Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-01-10

U q
Mig name is observation-disclosures Mar
tigay."
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
chin. with its little plume of an I'M
perial "a strong face and not I'M
handsome one, with certain look of
mastery about it.
1T is true that l need advice" he
was saying as he slowly exhaled a
great puff of smoke which he had
drawn deep into his lungs. MY name
is Martigny-Jaspe Martigny"-I nod
ded by way Of salutation-"and l am
from France, as you have doubtless
long since suspected. 1t is my desire
to become a citizen of Amer-ric'."
How long have you been living in
American" asked.
"Since two months only. 1t is my
intention to establish here business
in Wines"
"Well," l explained, "you can take
no steps toward naturalization for
three years. Then you go before a
court and make declaration of your
intentions. Two years later you will
get your papers,"
You mean," he hesitated, "that II
takes SO many years.
give years actual residence-yes."
But" and he hesitated again, 81
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."
NO. OF course, mop he cried has
tily, waving his hand in disclaimer. %
did not know-it makes nothing to me
Il will wait-I wish to obey the laws
He picked up fresh cigarette, lit II
from the other and tossed away the
end.
"Will you not try one!" he asked
seeing that my pipe was finished, anf
presently found myself enjoying the
best cigarette had ever smoked. "Yo,
comprehend French-no?'
Not well enough to enjoy it," said
II am sorry. believe you would
like this book which l am reading
and he pulled somewhat tatterei
volume from his pocket. II have reat
it, oh, YER many times, as well as al
the others, though this, of course, i,
the masterpiece
He held it SO that l could see tn,
title. 1t was "AIonsieur Lecoq." ~
II have read it in English said.
"And did you not like it-yes? l an
YER fond of stories of detection. Tina
is why l was so absorbed in that af
| fair Of Mees-MeeS-ah, l have forgot
| ten! Your names are SO difficult 70
me-"
Miss Holiday" l said.
"Ah, yes. And has that myster.
ever arrived ut u solution?"
NO. l said. UNFORTUNATELY w
haven't any NJ. Lecoqs ON our detectiv
force"
"Ah, no." he smiled. "And the youn
lady-in her l conceived great inter
est, even though l did not see hel
How is she?"
"The shock was little too much 70
her." said. shes gone out to he
country place to rest. She'll soon b
all right again, 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.
ooh, undoubtedly" he agreed after
moment; Eat least l should be mos
sad to think otherwise. But it is late
perceive that you are weary; l than
you for your kindness"
Not at ALL" l protested. II hop
you'll come in whenever you feel lone
ly."
"a thousand thanks! shall avail
myself Of your invitation. My apart
ment is just across the hail." he adde
| as l opened the door. II trust to Sc
you there"
you SHALL" said heartily, and bad
him good night.
In the week that followed l saw
good deal of Martigny. would NEE
him Oh the stairs or in the hall. III
came again to see me, ana l returnet
his visit two nights later, upon whicl
occasion he produced two bottles O
Chateau Yquem of a delicacy beyon,
all praise. And grew more and NOR
to like him. He told me many storie
of Paris. which, it seemed, had Away
been his home, with wit to whicl
his slight accent and formal utteranc
gave new point; he displayed kindl,
interest in my plans which was yer,
! pleasing; he was always tactful, cour
teous, good humored. He was plainl,
u boulevardier, a man Of the worlC
with an outlook upon life little star
ting in its materiality, but interesting
in its freshness and often amusing II
its frankness. And lie seemed to re
turn my liking-certainly it was h
who sosght me, not l who sought him
He was being delayed, he said, in es
tablishing his business; he could no
: get just the quarters he desired, blu
in another week there would be plac
i vacant. He would ask me to draw vi
the lease. Meanwhile time hung rutl
er heavily on his hands.
'Though do not quarrel with that,
he added, sitting in my room one even
ing; "it is necessary for me that
take life easily. l have weakness o
the heart, which has already givcl
me much trouble. Besides, l have you
companionslip, which is most wei
come and for which l thank you.
trust Mees-Mees-what you call-Hol
laday is again we'll"
eve haven't heard from her." 1 said
"S!ie is still at her place in the coun
try"
"Oh, she is doubtless well-in her