The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1912-03-22


True for ye." laughed ORourke. He
moved toward the alcove. Nov first
of all I'm to submit proofs of me iden
tity, believe" he added. intending to
dig out of his trunk a dlspatch-box
containing his passports and other pa.
pers of a private nature.
But Des Trebes had changed his
mind. THAT is unnecessary, mon
sieur. Your very willingness Is sum
cient proof. have your word and
am content"
That's the way of doing business
that like" assented O'Rourke heart.
lily. warming a little to the man as he
turned back a chair facing the vi
comte. Besides, | quarrel with no
mans right to be reasonable.
And now I'm at your service, mon
sieur"
Des Trebes. lounging back, knees
crossed, thin white fingers interlac-
ing, black eyes narrowing, regarded
the lrishman thoughtfully for 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. TO play blind
mans buff?"
Am | what?" asked O'Rourke, star
tied. Then he smiled. Pardon: per
haps fail to follow ye."
Il mean," explained the vicomte pa
tiently, that have to offer you a
commission to act under sealed or
ders"-he tapped the encyclopedias
orders contained herein"
"And when would be free to open
that?"
AS soon as you are at sea-away
from France, Monsieur"
O'Rourke considered the envelope
doubtfully From you, monsieur-from
the Government of France, which you
represent" he said at length. Eyes;
VIII accept such commission.
France" be averred simply, knows
me; 1t wouldn't be asking me TO do
anything gentleman shouldn't"
You may feel assured of that"
agreed Des Trebes gravely. Indeed.
venture to assert you will find this
let us say-adventure much to your
hiking. Then you accept?"
one moment-a dozen questions,
by your leave. When must
start2"
Tomorrow morning by the Cote
dAzur Rapide, at ten minutes to
eight"
And where will be going?"
First to Paris; thence to Havre;
thence. by the hrst available steamer,
to New York: finally. 1t may be to
venezuela, monsieur"
"Expenses?"
Il will myself furnish you with funds
SUFFICIENT to finance you as far as
New York There our consul-general
VIII 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"
Il understand that" assented the
lrishman. but to obviate all danger
OF mistake, would It not be well to
have one of your trusted agents meet
me on the steamer and provide me
with whatever We figure | might re-
quire? IT'S barely possible your con.
sul-general might not recognize me in
New York. Why should he? never
heard his name, even"
Des Trebes meditated this briefly
1T shall be as you desire, monsieur II
shall be arranged as you suggest."f
Finally, then. what is to be nv
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 a successful
termination of your mission. the re.
ward will be doubled"
tbs 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'Rourka
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.
Il 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,po,,.,.n