The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-09-02

that Count Godensky--of whom you've probably heard--an attache of the Rus- | sian embassy in Paris, somehow has come to suspect a--er--a game in high politics which she and I have been playing; her last according to present intentions. as I told you. I have an idea that this man, who's well known In Paris society. proposed to Mademoi- selie de Renzie. refused to take no for an answer, and bored her until she per- haps was goaded into giving him se- were snub. Godensky is vain man, and wouldn't forgive snub, especial ly If 1t had got talked about. He'd be bad enemy: and Mademoiselie seems to think that he is a very bitter and determined enemy. Apparently she doesn't know how much he has found out. or whether he has actually found out anything at all. or merely guesses and bluffs.' But one thing is unfor- tunately certain, l believe. Every boat and every train between London | and. Paris will be watched more close " than usual for the next day or two Any known, or suspected agent wouldn't get through unchailenged. But can see no reason why you should not" Nor ]" answered Ivor. laughing a little. T think I could make some trouble for anyone who tried to stop me.
 Caution above all! Remember you're in training Tor a diplomatic career. eh? If you should lose the packet I'm going to give you, prophecy that in twenty-four hours the world would be empty of Maxine de Renzie: for the circumstances surrounding her in this transaction are peculiar, the most pe- culiar I've ever been tangled in. per- haps. in rather a varied experiences; and they intimately concern her fiance, the Vicomte Raoul du Laurier-" "Raoul du Laurieri" exclaimed Ivor. 'tSo she's engaged to marry him!"
 Yes. Do you know himT'
 T have friends who do. Hes in the French Foreign Ofice. though they say he's more at home in the hunting field, or writing plays" r
 Which don't get produced Quite so. But they will get produced some day, for I believe he's an extremely clever fellow in his way--in everything except the diplomatic trade which his father would have him take up. and got him into, through Heaven knows what influence. No. Du Laurier's no fool. and Is said to be a fine sports man, as well as almost absurdly good looking. Mademoiselle Maxine has plenty of excuse for her infatuation-- for I assure you it's nothing less. Shed jump into the fire for this young man, and grill with a Joan of Arc smile on her face. This would have been pleasant hear ins for Ivor, if he'd ever been really in love with Maxine; but was obliged to admit to myself that he hadn't, for he didn't seem to care in the least. On the contrary he grew a little more cheerful.
 'T can see that du Laurier's being in the French Foreign Office might make it rather awkward for Miss de Renzie | Eha--ffQhasa kno hal to us." he said. 1
 Exactly. And thereby hangs a tale --a sensational and even romatic tale almost complicated enough for the plot of novel. When you meet Mad emoiselle tomorrow afternoon or even ing. if she cares to take you into her confidence in reward for your services, in regard to some private interests of her own which have got themselves wildly mixed up with the gravest politi- cal matters, she's at liberty to do so as far as I'm concerned, for you are to be trusted, and deserve to be trust ed. You may say that to her from me. if the occasion arises. I hope with all my heart that everything may go smooth. If not-the Entente CordIale may burst like 8 bomb. I--who have made myself responsible in the matter, with the clear understanding that Eng land will del.y me if the schemes a failure-will be shattered by a flying fragment. The favorite actress of Paris will be asphyxiated by the poisonous fumes; and you. though I hope no worse harm may came to you. will mourn for the misfortunes of the others. Your responsibility will be such that it will be almost as if you carried the destructive bomb itself. until you get the packet into the hands of Maxine de Renzie."
 Good LeSvens. I shall be glad when | she has it." said Ivor
 You can't be gladder than she-or I. And here 1t is." replied the Foreign Secretary. T consider it great luck to have found such messenger at A hou could enter without being sus- pected of any motive more subtle than wish to eat good supper, or to see some If the prettiest women in Lon- don."
 would have given a great deal to see what he was giving Ivor to take | to Maxine. and I was half tempted to lirt myself up and peep at the two from
 behind the lounge. but I could tell ] from their voices that they were stand Ing quite near, and t would have been too dangerous. The Foreign Secretary.
 who Is rather a nervous man. and | fastfdtous about woman's looks. never
 could bear me; and believe he would
 nave thought 1t almost as justfiabIe
 as drowning an ugly kitten, to choke ! AAAO AA hO AhSW OVefneard his secrets.
 However. Ivor's next words gave me
 some :nkling of what wished to know.
 It's importance evidently doesn't con
 sist in bulk" he said lightly, q can
 easily carry the case in my breast pocket"
 Pray put it there at once. and puar5
 as you would guard the life and
 honor of woman," said the Forej1n
 secretary solemnly. Now. | must So
 and look for my wife. It's better thai
 you and shouldn't be seen together
 One never knows who may have rot
 Tn among the guests at a crush like
 this l will go out at one door. and
 when you've waited for a few mInuteS
 you can go by way of another"
 A moment later there was silence
 Tn the room. and I knew that Ivor was
 alone What if I spoke. and startled
 him? All that is inn : in me lOnged
 to see how his face would look: .,uF
 there was too much at stake. Not onIv
 would hate to have him scorn me foy
 an eavesdropper. but had already
 built up great plan for the use could
 make Of what had overheard.
 CCOntinued TOmOrrOw.)