Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-12-12

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
That's the way Of doing business
that I like" assented O'Rourke heart
lily, warming little to the man as he
turned back Il chair facing the VI
comte. Besides, | quarrel with no
mans right to be reasonable.
And now I'm at your service, mon
sieur."
tss,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,
scription whatever
"Are you prepared, monsieur" he
demanded incisively, ito play blind
mans buf?'
Gam I what?" asked O'Rourke, star
tied. Then he smiled. Pardon; per.
haps I fail TO follow ye."
81 mean explained the Ticomte pa,
tiently, that I have TO offer you a
commission to act under sealed or.
ders" tapped the envelope-"the
orders contained herein"
"And when would be free to open
that?"
"As soon as you are at sea-away
from France, Monsieur"
! ORourke considered the envelope
doubtfully. From you, monsieur-from
the Government of France, which you
represent" he said at length, yes;
will accept such a commission.
France he averred simply, knows
me; it wouldn't be asking me to do
anything gentleman shouldn't"
you may feel assured OF that"
agreed Des Trebes gravcly. Indeed, /
venture to assert you will find this
let us say-adventure much to your
liking. Then you accept"
"One momont--n dozen questions
by your leave. When must |
start?"
Tomorrow morning by the Cote
d'Azur RaDide, at ten minutes to
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"
81 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. 1t 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"
81 understand that" assented the
Irishman. Gut 10 obviate all danger
of mistake, would it not be well 10
have one of your trusted agents meet
me on the steamer and provide me
with whatever We figure l might re-
quire? 'Tis barely possible your con.
sul-general might not recognize me in
New York. Why should he? l never
heard his name, even"
Des Trebes medtated this briefly.
TT shall be as you desire. monsieur. 1t
shall be arranged as you suggest"
Finally, then, what is to be my
"That must depend. am authorized
to assure you that in no case Will
you receive less than twenty-five thou
sand francs; in event of a successful
termination Of your mission, the re-
ward will be doubled
"'Tis enough" said O'Rourke with a
sigh; Il 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" O'Rourke
took the packet, weighed it curiously
in his hand and scrutinized the seals
He remarked that they were yet soft
and fresh; the wax had been hot with
in the half hour
81 will do myself the honor of meet
ing you at the train to see you OFF. mon
sieur," said Des Trebes. AT that time.
also, will provide you with the funds
you require"
THANK ye.'
Their hands met.
Good night. Monsieur O'Rourke."
Good night.
Half way to the door, Des Trebes
paused. "Oh, by the way" he OK
claimed carelessly. Il believe You are
a friend of my Old schoo!-fellow, Cham.
bret-mon cher Adolph?'
v,;e go occaptaJ The Il.icnnaD