Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-01-30

sui loWu III france ana make MIN
name even in Paris. On the other side
were the imminent peril Of death, the
CLEAN of cold steel already in fancy at
his breast, the loss of life and sun.
shine and the possibility Of retreat
with honor, If without glory. l read
his face and knew before he spoke
what he would do.
ut appears to me that the burden is
with you" he said huskily: "but for
my part, am satisfied
Very we'll" said, 'tI take the bur-
den. Permit me to apologize for hav-
ing caused you to strip unnecessarily.
Fortunately the sun Is shining
Yes he said gloomily. And he took
his clothes from the sundial ana began
to put them on. He had expressed
himself satisfied; but knew that he
was feeling very dissatisfied with him
self and was not surprised when he
presently said abruptly and almost
rudely, There is one thing think we
must settle here"
!, What Is that?" I asked.
"our positions" he blurted out,
VI We SlldlI Cross one announcer again
within the hour" A
"Umph! am nd quite sure that I
understand" sai
That is precise ~ don't do
understand" he q tone of
surly triumph. &l3 '1sa.- on
this duty was told was a
gentleman here bea "a orders
from the cardinal est M. de
Cocheforet; and .structed to
avoid collision n so far as
might be pos rst took you
TOT the &c t the plague
take me the matter
Why not 2 SAID colby
'Because-well, the matter is in a
NUTSHELL" he answered impetuously.
Are you here on behalf of Madam de
Cocheforet to shield her husband? Or
are you here to arrest him? That is
what don't understand, M. de
Berault."
IF you mean, am the cardinals
agent ami" answered sternly.
"To arrest M. de Cocheforet?"
ITO arrest M. de Cocheforet."
Well-you surprise me-" he said.
Only that; but he spoke SO dryiy
that felt the blood rush to my FACE
Take care, Monsieur" I said severely.
do not presume too far on the incon-
venience to which your death might
put me-"
He shrugged his shoulders. "No Of
fense!" he said. But you do not
seem, M. de Berault, to comprehend
the difficulty. If we do not settle things
now, we shall be pickering 20 times a
day!"
well. what do you want?" asked
impatiently.
"Simply to know how you are going
to proceed. So that our plans may not
clash"
But surely, NJ. lie capitaine, that is
my AFFAIR." l replied.
1.-THE clashing?" he answered bitter
ly. Then he waved aside my wrath
Pardon" he said, "the point is sim
ply this: How do you propose to find
him If he is here?"
THAT again is my affair."" an
swered.
He threw up his hands in despair;
but in a moment his place was taken
by an unexpected disputant. The lie,,-
tenant, who stood by all the time,
listening and tugging at his gray
moustache, suddenly spoke. Look
here, M. de Berault," he said. con.
fronting me roughly, II do not fight
duels. am from the ranks proved
my courage at Montauban in 81, and
my honor Is good enough to take care
of itself. So say what like and
ask you plainly what M. lie Capitalne
doubtless has in his mind but does not
ask: Are you running with the hare
and hunting with the hounds in this
matter? In other words, have you
thrown up monseigneur's commission
In all but name and become madam's
ally; or-it is the only other alter
native-are you getting at the man
through the women?"
"You villain!" cried, glaring at
him in such rage and fury / could
scarcely get the words out. This was
plain speaking with a vengeance!
How dare you! How dare you say
that I am false to the hand that pays
me?''
thought he would blench, but he
did not. He stood up stiff as poker.
81 do not say; ask" he replied,
facing me squarely ana Shaping his
fist intoihis open hand 20 drive home
his words the better. Il ask you
whether tou are playing the traitor to
the cardi1Rl? Or to these two women? |
1t IS a simH le question .