Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-05-31

part of them being black great part
Of them being tawny and great part
being of other wan and dusky complex
ions, showing that it's not the outward
adornment that he wishes, but the APP
pearing in supplication for the orna-
menting Of the Spirit
'Even Solomon in all his glory was
not arrayed like one of thesew intoned
his companion smoothly. But 1 must
! be going, Mordecai. have an GRAND
ct the tavern"
'Hast thou heard aught more of the
message to the congress from France?"
the Quaker inquired in low voice as
he clasped the others fervid palm.
Galloway put his lips closer to the
others ear. and glutinous chuckle
shook his jowl
"Mordecat," he said, 81 dreamed last
night that France had an ak to grind
Wouldn't 1t be curious il the message
didn't tickle the congress so much
after all? 40, ho!'
Anne's first inquiry provoked smile
from the bystanders. DR.. Franklin?
Yes, he was doubtless in the hall, but
to see him! Quite impossible! And
lady too. At recess she might sue
J coed. but not now. Who could tell but
he was on the floor at that moment?
So she rode on. At High street she
inquired for an inn, as she had been in
the saddle since dawn and the horses
were jaded. Learning that the prin-
cipal ones were all full owing to the
presence of the delegates. she found
! her way to one of the more humble
| hostelries on another street 1t was the
Red Lion tavern.
| The place seemed well nigh deserted
Had she known the Significance of this
days sitting of the congress she would
have understood. AS it was, finding
no host in evidence, she went into the
| parlor and sat down to await his ap-
pearance.
And, sitting so from the hall and
coming nearer she heard the we'll re-
membered voice of Jarrat.
A panic seized her. The packet-it
was in the lining of her cloak at that
moment. He must not see her! She
looked wildly about her, but there was
no door of escape. In desperation she
ran to the deep set window. 1t was
shut, but there were shalloon curtains
across the alcove, and she shrank be.
hind them as the door flew open
Jarrat came in noisily. One of the
Inn servants was at his heels.
! II would speak with 1onseigneur,"
he said. Request him to be so good as
to honor me here" He stood smiling
redly as the servant went, and Anne
watched him from between the cur
tains with fascinated gaze:
"At lastv' he muttered "The final
stroke, and still all goes well. If Ar
mand succeeds for us. then advance
ment and favor for me. The king must
reward me, for the plan was mine
alone"
"Armand" Anne's heart had given a
great leap. Jarrat knew where he was,
what he did. 'If he succeeds for U.S."
What meant those strange words?
Again step in the hall, again the
door opened, a scraping servant said,
"Monseigneur." and again Anne's heart
leaped, for the man who stood on the
threshold clad in full costume of pur-
pie velvet was Armand. Armand, but
sparer of feature, with shadows be-
meath the eyes. Yet they looked out
with all their old nobility and with a
strange fire. She knew now where she
had seen that fret was in Henry s
face-the fire of steadfast purpose that
knows no quenching.
Armand! Escaped from Dunmore's
clutches, safe and in Philadelphia! She
wanted to rush out to him, to cry to
him that she had done the best she
could, had come to fulfill her promise
at last. But what did he with Jarrat?
$50" the latter said. "As, bravely
trimmed as ever. IT'S the dress of a
prince"
"My good Pliarne has the best Of
TASTE" On Armand's face was a
strange smile.
"You have cozened him beautifully.
I doubt not he expects reimbursement
from his king"
"My King" corrected Armand softly.
'Keep it up" laughed Jarrat. "'Tis
never forgetting makes good play
actor. Faith, it minds me of the old
Virginia days. Then you posed as only
q marquis. We rise in the world. Yes.
terday in prison cell at Halifax, to.
day this little plan. release, and, presto
behold Louis secret envoy. Well, you
are near to the purchase Of your par.
don. The time is almost here. A halt
hour more and you will enter the state
house. You lack not assurance. Here is
a LOTT xyN1, rryi11 1a1f tn
gress."
Armand took the paper he handed
him and put it In his breast
"Tis signed with De Vergennes
name, of course went on Jarrat, "and
tits q clever enough forgery to trick
even Poor Richard for the time being
Aid in return for territorial compensa
tion-now If 'twere only Louis XIV
-'Twould be like the old skinfint Me
thinks twill be a wet blanket to allay
this fever for q Declaration. Twill
suffice to tide over till these patrio
addle pates come to their senses
Anne's mind was in clamor, hide
GUS, unmeaning clamor Of surprises
from which single fact stood outswitl
the clearness Of black silhouette etch
ed on white paper Armand, not es
capped, but released- going be
; fore the congress with lying message
a message Of encouragement goins
now, this very hour, and the plot wa,
Jarrat's.
1T was for single heart beat as i
the sun were darkened, as if all JOY wer
; blotted from the universe. Then, peer