Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1907-03-30

the bright, deep-set eyes, ambushed
under heavy brows TO the full lips,
/ which the carefully arranged mustache
did not at all conceal; 10 the project
ing chin, with its little plume Of an
imperial. A strong face and not un-
handsome one. with certain look Of
mastery about II
1T is true that / need advice" he
was saying, as he slowly eXhaled a
great puff OF smoke which he had
| drawn deep into his lungs. My name
is Martigny-Jasper Mardgny' i
nodded by way of salutation-"and !
am from France, as you have doubtless
long since suspected. II is my desire
TO become a citizen Of Amer-ric'.'
How long have you been living In
America | asked
since two months only II is my
Intention to establish here a business
in wines"
We'll" | explained, you can take
no steps toward naturalization for three
years Then you go before a court
and make a declaration Of your inten-
tions Two years later, you Will get
your papers"
You mean" he hesitated, that it
takes so many years"
Five years actual residence-yes." L"
But" and he hesitated again, Il had
understood that-that-"
THAT # was easier? There are IL
legal ways, OF course: but you can
scarcely expect me 70 advise you con-
cerning them, Mr.. Martigny"
mo; OF course, no." he cried hastily,
waving his hand in disclaimer Il did
not know--it makes nothing to mel
will wait-I wish 10 obey the laws"
He picked up fresh Cigaret lit IL
from the other and tossed away the
end
"Will you not try one?" he asked,
seeing that my pipe was finished, and
presently found myself enjoying the
best cigaret | had ever smoked. you
comprehend French-no2"
mot well enough 10 enjoy it," I
said
Il am sorry--I believe you would like
this book which / am reading" and he
pulled a somewhat tattered volume
from his pocket. Il have read It, oh,
YER many times, as well as all the 9TH
ers-though this, Of course, is the
masterpiece"
He held It 80 that could see the title.
II was Monsieur Lecoq"
Il have read II in English" l said.
And did you not like it-yes? / am
YER fond OF stories Of detection That
is why | was SO absorbed in that affair
of Mees-Mees-ah I have forgotten!
Your names are so difficult for me"
Miss Holiday" | said.
"Ah, yes: and has that mystery ever
arrived at a solution?"
NO" / said unfortunately, we
haven't any Monsieur Lecoqs on our
detective force"
"Ah, no." he smiled. And the young
lady-in her / conceived great inter-
est, even though l did not see her-how
is she 90
THE shock was a little too much for
her" I said, shes gone out TO her
country place to rest She'll soon be all
right again, | hope"
He had taken a third cigaret. and
was lighting ii carelessly, with his
face half turned away from me. l
noticed how flushed his neck was.
"Oh, undoubtedly" ne agreed. after
moment; "at least, I should be most
sad TO think otherwise. But 1t is late:
l perceive that you are weary; | thank
you for your kindness"
Not at all" / protested. Il hope
you'll come in whenever you feel lone
iy."
"A thousand thanks! I shall avail
myself of your invitation NV apart
ment is just across the hall" he added,
as / opened the door. Il trust to see
you there"
You shall" I said heartily, and bade
him good night
In the week that followed, / saw a
good deal Of Martigny / would meet
MN Oh NHt SAdlIS Ut III lnr nAll- he
came again TO see me and | returned
his visit two nights later, upon which
occasion he produced two bottles of
Chateau Yquem of delicacy beyond
all praise. And ] grew more and more
to like him--he told me many stories
of Paris, which, II seemed, had alwavs
been his home, with a wit TO which his
slight accent and formal utterance gave
new point; he displayed a kindly in
terest in my plans which was very
pleasing; he was always tactful, cour-
teous, good humored He was plainly
a boulevardier a man Of the world.
with an outlook upon life a little star
Ting in its materiality, but interest
ing in its freshness, and often amusing
In it's franlmess And he seemed to re-
turn my liking-certainly ii was he who
sought me, not | who sought him. He
was being delayed, he explained. in es-
tablishing his business; he could not
get just the quarters he desired, but in
another week there would be a place
vacant. He would ask me to draw up
the lease Meanwhile, time hung rather
heavy on his hands
Though / do not quarrel with that. /"
he added, sitting in my room one even
ing. 1t is necessary for me that
take life easily l have a weakness OF
the heart, which has already given me
much trouble. Besides, / have your
companionship, which is most welcome.
and for which / thank you. l trust