Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-01-06
A Mystery
@ f T w O
Continents
by
BURTON E.
STEVENSON
Copyright. 1905, by
Henry Holt and
Company
Gbe
HolladGY
Case


THAT 1t 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, no.' he cried has
| tily, waving his hand in disclaimer. II
| did not know--it makes nothing to me
IL will wait-I wish to obey the laws"
He picked up fresh cigarette, lit 1t
from the other and tossed away the
end.
Twill you not try onc?" he asked,
seeing that my pipe was finished, and
presently found myself enjoying the
best cigarette had ever smoked. you
comprehend French MOP
mot we'll enough to enjoy it" l said
II am sorry | believe you would
like this book which | am reading"
and he pulled n somewhat tattered
! volume from his pocket. III have read
1t, oh, YER many times, us we'll as all
the others, though this. of course, is
the masterpiece
He held it 50 that could see the
title 1t was "Monsieur Lccoq.'
II have read it in English ! said.
"And did you not like it-yes? l am
YER fond of stories of detection. That
is why | was so absorbed in that at
fair Of Mees- Mees-ah have forgot
ten. Your names are so difficult for
me-"
Miss Holiday" / said.
"Ah, yes And has that mystery
ever arrived at soution?'
| NO" | said Unfortunately we
haven't any Nj. Lecoqs on our detective
force
"Ah, no. he smiled. And the young
est, even though l did not see her
| How is she?"
1.-The shock was a little too much for
her. l said. shes gone out to her
country place to rest She'll soon be
all right again, l hope"
He had taken third cigarette and
was lighting it carelessly with his face
half turned away from me. l noticed
how flushed his neck was.
ooh, undoubtedly" he agreed after d
| moments lat least l should be most
sad to think otherwise. But it is late:
l perceive that you are weary; thank
you for your kindness"
mot at ALL / protested. II hope
you'll come in whenever you feel lone
~"
"A thousand thanks! l shall avail
| myself of your invitation My apart
ment is just across the hail." he added
Us opened the door. II trust to see
you there"
You SHALL" said heartily, and babe
him good night.
In the week that followed saw .
good deal of Martigny. ! would meet
him on the stairs or in the hall. ii
came again to see me, and l returned
his visit two nights later, upon which
occasion he produced two bottles OF
Chateau Yquem Of II delicacy beyond
all praise. And grew more and more
to like him. He told me many storie'
of Paris, which, 1t seemed, had always
been his home, with a wit to which
his slight accent and formal utterance
gave new point; he displayed kindly
interest III lily pIiHS WHICH was NciS
pleasing; he was always tactful, cour-
teous, good humored. He was plainly
a boulevardier, man Of the world,
with an outlook upon life little star
thing in its materiality, but interesting
In its freshness and often amusing in
it's frankness. And he seemed to re-
turn my liking-certainly it was he
who sought me- not who sought him.
He was being delayed, he said, in es-
tablishing his business; he could not
get just the quarters he desired, but
in another week there would be place
vacant. He would ask me to draw up
the lease. Meanwhile time hung rath-
er heavily on his hands.
Though do not quarrel with thai"
he added, sitting in my room one even
ing; cit is necessary for me that
take life easily. have weakness Of
the heart, which has already given
me much trouble. Besides, have your
companionship, which is most vel
come, and for which l thank you. l
trust Mees-Mees-wha you call-Hol-