The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-12-15

man. ne Qad jumped pTemaIuTely dL
baseless conclusion, it seemed. And
by now it was much too late to think
Of further pursuit. 'That is all l
wished to know, monsieur" he admit
ted lamely. There was lady in the
group whom I thought I recognized.
[ wished to find her, and fancied We
might perhaps direct me. Ye didn't
by any chance happen to hear Mrs.
Smyth-Herriot say where she was 60
ng with Mr.. Glynn?"
"Unhappily, no, monsieur
"Very we'll then. What can I have
he happiness to serve ye in?"
The Frenchman hesitated briefly.
This is a trife public" he suggest
I'd. will you not be kind enough to
walk with me a little distance, while
We conyerse?"
''Gladly, monsieur"
Des Trebes produced cigarette case,
and together, smoking, the two turned
their backs upon the casino and wan
iered off along the paths Of the ter
raced gardens. Ever descending, they
came at length to the secluded, little
lighted and less frequented portions Of
the grounds which border the water.
front, and presently sat side by side
upon bench, looking out over the
harbor. Then and then only did Des
Trebes approach his subject-some-
thing which he had until now studious-
ly avoided, distracting the not over
patient Irishman by a falling fire OF
banalities.
Il dare say, Colonel ORourke," he
suggested abandoning his mother
tongue for excellent English-'I dare
say you are wondering"
II am that"
Il feared Sc. But it was essential
that we should speak in privacy"
"Yes-?"
But before proceed, may l put you
a question or two bordering, perhaps
upon impertinence, yet not so con
ceived?"
what long-winded beggar!"
+ >0'Rourke commented mentally. "As
tor that" said he aloud, "'tis impos-
sible for me to calculate the inpertl-
hence until it's put to me. Eh?"
"Believe me, sir, am anxious only
% avoid indiscretion. It is the ques-
ion of your identity alone. I desire
only to be assured that you are the
Colonel O'Rourke I take you to be"
T my faith! And who else would 1
oe, now?"
tThere's the bare possibility that
:wo of the same name might exist"
"'Tis so bare that it's fairly inde-
cent" chuckled the Irishman. "But fire
away"
''I am not mistaken in assuming
that I address the Colonel Terence
} tO'Rourke who was at one time party
to le petit Lemercie's mad Empire du
Sahara project and who later mar
ried Lemarciers widow, Madame Ia
Princesse de Grandeur"
O'Rourke took long breath and
looked his questioner up and down.
"Ye have very: pretty taste in the
matters of impertinences," he said
gravely. "However, let that pass. I'm
| the same man"
"a thousand pardons. Caution In
matters such as this" A shrug COM
pleted the thought most eloquently.
you can give me proofs of your iden-
tity, them"
"Proofs!" O'Rourke got to his feet.
Believe me, monsieur, ye have all the
proof I'm willing to give ye, and that's
my last word. If We find it insufficient,
why, then
"Pardon!" Des Trebes Interrupted,
rising. 'I am myself more than con-
tent. But the Government Of France
1.-THE Government Of France-!
O'Rourke whistled.
'Is more exacting than I. It knows
a. certain Colonel O'Rourke and him
alone does it need"
s'The divvle it does! And what will
it be wanting with me?'
'sI can say at present no more than
that I represent Government in an
affair demanding secrecy and dispatch.
[ have a certain diplomatic mission to
discharge, and shall have need, mon
sieur, Of man strong, bold, venture
some, willing to undertake. along and
perhaps perilous Journey" Had Des
Trebes been inspired he could have
formulated no speech better calculated
to intrigue the Irisnman; the merest
echo of it's import would have fired
his hearers fancy. He added: "And l
am authorized to retain for that pur-
pose, should I be fortunate enough to
ind him unengaged, certain Colonel
Terence O'Rourke."
! "Say no more, monsieur. IT'S
enough. 'Secrecy-dispatch-a long
and perilous journey!' Faith I'm just
! your mani"
'You have no other business OF the
moment:"
"None whatever"
s'Then I am indeed fortunate. ARD