Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-12-07

exclamation Of surprise. "Ah, u is
Mistair"--
Lester" I added, seeing that he hest.
tated.
ut In a great pleasure" he was say
ing as he took the matches great
good fortune which brought me to this
house. So lonely one grows at times
and then, greatly desire some adj.
vice. II you would have the LEISURE
Certainly" and 1 waved toward q
chair. "Slt dowA"
I'm one moment" he said. you
will pardon me-" and ne disappeared
through the doorway.
He was back almost at once with a
handful Of cigarettes, which he placed
on the table. Then he drew mp chair.
With little deprccatory gesture he
used one Of my matches to light
cigarette.
ut was truly for the gas" he said.
catching my smile, "and the gas for
the cigaretter'
There was something fascinating
about the man--an air of good humOr,
OF cOmradeship, Of strength of pur-
pose. My eyes were caught by his
stodgy, nervous hands as he held the
match to his cigarette. Then they
wandered to his face, to the black
hair flecked here and there with gray,
to the bright, deep set eyes. ambushed
under heavy brOws: to the full lips,
which the carefully arranged mustache
did not ut all conceal; to the projecting
chin, with its little plume of al i'm
perial IA strong face and not I'M
handsome one, with a certain look Of
mastery about 1t.
1T Is true that | need advice" he
WINS saying as hr slowly exhaled u
great puff Of smoke which he had
drawn deep into his lungs. "My name
is Neutrality-suspicious. Martigny"-l nod
dcd by way of salutation-"an | am
! from France. az you have doubtless
long since suspected. 1t is my desire
to become citizen Of Amer-ric'.'
How long have you been living in
American" | asked
"Since two months only. II is my
intention to establish here business
in Wines
well" I explained. you can take
three years Then you go before u
court and make n 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 residenceye yes"
But" and he hcsitated again. II
had understood that that
"That it was easier? There are lille
gal ways. 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. II
Il will watt wish to obey the laws"
He picked up a fresh cigarette. lit ii
from the other and tossed away the
end.
Twill you not try one:" he asked
seeing that my pipe was finished. and
l presently found myself enjoying the
best cigarette had ever smoked. "You
comprehend French mop
Not well enough to enjoy it," said
II am sorry. believe you would
like this book which l am reading,
and he pulled a somewhat tattered
volume from his pocket. II have read
it. oh. YER many times. as we'll as al
the others. though this. Of course, is
the masterpiece"
He held it so that could see the
title. 1t was Monsieur Lecoq"
II have read it in English" l said.
"And did you not Ike it-yes? an
YER fond of stories of detection. Tha
Is why | was 60 absorbed in that af
fair Of Mees- Mees-ah, | have forgot
ten. Your names are so difficult fo
me-"
Miss Holiday" said
"Ah, yes. And has that myster!
ever arrived at solution?"
NO" l said. unfortunately w,
haven't any NJ. Lecoqs on our detective
force"
"Ah, no." he smiled. "And the younj
lady--in her conceived great inter
est. even though | did not see her
, How IS Sne:
1.-The shock was little too much 70
her." l said shes gone out to he
country place TO rest. She'll soon b
all right again l hope
He had taken third cigarette an,
, was lighting it carelessly with his fac
. half turned away from me. l notices
how flushed his neck was.
"Oh, undoubtedly" lie agreed after
. moment; lat least l should be mos
. sad to think otherwise. But II is late
!, perceive that you are weary; than
you for your kindness"
mot at all" I protested. Il hop
you'll come In whenever you feel lone
IT,"
"A thousand thanks. l shall ava
myself of your invitation. My apar
!, ment Is just across the hall" he adde
. as opened the door. Il trust to ST
!, you there"
"You SHALL" said heartily. and bad
:, him good night.
In the week that followed l saw
=, good deal Of Martigny. l would NEE
. him on the stairs or in the hall. H
;. came again to see me. and l returne
:. his visit two nights later, upon whic
occasion he produced two bottles o
Chateau Yquem of a delicacy beyOn
!, all praise. And grew more and NOR