The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-12-15

"Sirce two mouths only. 1t Is my
intention to establish here business
In wines"
Well" explained, "you can take
no steps toward naturalization for
three years. Then you 60 before q
court and make a declaration Of your
Intentions. Two years later you will
get your papers"
You mean," he hesitated, that it
takes so many years.
Five years actual residence-yes."
But" and he hesitatsd again, II
had understood that-that'--'
That 1t was easier? There are lille
gal why's, Of course. but you can scarce
ly expect me to advise you concerning
them. Mr.. Martigny"
mo. OF course, no." he cried has
tily, waving his hand in disclaimer. ~
did not know-it makes nothing to me
Il will waltz wish to obey the laws"
He picked up a fresh cigarette, 1T It
from the other and tossed away the
end.
"Will you not try onef" he asked.
seeing that my pipe was finished, and
presently found myself enjoying the
hest cigarette had ever smoked. "You
comprehend French--no?"
Not well enough to enjoy It," said.
Il am sorry. believe you would
like this book which am reading"
and he pulled a somewhat tattered
volume from his pocket T have read
1t. oh. ver' many times, as we'll as all
the others. though this, Of course, is
the masterpiece"
He held It SO that could see the
title. 1t was Monsieur Lecoq"
Il have read II In English" said.
"And did YOU not like it-yes7 / am
YER fond of stories Of detection. That
Is why I was SO absorbed Ia that af-
fair Of Mees esMees--ah, ] have forgot
ten! Your names nre 80 difficult for
me-"
Miss Holladay.' said.
"Ah, yes. And has that mystery
ever arrived Mt solutionT'
NO" I said. "Unfortunately we
haven't any NJ. Lecoqs on our detective
force"
"Ah, no." he smiled. And the young
lady-in her / conceived great inter
est. even though did not see her.
How is sheT'
"The shock was little too much for
her." I said. ''She's gone out to her
country place to rest. She'll soon be
all right again, I hope"
He had taken a third cigarette and
was lighting 1t carelessly with his face
half turned away from me. I noticed
how flushed his neck was.
"Oh, undoubtedly" he agreed after q
moment; ''at least should be most
sad to think otherwise. But it Is late;
perceive that you are weary; I thank
you for your kindness"
mot at ALL" ] protested. Il hope
yon'u come in whenever ynn fsallbne-
"A thousand thanks! 1 shall avail
myself Of your invitation. My apart
ment is just across the hail." he added
as ] opened the door. II trust to see
you there"
"You SHALL" I said heartily. ani bada
him good night.
In the week that followed saw q
good deal Of Martigny. i would meet
him on the stairs or In the hall. He
came again to see Inc, and I returned
his visit two nights later, upon which
occasion he produced two bottles of
Chateau Yquem Of n delicacy beyond
all praise. And I grew more and more
TO like him. He told me many stories
of Paris. which, 1t seemed, had always
been his home. with wit 10 which
his slight accent and formal utterance
gave new point; he displayed q kindly
interest In my plans which was very
pleasing; he wps alwayt tactful, cour-
teous, good humored. He was plainly
Douievardier, man OF the world,
with an outlook upon life little star
Ting In its materially, but interesting
In Its freshness and often amusing In
its frankness. And he seemed to re-
turn my liking-certuinly IL was he
VINO sought me, not who sought him.
He was being delayed, he said, in es-
thDlishing his business; he could not
get just the quarters he desired, but
In another week there would be q place
vacant. He would ask me to draw up
the lease. Meanwhile time hung rath
sr heavily on his hands.
Though / do not quarrel with that"
ne added, sitting in my room one eve.;-
Ing; 1T ts necessary for Inc that l
take life easily. ! have n weakness of
the heart, which has already given
me much trouble. Besides, ! have your
companionship, which Is most well
come, and for which | thank you.
trust Mees-Mees-what you cail-Hol.
laday is again we'll"
We haven't heard from her." said.
She is still at her place in the coun-
try"
oh. she Is doubtless well-in her I
take such an interest--you will par.
don me II weary you.'
Weary me7 But you don't.'
Then l will make bold to ask you-
have you made any-what you call.
theory OF the crimeY