Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1912-02-14

the Government of France, which you
represent" he said at length, "yes;
I will accept such commission.
France" he averred simply, knows
Inc; it wouldn't be asking me to do
anything gentleman shouldn't"
"You may feel assured of that"
agreed Des Trebes gravely. Indeed, l
venture to assert you will find this
let us say-adventnre much to your
liking. Then you accept?"
"one moment-a dozen question
by your leave. When must
start?"
Tomorrow morning by the Cote
d'Azur Rapide, 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 consulgeneral
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, 1t would
expose you to grave suspicious, per-
haps to danger"
81 understand that" assented the
Irishman. "But to obviate all danger
of mistake, would it not be we'll to
have one of your trusted agents meet
me on the steamer and provide me
with whatever ye figure might re-
quire? IT'S barely possible your con-
sul-general might not recognize me in
New York. Why should he? l never
heard his name, even."
Des Trebes meditated this briefly.
at 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
to 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"
"'Tis 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 1t 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. ooh, by the way" he ex-
claimed carelessly, 81 believe you are
friend of my old school-fellow, Cham
bret-mon cher Adolph?"
"'Tis So" assented the Irishman
warmly. "The best of men-Cham-
brett"
"odd," commented the vicomte;
"only this afternoon l was thinking
of him, wondering what had become
of the man."
"The last l heard Of him, he was in
Algeria, monsieur-with some French
force in the desert"
Thank you :" On the point
of leaving the vicomte snapped his
teeth on a second Good night" and
swore beneath his breath.
O'Rourke, surprised, stared. The
Frenchman was standing stiffly at. at
tention, as II alarmed. His pallor was,
II possible, increased, livid-his close
ly shaven beard showing blue-black on
his heavy jowls and prominent chin.
His eyes blazed, shifting from the al.
cove to O'Rourke.
Monsieur" he demanded harshly,
"what does this insult mean?" i.
"Mean?" iterated O'Rourke. Insult?
Faith, We have mo there"
Speechless with rage, Des Trebes ges,
tured violently toward the alcove; and
O'Rourke became aware that the cur
tains were shaking-wayering as
though a draught stirred them. But
there was no draught. And beneath
their edge he saw two feet-two small,
bewitching feet In the daintiest and
most absurd Of evening slippers, with
an inch or so of silken stockings show
ing above each.
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