Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-09
CHAPTER TX.
Under Surveillance.

The chief business of fishermen is 10
fish: other affairs have therefore to he
arranged accordingly. II seemed that the
villagers. who We're now thoroughly con
WINGED of my completely in selling one of
Frances war maps. did not quite know
what to do about the matter. | was an
American citizen and | was on American
SOIL there did not appear 10 Ire law
that any one knew of which fitted the
case The delegation. with the exception
OF Jean, having invited number of other
men to join them in consulta ton, met
after supper in Surgeons house. Long
they talked. discussed agreed and bck-
cred without arriving anywhere, until
finally Surcon himself thumped the ia
bic and said they would set a guard on
me and one on the German. in order that
the paper should not be passed between
US; and in the interval an effort should
be made TO secure the map which, il
successful would result in it's either be-
ing destroyed or sent to France. That
seemed as good plan as any-and mean
while it was time for bed.
The first thing that saw in the morn
ing, in consequence of this decision. was
the figure of a man sitting on the grass
before Stag Lodge. with his back to the
trunk of tree, cigarette in his mouth
and his face toward my door. When /
went out to him / discovered the man
to be Esper, the little rascal at whom
Pilon had flung the wineglass the first
afternoon ] visited the irn He made
himself very comfortable: the sun slanted
under the boughs and fell warm upon
his body. and he smoked in peace and in
dolence. for it was task that would re-
quire little eXertion-that is, il ] We're
sensible and remained at home and did
not move about, causing him inconveni
10
explained to me. after stating the purpose
of his presence here. From his stand
point there appeared to be certain obi
cations on my side as we'll as on his
He was meager. mid1e-aged, sharp.
understood man, but quick and impudent
he wore neither mustache nor beard, and
the features of his face were all bent to
one side. as il he lad stood in a strong
wind; his eyes were small and bright, his
nose too long. and tricky smile kept
constantly coming and going upon his
lips. Altogether he was just the sort of
fellow TO tail after Pilon: in Paris, when
he drifted about the Montmartre district
he was probably known as THE Rat" or
The Beak or by some equally sug-
gestive name. A dirty red silk handker-
chief was tied about his neck, a bunch
OF fish cord stuck out of one of his pock-
cts. In the conversation which ensued he
informed me of what decision had been
reached by the villagers as to myself
also that Pilon would some day put
knife into my back.
l jngled the coins in my pocket. He
pricked UP an ear.
You're well paid for this?" l asked
He snapped his fingers
After a moment | sat down upon the
grass and drew forth my cigarette case
Fslinging away the cigarette he smoked,
he reached oAt his hand as would one
comrade TO another and helped himself
to three. one of which he lighted
'EOn don't fish much Of late Won and
Descarte and Pilon.
La, la, why should we fish,"
ITO be sure. why should you. while
Senior Del Hervalle remains here"
.'Senor Del Hervalle?" His tone was
polite.
He pays. of course-but Pilon skins
the cream. I suppose" 4 flicker went
over his face. And you and Descarte
take what he gives you. which is little
Isn't t~lt the case?
Monsieur. YOU talk of strange things
took out a dollar and let it lie in my
open palm. where he regarded it steadily
out of notch of mis- eye.
Isn't such the case?''
mo. monsieur
laid a second beside the first. .Eh?''
He considered. No, monsieur
A third was added and l looked the
question.
NO. monsieur, said he at last.
my pocket. Yes, monsieur" he cor
rected.
Not so fast, Esper" as he stretched
his fingers to take them. "Pilon drinks
the cream, eh?
Yes, damn him. And some night he'll
bite the blade of knife"
Ito be continued tomorrow