Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-19

another I can't tell YOU more than have, but
II you are wise do not walk the city after dark.
Good night" and the window was pulled down
sharply
Seems we have stumbled on n nest of Nihi-
lists, muttered Cressngham "we'd better pad
the hoof
Oeltien gave a little grunt of dissatisfaction,
but ne took the others arm and they fastened
from the spot as fast as they could walk. Twcn-
ty minutes afterwards they stepped on board
Mr. Perigords yacht, and to their astonishment
were greeted by Mr. Perigord himself, who it
seemed had been for time anxiously ex
pectng them He led them at cnce to the sa
loon, where they found Cardinal Carmto seated
before flask of Seltinger which he had already
severely punished
The Cardinal had insisted on visiting the yacht
in order to hear Cressngham repeat the main
points OF his story in propra persona, and this
the young man was obliged to do, and subse
quenty submit to cross-examination which
for rgor and detail would not have disgraced
leader of the bar
The inquisition lasted hours, but at last the
Cardinal was satisfied, and said so in a manner
so friendly and with language so full of deity
chosen fatteries, that Cressingham was con
strained to feel pleased in spite of himself and
pay tribute, however grudgingly, to the peculiar
talents of his inquisitor.
Perigord who had been absent throughout the
evening, entered the cabin, and placed in Cress-
lnghams hands the Jewels which he had brought
from the island cf Attala.
The young man regarded the treasures with
much embarrassment. They're really not mine
you know" he said
The Cardinal smiled, cycling him keenly
'Whose then are they" he inquired, his voice
soft as silk.
"They belong to the Count d'Attala, sup
pose"
'Well?"
"Well, your Emnence" Cressingham resent
ed the subtle smile with which he was regard
ed"
"What do you propose to do with them? Re
store them to the Count"
perhaps your Eminence would be so kind as
to advise me! ~
The Cardinal shrugged his shoulders. "I
should prefer you to determine the matter for
yourself"
Cressingham looked him straight in the eyes.
"Very well, 1 give them to your Eminence to
SELL and distribute the proceeds among the poor
of Naples"
The Cardinal got to his feet and smiled again,
but this time his smile was really kind and his
eyes were soft and luminous. "Well said, my
son. he murmured; 'I shall accept the trust"
Perigord drew from his pocket letter which
he gave to Cressingham. "Those are your in |
structions my Lord you will start at noon to-
morrow"
'But the men, the officers
care all on board and asleep long ere this"
"In that case we could start at once"
"You will start at noon, tomorrow. Read
now your instructions. Good bye, my Lord"
Perigord and the Cardinal then shook him
gravely by the hand, and taking Oeltjen with
them left the cabin. Cressingham Immediately
tore open the letter and read as follows:
"You will start at noon of July 30 from Ma
pies, and proceed at half speed on the ordinary
pass Sardinia. You will then steam full speed
due north, keeping Sardinia and Corsica at least
fifty miles to starboard until the latter island is
after which you will be at liberty to
proceed as best you deem fit tc Attala. The
manner of attack on the objective point is left
entirely at your own discretion. But having cap
tured the place you will take prisoners all its
inhabitants and secure them in the hold of the
Sea Hawk. You will then carefully search the
island and castle, and remove therefrom to the
yacht all books, papers and documents whatso
ever that may be found, also any treasure specie
or other valuables You will demolish any print
ing presses or machinery which may be discov
ered but carefully preserve and transport all
blocks and letterpress in use. You will entirely
destroy-by fire. if necessary-the cable station
and all telegraphic instruments, but preserve all
records of messages if any such exist. Should
you be interrupted at your work by the arrival
OF enemies, you given discretionary powers
to act in such emergency in any way you may
Judge best The Counts silver boat, engines and
appliances you will remove to the yacht intact
After The castle has been ransacked you will
destroy it by dynamite; you will also far as
possible wreck the tunnel opening on the stone
boat-shed and the boatshed itself by the same
means After everything here detailed has been
carefully effected YOU will return with your pris-
oners at full speed to Naples where your arrival
will be anxiously expected God bless and
prosper you. PERlGORD.N
Cressngham conned this document over un-
til he had got its contents by heart Then it
struck him that as ne was in command of an i'm
portant and possibly very dangerous expedition,
he might as we'll avail himself of the perquisites
of his position. He rang a bell and a steward
entered the room on instant.
"a bottle of champagne, please; your best"
Large or small my Lord?"
"H'm, large, please. Where is my cabin?"
Through that door, my Lord"
Good; bring two glasses, please, and go find
the Count Won Oeltjen."
'He has gone ashore, my Lord"
"Oh! indeed" This was news to Cressingham,
but he did not cancel his order for all that.