Mexico Missouri message., 1904-12-22

70 lark" replied Jean, grasping the
I soldiers hand. And ycu?"
Much better for the hne supper !
have been eating" said Greloire, q
note of laughter in HIS voice.
Pierre now fell behind. and the
three stepped more briskly
What have you to tell me?" in
quired Jean, after they had gone a
few PAGES, and Greloire remained ST.
lent
Did your lieutenant send you-was
he wishing to know Of me?" asked
Jean eagerly. But there was no an.
swer.
well, yes, and no." replied Gre
loire, speaking slowly, as il consider
ing his words, and adding, as he
looked down into the boys appraised
face, which even the dim light of the
stars showed to be filled with keen
disappointment. Surely you have
every reason to know his love for you;
and he is one who never forgets. But
his days are now filled with that
which leaves little time for him to
think of anything but this siege He
is outside the city, with the Revolu.
tionary forces"
He without, and you within, fight
ing against HIM" burst from Jeans
lips, as he drew himself away.
"Sh.h." whispered the soldier
These streets may seem deserted:
but lis as well not to speak loud
words for the winds may carry them
to where the wrong ears may hear
them"
Jean laughed softly, and came closer
to Grelolre.
AHA see how 1t is"
BE all the more careful, then, my
young master" warned the soldier.
There was silence for a time, while
the three walked slowly along until
they reached a street where the
houses were far apart; and the last
one of all, from whose windows came
a faint CLEAN of light, Jean pointed
out to Greioire as his present abode.
And 50 that is where you are liv-
ing" said the soldier. as they stood
looking toward il. Il tell you. lad,
that had the chance to possess so
quiet a home. | should stop within II,
and not be wandering into such sham
bes of carnage and blood as is the
city now. Take my advice, and keep
away from lie Chen Heureux / can
now come to your house and that will
be the best place for me TO see you.
But, If you are to undertake the mis-.
sion of which l spoke, the less you
see of that scoundrel LarO, the better
will 1t be-"
"Laro is my friend" declared Jean,
his quick temper rising like a flash
of fire. He is my friend, and even
you must not name him in such fash
ion to me-
500" said Greloire calmly, taking
his hand from the boys arm. "Then
| doubt If you are to be trusted, and
regret telling you as much as | have
Laro is not to be trusted He is al
most old enough to be your father;
and. his suspicious once aroused, he
has sufficient craftlness to surprise
your secret, and use it for our harm"
Jean was silent, and Greloire went
on in a milder tone. Now tell me,
were you in my place would you not
think twice before risliing secrets with
such a keeper-one who cares so
much for Laro as to have temper with
an older friend, who, knowing the
mans reputation, warns you against
him?'
Il am not angry, Greloire," declared
Jean penitently land regret that
was so. Pardon me-"
"All right-all right, mon ami" was
Greloires hearty reply Then, again
lowering his voice, he asked in half
quizzical tone, And do you wish to
see our little colonel?"
"Yes-indeed yes! You know that
| would not give one Of his fingers in
exchange for a dozen Laros."
"Bien," said Greloire. Now must
be going. So adieu, and my compli-
ments to the good dame Margot."
With this he turned about, and
whistling softly, went back the way
they had come, while the two boys,
after watching him a few moments,
bent their steps toward the cottage.
Ito be continued)