River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-04-04

from France, Monsieur"
O'Rourke considered the envelope
doubtfully From you, monsieur-from
the Government of France. which YOU
represent" he said at length, yes;
Will accept such a commission.
France" he 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, 1
venture to assert you will find this
let us say-adyenture much to your
liking. Then Won accent ?"
one moment-a dozen questions,
ny 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 Hayre.
thence, by the first available steamer,
TO New York; finally, it may be to
venezuela, monsieur
Expenses? 2"
Will myself furnish you with funds
sufficient to finance you as far as
New York. There our consul-general
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, it would
expose you to grave suspicious. per-
| haps to danger"
understand that" assented the
lr1shman. But to obviate all danger
OF mistake, would 1t not be well to
have one of your trusted agents meet
me on the steamer and provide me
with whatever We figure | might re-
qulre? 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"
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 tbon.
sand francs; in event of a successful
termination OF your mission. the re-
ward will be doubled"
lis, enough" said O'Rourke with a
sigh; Il accept"
The Frenchman rose, Offering him
the envelope. You must pledge your
sell, monsieur, not to break these seals
until you are at scar"
"Absolutely-of course" O,Rourl,e
took the packet. weighed 1t curiouslv
In his hand and scrutinized the seals
He remarked that they were vet soft
and fresh; the wax had been hot with.
in the half hour.
i Will do myself the honor of meet.
ing you at the train to see you off. mon
sleur, said Des Trebes. "At that time
also, will | provide you with the funds
you require"
Thank ye."
Their hands met.
Good night, Monsieur oRourke."
Good night. -
HAN way to the door, Des Trebes
paused. "Oh. by the way" he ex.
claimed carelessly. 81 believe you are
a friend OF my old school-fellow. Cham
bret-mon cher Adolph?"
lis So" assented the Irishman
warmly. The best of men-Cham-
brett"
odd, commented the yicomta.
only this afternoon | was thinkine
of him. wondering what had become
of the man."
THE last 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 second Good night" and
swore beneath his breath
O'Rourke. surprised, stared. The
Frenchman was standing stiffIy at at
tention, as if alarmed His pallor was
If 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?"
"Mean?" iterated O'Rourke. Insult?
Faith, We have me there"
Speeches. with rage. Des. Trebes ges-
tured violently toward the alcove; and
O'Rourke became aware that the cur
tains were shaking as
though a draught stirred them. But
there was no draught And beneath
their edge he saw two feet-.wo small.
bewitching feet in the daintiest and
most absurd of evening slippers. with
an inch or so of silken stockings show
ing above each.
Des Trebes' eyes, filed with an az.
preston unspeakably offensive met
the Irishman's blank. wondering gaze
1T Is, no doubt" the Frenchman STAN.
mered. sanctioned by your code to |
have me spied upon by the partner of |
your naisons."
But, monsieur"
Il compliment the lady upon The
smallness of her feet, as well as upon |
ankles SO charming that cannot hiring |
myself to leave without a Slimnsa !, |
their mistress features"
Des Trebes moved toward tba al.
cove. Thunderstruck. O'Rourke ran
ped out q stupefied oath, then IN a
stride forsstalled the man. with him