The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1912-02-22

lighted and less frequented portions OF
the grounds which border the water
front, and presently sat side by side
upon a 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 O'Rourke," he
suggested abandoning his mother
tongue for excellent English-"I dare
say you are wondering"
Il am that"
Il feared so. But it was essential
that We should speak in privacy"
Yes"
But before proceed, may put you
a question or two bordering, perhaps,
upon impertinence. yet not SO con-
ceived?"
What long-winded beggar!"
ORourke commented mentally. "As
for that" said he aloud, "'tis impos-
sible for me to calculate the inperti-
nence until 'tis put to me. En-"
Believe me, sir, am anxious only
to avoid indiscretion. 1t is the ques-
: ton of your identity alone. desire
only to be assured that you are the
Colonel O'Rourke l take you to be-"
MY faith! And who else would l
be, now"
There's the bare possibility that
two Of the same name might exist
"'Tis so bare that It's fairly inde-
cent" chuckled the Irishman. But fire
away"
II am not mistaken in assuming
that l address the Colonel Terence
O'Rourke who was at one time party
to lie petit Lemercie's mad Empire du
Sahara project and who later mar
ried Lemarcier's widow. Madame Ia
Princesse de Grandeur"
O'Rourke took long breath and
looked his questioner up and down.
"Ye have a 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. II ye find it insufficient,
why, them"
Pardon" Des Trebes interrupted,
rising. 81 am myself more than con-
tent. But the Government Of France
"The Government Of France"
O'Rourke whistled.
rs more exacting than |. 1t knows
certain Colonel O'Rourke and him
alone does it need"
THE divvle 1t does! And what will
1t be wanting with me?"
81 can say at present no more than
that / represent Government In an
affair demanding secrecy and dispatch.
have certain diplomatic mission to
discharge, and shall have need, mon
sieur, Of a man strong. bold. venture
some, willing to undertake long and
perhaps perilous Journey" Had Des
Trebes been inspired he could have
formulated no speech better calculated
10 intrigue the Irishman; the merest
echo of its import would have fired
his hearers fancy. He added: And /
am authorized to retain for that pur-
pose, should I be fortunate enough to
and him unengaged, q 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"
Then I am indeed fortunate. And
now, / presume. you will no longer
object to satisfying me as to your iden-
tity."
"Not In the least. Although, to be
candid. monsieur, I'm not In the hab-
It of carrying me Bertillion record
about me. But II yell have the good
mes to accompany me to the Orient,
over there, I'll put your mind at ease
before ye can say knife"
Des Trebes nodded. 'T should be
delighted, but unfortunately" - he
snapped the case Of his watch-l
have an appointment with confrere.
May we fix a time-in half an hour,
say-when 1t will be convenient for
you to have me call at the Orient?'
'Tn half an hour? I'll await ~
then, monsieur"
Pardon, then, my haste. am late.
[ must be Of"
The mans hand touched O'Rourke's
In the most brief Of clasps, singularly
Arm and cold. The Irishman pondered
the sensation for some moments after
Des Trebes' hurrying figure had van
Ished in shadows.
81 don't like it." he averred; It's
q bad sign-a hand that's naturally
cold. l never yet touched one like 1t