The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-12-22

[ thought ye punctual, it's so ye are
to all intents and purposes.
A chair, monsieur" He established
Des Trebes by window. "And Gig
arette? A drop to drink:
AS ye will. And since
It's to talk secret business that we're
here-would ye like the door locked?
"That is hardly essential" Des Ire
bes reviewed his surroundings with
swift, searching glance. eve are al
least secure from interruptions; one
could ask little more"
sTrue for ye," laughed O'Rourke. He
moved toward the alcove. "Now first
of all I'm to submit proofs of me iden
tity, I believe" he added, intending tc
| dig out of his trunk a dispatch-boS
containing his passports and other pa
! pers of a private nature.
But Des Trebes had changed his
mind. THAT is unnecessary, mon
sieur. Your very willingness is suffi
cient proof. I have your word and
am content"
s'That's the way of doing business
that like" assented O'Rourke heart
lily, warming little to the man as he
turned back a chair facing the vi
comte. "Besidee, quarrel with nc
mans right to be reasonable.
And now I'm at your service, mon
sieur."
Des Trebes, lounging back, knees
crossed, thin white fingers interlac
ing, black eyes narrowing, regarded
the Irishman thoughtfully for a mo
ment. Abruptly he sat up and re-
moved from an inner pocket a long
thin white envelope, thrice sealed with
red wax and innocent Of any super
script whatever.
Are you prepared, monsieur" he
demanded incisively, Ito play blind
mans buff"
cam 1 what?" asked O'Rourke, star
tied. Then he smiled. Pardon; per
haps I fail to follow ye."
'I mean," explained the vicomte pa
tiently, f'that I have to offer you 8
commiss sion to act under sealed or
ders"-he tapped the envelope ''the
orders contained herein.'
"And when would I be free to open
that?"
CAS- soon as you are at sea-away
from France, Monsieur"
O'Rourke considered the envelope
doubtfully. From you, monsieur from
the Government of France, which you
represent" he said at length, 'yes;
I will accept such commission
France" he averred simply, knows
me; It wouldn't be asking me to dc
anything a gentleman shouldn't"
s|You may feel assured of that,
agreed Des Trebes gravely. "Indeed
venture to assert you will find this
let US say-adventure much to your
liking. Then you accept?''
Zone moment-a dozen questions
by your leave. When must
start?" :s;~~:.:
Tomorrow morning by the Cote
3'Azur Rapide, at ten minutes 70
eight"
"And where will be going?"
First to- Paris; thence to Havre;
thence, by the first available steamer
to New York; finally, it may be to
Venezuela, monsieur"
Expenses"
II will myself furnish you with funds
sufficient to finance you as far as
New York There our consul-general
will provide you with what more you
may require. It is essential that your
connection with this affair shall be
kept secret; should you draw on the
government IN this country, it would
expose you to grave suspicious, per
haps to danger"
Il understand that" assented the
lrishman. But to obviate all danger
Of mistake, would it not be well to
have one of your trusted agents meet
ne on the steamer and provide me
Will WudIGFSI W uSu1C WASAI ~
quire? 'Tis barely possible your con-
sul-general might not recognize me in
New York. Why should he? I never
heard his name, even."
Des Trebes meditated this briefly.
1T shall be as you desire, monsieur. 1t
shall be arranged as you suggest"
Finally, then, what is to be my
recompense?"
'That must depend. am authorized
70 assure you that in no case will
you receive less than twenty-five thou
sand francs; in event of successful
termination Of your mission, the re-
ward will be doubled"
otis enough" said O'Rourke with a
sigh; II accept"
The Frenchman rose, offering him
the envelope. You must pledge your,
self, monsieur, not to break these seals
until you are at sea?'
'Absolutely-of course" ORourke
took the packet, weighed it curiously
In his hand and scrutinized the seals.
He remarked that they were yet soft
on3 freeh. tho way had heep hot with