Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-12

however, Cressn9ham remarked.
For some minutes the two friends watched
each each other in silence, then Cressingham said.
what did that sign mean, Oeltien?"
Really, Oressingham can't tell YOU" The
ashamed.
| Not if guess it, will your"
| "WeL-well-you see ="
Pleased I'D do as much for you.''
i think may. Indeed shall"
Good. 1t meant Watch him carefullvl on
no account allow him moment from your sight
Am right2'
Oetien nodded.
Cressingham smiled and shrugged his shou
ders. "He can't allow himself to trust anv.
Dody completely, that man. Strange, isn't it?
Wonder what the true reason is. / fancy it's
lack of breeding myself. He's grand chap,
wonderfully brainy and all that sort of thing,
put don't think he had grandfather do you,
Oetjen?"
- Zone can't tell He is as you saw a wonder
fui indeed an extraordinary man. But have
certainly noticed little things about him"
Cuts his bread" said Cressingham.
He's poor speller," said Oeltjen.
rs he now? Well, I've once or twice found
his grammar faulty for all the wonderful lin
guist that he undoubtedly is. What country do
you guess he sprang from?"
America, think"
Him, rather fancy he's Frenchman"
Permit me to assist you, if you are talking of
me-, said an ironic voice from the doorway, "I
was born at Totna, on the Danube"
Pergord entered and locked the door behind
| him after giving some direction to a man in the
passage without.
While yet speaking he advanced to the bed
and unceremoniously gathering up quilt sheets
and blankets in his arms; he fixed them around
and about the door SO that any cunning person
l,,,l,N ....l 4 n \
his trouble quite in vain. Now my Lord" he
said eagerly; Commence, please, and from the
moment that l left you at the palace gate the
night of the Council
Cressingham nodded and began his story. It
was then eleven O'Clock A. M. At six P. M he
had Finished having spoken almost uninterrupt-
edly for seven hours, and 50 engrossed had he
been in his discourse and SO rapt had been his
auditors attention that neither he nor they had
given solitary thought to lunch or any other
thing outside the story that he had to tell.
A long silence followed his last word, silence
given up to anxious reflection; then Pergord
said slowly: "I cannot forgive myself for hav-
ing believed you traitor Lord Francis. 0et-
jen was wiser than /; he maintained your good
faith through everything"
Cressngham smiled and held out his hand to
the Count. 'fThank you, old chap" he said CRATE
fully.
Oeltjen grasped his proffered hand and pressed
it warmly, but made no reply
However," said Perigord, "I shall try to make
amends. To you I shall entrust the task Of res
cuing Miss Elliott and your friend Miss Desire,
and of kidnapping Madame Viyella like the
plan you have arranged for that, and shall
follow it. But tell us, my Lord, how many men
has the Count about him?"
"About twenty, my Lord, as near as I could
count. There may be more"
''Hm, the place must be seized by a coup de
main, then, for you have described it as almost
impregnable."
"Do you propose to attack the Villa before
we set out for Attala?" asked Cressingham.
''I shall not set out for Attala,' said Perigord.
"That expedition l shall give into your charge,
and your lieutenant shall be Oeltjen. My part
shall be the capture of the Villa Franchia If
were to depart on another voyage so soon the
news would be Immediately telegraphed TO the
Count and he might grow anxious. Moreover,
have to throw dust into the eyes of Prince
Carlos and prevent him from taking any alarm.
Tonight, soon after dark, Oeltjen will convey you
secretly on board the, Sea Hawk, where you will
await instructions, but to prevent accidents you
must Immediately disguise yourself
| He plunged one hand into his breast pocket
and drew forth false black moustache and inn
perial Fix that on your face. my Lord, it
will serve to alter your expression, and as you
are supposed to, be dead you will not be regard
ed very closely. Once you are on board the
yacht, you will be quite safe from observation"
"And when shall set out?" demanded the
young man, as he took the things and proceeded
to adorn himself before a mirror.
| "As soon as possible By three days at fur
thest shall myself set out for Milan this very
evening to consult with King Humbert, for with
out his assistance we do very little, as you
will require more men to attack the island than
/ have at present on the yacht"
| "Nuisance!" cried Cressingham.
"I agree. but we cannot help ourselves Oelt-
len and YOU had better have your dinner in this
room. / myself am pledged to dine with Cardi-
nal Cornito and must leave you at once. After
Won have taken Lord Francis the yacht you
will return here 0eltjen, and wait in the hotel
for a telegram from me. l shall wire you from
Mano, and you will then carefully arrange for
the embarkation of Humbert's officers on board
the Yacht Luckily You know them all already
7 shall arrange to get Prince Carlos out of the
wav. SO your work should be accomplished with
out detection by the Nihilists or other mishap.
Give out that the yacht proceeds to England 1
shall spread abroad the same story. Now, my
| Lord as to you, give you discretionary powers.
You will assail and capture the island in the
manner that appears best to you. l have no
| fear for the result you have already shown me
| how capable you are. You will if possible take
the Count d'Attala prisoner and bring him."
| Suddenly sharp rap sounded on the door.
Perigord frowned and called out loudly in
French: ''Who is there"
"Dupassis, srl" answered faint voice.
Perigord crossed the room and opened the
door. "Come in," he said coldly, then, when
| the man, a small consumptive looking French
man. whose face was very pale and nervous look
| inc. had entered "my orders were that was not
| to be disturbed Something of Importance has
| Of course occurredY'
To annoy you, but dared not any longer The
R;a. % he naused interTuDted hv a 1oud