Washington State journal. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1907-1911, 1907-12-26

| and In ireland who would be ready TO
| credentials have II"
Dobroski rurned his mournful eyes full
upon O'Rourke and regarded him in si-
lence for time. O'Rourke bore the
scrutiny with an admirable candor and
modesty.
THAT does not speak well for your
opinion of the scheme" said Dobroski,
after a noticeable pause. II know, and
no man knows better. that when we strike
| we strike for life or death. l know that
a single indiscretion may ruin US. l have
| weighed the chances and counted the cost
for years."
II recognize the dangers. too" said
O'Rourke, "but we must face them and
outfRce them" He spoke lightly, but
with an underlying resolve SO clearly
indicated that there was no doubling him.
mo. it is not the danger Of the scheme
that gives me pause. But it needed all
your close and intimate knowledge. all
the authority you carry in your name and
your career, to make the existence of SO
vast a plan seem possible. accept the
scheme" he said wildly. half rising from
reserve. Win or lose But. except upon
the fullest exposition. l would not have
taken it. Except upon the loftiest au-
thority. would not have given credence
to it. No. Mr.. Dobroski. you must come
yourself to England. Leave me behind
to work as your lieutenant there, if you
think me worthy of the post. but come
yourself and bear the news and make the
first appeal"
II will co." said Dobroski. 'if you
think it needful."
II think 1t actually needful," O'Rourke
answered. II will write and will make
arrangements. We had better not travel
together"
Good" said Dobroski. II will start
tonight. The longer the interval be-
tween my going and your following the
less cause to suspect that we have com
mon errand. Perhaps I can be doing
something in the meantime. may tell
your friend Mr. Frost that the plan car
ried your adherence with it? Your entire
approval?"
THAT it carries my entire approval
with it," O'Rourke answered. slowly and
weightily; because it promises nothing
precipitate, because it promises cool and
cautious preparation. and good general
ship"
You think he stands in need of that
warning?"
Most of us stand in need of it." said
O'Rourke. 1--WE are too eager. We fritz
ter our chances on affairs of outposts.
That has always been cur trouble"
II understand" said Dobroski. II will
not forget your warning. But now, sir,
will say farewell. We shall meet again
in little while. trust. We have not
seen much of each other as yet, but am
not slow 20 read true man, and know
that | have done well in trusting you.
have fought in this war for now this forty
years and more. We have done but little.
but at last the hour is coming, ard ell
will soon be done or undone."
When he first said farewell he took
O'Rourke by the hand and held him 30
until he had spoken his last word.
O'Rourke looked back into the sad and
passionate eyes that gazed into his own.
and his glance was affectionate and w0r-
shipful.
The little toy train at the toy railway
station at Panenne was getting up steam
to be gone. and was making as much noise
of preparation as If 1t had a thousand
miles before it. Dobroski emerged from
the doorway of the Cheval Blanc. followed
by stout female domestic, who bore
porsmanteau in either hand. The old
man caught sight of O'Rourke and bowed
to him. O'Rourke returned the salute.
and turning round when Dobroski had
disappeared, saw Austin at his open win
dow.
Farley" he said. II believe our old
revolutionist is leaving us. He has just
gone off 70 the station with a couple Of
portmanteaus. Has he said nothing to
you about it?" ~
Nothing" said Farley, smiling
Doesn't he take his fellow-conspirato
into con6dence?"
"Well, you see." returned O'Rourke.
smiling also. II haven't asked him for hts
confidence. And even il l did. he might
| prefer to keep it."
Likely enough" said Farley, smiling
still. "Hillo! Here are our friends from
Houfoy.N Meet them for me, there's q
good fellow. III be down in two min
utes."
Ito be continued.)