that may be shown NJ. tho
Marquis do la Trouerie will be service
able to our affairs. His mission is OF
course, secret. L shall inform no one else
of this, trusting the information to your
whole discretion. have the honor to be-
sir, your most obedent servant,
"B. FRANKLIN.
Patrick Henry. Esq. Williamsburg
Va"
Henry read slowly, without pause,
while the others eyes did not leave his
face. When he had finished he looked
up with an expression of mingled sat
isfaction and puzzlement.
marquis de la Troueriew Colonel Til
lotson exclaimed. "Armand's master,
then, was the messenger of France!
And he is doubtless in Virginia now.
But how dares the secretary pose as
his mastcrW
because the marquis is deadp fell
heavy voice behind them.
The host got up frowning.
captain Jarrat," said he brusQuely,
~ like not we'll these soft footed intru-
sions. Nor, If 1 may say 1t. do like
the dress you wear. Times are come
when 1 no longer welcome coat Of
that color In my house."
A smolderlng red rose to Jarrats
check, but he spoke evenly. II should
beg pardon, colonel, for an uncere-
monous intrusion into conversation.
Rashleigh let me in"
Curse Rashleigh!" said the colonel
Enthusiastically.
81 rode to inquire for Miss Tillotson,"
the visitor continued, "but since 1 am
unwclcomc, why, will betake myself
home again"
"Onc moment, colonel" interposed
Henry. Captain, we spoke Of gen.
tlcman as you entered. May ask
what basis you have for your informa-
tionY
Jarrat took out his pocketbook, drew
forth yellow paper and handed 1t to
Henry. "The Marquis dc In Trouerie
died en- route to these colonies and was
buried at sea. There is the leaf from
the logbooli Of the Two Sisters recount
Ing the unhappy incident. The news
Of his death was suppressed in British
interests"
"And the sccrctary?' Hcnry's voice
was calm.
1.-The incident Ia now closed, gentle
mon, and 1 violate no confidence. He
was bolght by the earl-for services"
"My Go1i' calculated Colonel Iiiiot-
son. "Arc we never TO know truth in
this world? He was not an impostor
and charlatan. No. He was a Brit
ish spy
"Why, them" intcrrogatcd Henry
did Dunmorc expose himT'
81 exposed him."
"You" the colonel cried
81 had crossed on tho same ship and
recognized him at Williamsburg. Dis
covering the true state of affairs can
YOU wonder, Colonel Tillotson, at my
concern for The intimacy which saw
growing between your niece and this
person? / think" he said, masking a
glowworm CLEAN in his eyes, chat my
feeling for Mistress Tillotson is not mis-
understood by YOU. knew Lord Dun
morc's plan, and / could not openly tell
you the truth. is it q wonder forgot
that was 4 kings MANI l did the one
thing left to me. l set ailoat such sus-
picions that the governor, to save his
own rcputc with Williamsburg, was
compelled to sacrifice Ills min!on, TO linn
self expose the imposturc and TO cry
himself also deceived. tell you thus
much in confidence. Believe me- sir, /
| stcercd the best / knew between the
| hurt Of n lady whom I honor and the
| governors displcasurc. 1t WAS the
| Scyla of duty and the Charybds of
| love. Colonel, love your niece, and |
would not soc hcr suffer humiliniion"
Colonel Tillotson rose and paced up
and down the floor, plucking at the
side curls OF his wig.
"And if what you tell us is true he
| said, mcditatng, IL lave done you
| wrong. | am not ovcrkind to your col
ors, but have IL respect for honest 10y
nlty. God knows it's scarce enough.
| Mayhnp have been unjust. VIII you
be seated"
Javrat sat down, his wutchful eyes
turning about the room, something
strangely like expectancy in them.
| The colonel rang for his ma jor domo.
"Rashlcigh," said lie sObcrly, task
your Mis- Anne to come to the library.
And admit no one-no one. DO you
| hcar?"
"Yas, marsa; vas, sun! Nuttin' but
| cr grabcyard ha'nt gwineter git by dat
| do'w
Poor child" ucnry's tone was pitt
full. "You mean to tell her2 At least
| wait fill yOllr wife ia rctlIrnpdu ~