Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-03-08

less Dlustery days. Still. they wouldnt
nave been human il they had not done
some romancing.
There were a dozen yarns. each al
variance with the other. First. the
old monster" was a fugitive from
France; everybody granted that. Sec
ond, that he had helped to cut of King
Louis head; but nobody could prove
mat. Third. that he was a retired
pirate; but retired pirates always
wound up their days in riotous living
30 this theory died Fourth. that be
mad been a great soldier in the Ma.
poleOnic wars. and this version had
some basis, as the old mans face was
slashed and cut. some Of his fingers
missing. and he limped. Again. he
mad been banlshed from France for a
share In the Hundred Days. But. all
told, nothing was proved conclusively.
But the next generation partly for
got and the present only indlierently
remembered that once upon a time
French emigre had lived and died ND
there.
All these things Fitzgerald and his
companion learned from the driver on
the journey up the incline.
Where was this Frenchman bur.
iedT inquired Breitmann softly.
In tn cemet'ry Jest over tn hill.
But nobody knows Jest where he is
now. Stones gone, an tn grounds
all level that end. He was on'y a
Frenchman> But tn admiral, now
you're talkin'! He pays cash an don't
make no bargain rates when he wants
a job done. Go wan, y OIL nag. What
y dreamin' of"
There might be history in that cor
ner Of the graveyard" said Breitmann.
who knows? Good many strange
bits Of furniture found their way over
here during those tremendous times.
Beautiful place in the daytime, eh?"
Fitzgerald added with an inclination
toward the Pines.
More like an Italian villa than an
Engllshman's home Good gardeners,
| should say"
Culture and money will make
bog attractive"
rs the admiral cultured, then?o
II should imagine so. But | am sure
the daughter is. The admiral, | be-
lieve. occupies himself with his books.
his butterflies and his cruises"
"A daughter. She is cultured, You
say? So long as she is not capriciOus
and does not interfere with my work.
"0r peace Of mind" interrupted Fltz-
gerald, with prophetic suddenness,
which was modified by laughter.
mo, my friend; no woman has ever
yet stirred my heart, though many have
temporarily captured my senses. A
man in my position has no right to
love-" with dignity which surprised
his auditor.
Fitzgerald looked down at the wheels.
There was something even more than
dignity, an indefnable something. a su-
periorlty which Fitzgerald's present at
titude of mind could not approach.
This man." he unused, will afford
some interesting study. One would
think that nothing less than a grand
duke was riding in this rafting old
carryall." There was silence for a
time.
How long will you be here?" asked
Breitmann.
Cant say. Three or four days per.
haps. 1t all depends. What shall say
about you to them?"
"As little as possible"
"And that's really about all | could
say" with a suggestion.
But the other failed to meet the sug-
gestion halfway.
You might forget about my ragged
linen in Paris" acridly.
"Tll omit that" good naturally.
Come, be cheerful. Fortunes wheel
will turn, and 1t pulls up as we'll as
down. Remember that"
IL must be on the ascendency, for |
am at the nadir just at present" He |
breathed in the sweet freshness which |
still chung to the morning and settled |
his shoulders like recruiting sergeant. |
:'How well the man has studied his |
English" thought Fitzgerald. He rare.
ly hesltated for q word, and his idioms |
were always nicely adjusted.
The admiral was alone. He received |
them with an easy courtliness, which |
is more noticeable in the old world |
than in the new. He directed the serv-
ants to take charge Of the luggage, and |
to Breitmann there was never a word |
about work. That had all been decided |
BY letter He urged the new secretary
to return to the library as soon as be !
had established himself.
Breitmann was rather grateful for
Fitzgerald's presence. This occupation
was not going to be mental; at least, |
there would be pleasant sides to it. |
And. then, It might not take him a
week to complete his own affair.
There was no misleading the admiral. !
He was a gentleman, affable, kindly |
and a good story teller. too. crisp and
to the point, sailor fashion.
do you know butterflies, Mr.. Fitz-
gerald"
"Social?