The Elbert County tribune., 1912-03-01


sieur"
Des Trebes. lounging back. knees
crossed. thin white fingers interlac-
ing. black eyes narrowing, regarded
the Irishman thoughtfully for a 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. ito play blind
mans buff"
Am what?" asked ORourke. 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 enyelope-"the
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, yves;
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, I
venture to assert you will find this
let us say-adventure much to your
liking. Then you accept?,
One moment-a dozen questions,
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 ?"
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, 1t would
expose you to grave suspicious, per-
haps to danger"
Il understand that" assented the
lrishman. 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 ye figure might re-
quire? 'Tis barely possible your con-
sulgeneral 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. 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 ORourke 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" 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
Il will do myself the honor of meet
ing you at the train to see you off. mon
sieur." said Des Trebes. sat 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. 'Oh, by the way" he ex-
claimed cafelessly. II believe you are
a friend of my old school-fellow, Cham
bret-mon cher Adolph"
Tis 3d." assented the Irishman
warmly. THE best OF men-Cham-
brett"
Odd" commented the vicomte:
only this afternoon | was thinking
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 stiffly at at
tention. as If alarmed. His palIor was,
If possible. increased, livid-his close
ly shaven beard showing blue black on
hin heavy jowls and prominent chin.