The Western news., 1907-12-25

and In Ireland who would be ready TO
receive it and to take part in it what
credentials have II"
Dobroski turned his mournful eyes full
upon O'Rourke and regarded him in ST.
lence for a time. O'Rourke bore the
scrutiny with an admirable candor and
modesty.
THAT does not speak we'll for your
opinion of the scheme" said Dosroski,
after a noticeable pause. IL know. and
no man knows better. that when we strike
we strike for life or death. | know that
a single indiscretion may ruin us. | have
weighed the chances and counted the cost
for years"
"I recognize the dangers. too" said
O'Rourke, but we must face them and
OUTAGE them Ie spoke lightly but
with an underlying resolve so clearly
indicated that there was no doubling him.
NO, 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 plan seem possible. | accept the
scheme" he said. vividly. half rising from
his seat. II bind myself to it without
reserve. Win or lose! But, except upon
the fullest exposition. | would not have
taken it. Except upon the loftiest au-
thority, | would not have given credence
10 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
81 will GO" said Dobroski, "if you
think it needfu.''
II think 1t actually needful." O'Rourke
answered. Il 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 a com
mon errand. Perhaps | can be doing
something in the meantime. may tell
your friend Mr.. Frost that the plan car
ried your adherence with it? Your entire
approvalT'
That it carries my entire approval
with it," O'Rourke answered, slowly and
weightily; because it promises nothing
prccipitate, 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 frit-
ter our chances on affairs of outposts.
That has always been our trouble"
"I understand" said Dobroski. 81 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 a true man, and know
that | have done we'll 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 no
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 wor
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 it had a thousand
miles before it, Dobroski emerged from
the doorway of the Cheval Blanc, followed
by stout female domestic, who bore a
portmanteau 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 Il believe our old
revoutionist is leaving uss lie has just
gone off 10 the stafiea with a couple oil
portmanteaus. Has he said nothing tc
you about it?'
Nothing" said Farley, smiling
Doesn't he take his fellow -conspiratol
into confidence"
"Well. you see," returned ORourke
smiling also, II haven't asked him for hi
confidence. And even if did, he Nigh
prefer to keep it."
Likely enough" said Farley, smiling
= still. "TIillo! Here are our friends from
2 Houfoy Meet them for me, there's
, good fellow. I'll be down in two min
utes."
/ Ito be contnued.)