Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1913-12-24

1nOuSn 1t was TOUR O'C Ock on a dark
winter evening, 1 decided that the
streets would be as safe as any cab
for me and, as there would be time
for me to walk to my lodgings and
still catch the night boat, l set off at a
brisk pace. had reached the National
gallery before | was satisfied that was
not being followed-at any rate, close.
ly. My route now lay through a maze
Of narrow streets of unsavory reputa-
'tion. Should attempt their passage?
1t seemed to me that all places were
equally precarious just now. I had
halted at the entrance to one of those
little Old-fashioned hotels, still fire.
quented by travellers, though their en-
crOaching slum neighbors are gradual
ly driving out the better class of visit
| ors. While l was debating, suddenly a
muft1ed, but Enthusiastically feminine
voice, crying for help, reached my ears.
| Immediately a hanson wheeled round
! the corner and drew in near the hotel
entrance. A second later 1 perceived
two men half leading, half dragging
yelled lady toward the doors. She
seemed suddenly to have awakened to
a realization of her destination, for she
began to struggle violently and to
| scream. One Of the men clapped his
hand over her lips and unceremonious-
~ they bundled her irto the hanson.
Should | intervene? Or was this but
some trick to lure me out of the broad
thoroughfare mo that maze of secret
| streets and there to rob me? AS I
waited one last cry came to me, SO
piercing in its agony that l almost re-
GREETED my prudence; but before l
could finally run to the girls aid l
heard men running in answer to her
call, and suddenly the cabman dashed
his horse and the vehicle disappeared
into the gathering murk and fog.
Certainly matters were becoming
lively! And I had been gone but
short half hour already!
l retraced my steps homeward, not
penetrating the narrow maze of alleys
that lay nearest, and arrived in time to
discover Talbot, my servant solder,
laying the table for my dinner. I babe
him pack my grip instantly and get
me ready for the Paris boat
Wont you tyke me with you, sir?"
he pleaded. Them froggies is narsty
devils, sir. I'd like to go, sir. Two
eads is better than one, sir, and 'oo1
look after you when you're asleep,
Them frog-eaters will trap you into
dooel, sir
Talbot and had gone through many
strange adventures together, and there
was no man whose company I would
have preferred But in this case had
to dispense with him, for my mission
was a brief one and I could not be
troubled with companion, especially
as French was the one'language Talbot
would not or could not learn.
When he found that I was obdurate,
Talbot set about packing my grip.
Then, at my instructions, he sewed the
precious document within the lining Of
my coat And so, grasping the now
empty wallet, I set off for Charing
Cross station, which I reached without
mishap. At nine o'clock I was en-
route for Dover; at midnight I was
aboard the night boat for Calais can
| hardly express the thankfulness I felt
at having at least performed the first
part Of the journey in safety. By the
morrow noon, my task fulfilled,
!; should be on my way homeward.
} did not sleep, but lay down to rest
in my berth. I am not the best of sail.
t ors and the action of the waves pro-
t duced in me that sensation from which
even those of the blood royal are not
r exempt. The lights were low in the
oh Tr
spite Of my resolution I must have
g dozed off slightly-for I started VI
g suddenly, to hear the steward announ
cling that the lights of Calais harbo1
/. were visible and that we were near the
O end of our journey.
l. So lightly had my eyes closed. 81
IL firmly had held the wallet, none couIt
s have approached to rob me Of it, fel
e sure, without instant detection. An,
l, yet-was that my wallet? My vale
n had had silver lock, and this, thoug]
d otherwise creditable resemblance
S, had one Of untinned brass. Thorough
10 ly alarmed, I sprang to my feet an
felt at my coat Thank heaven, tn
70 treaty still reposed within the lining.
I But now for the first time I realize
IS how crafty, how imp-acable, were tn
re enemies that pursued me. The wa
lie let must have been substituted Will
ID 1 dozed. l flung it away across tn
It. calm. I must watch myself the NOR
a. carefully, for undoubtedly they woul
u attempt their coup during the nigh
N journey between Calais and Paris.
a Strangely enough, there was not
is sleeping compartment to be had, an
sr I was forced to content myself with a
ordinary carriage. l did, however, SUI
lie coed in obtaining one for myself, sa'
ly the door closed, and, as the trail
n steamed out of the station, congrat,
s. lated myself upon successful journe.
Of had no further desire to sleep. Th
g. dawn would find me in Paris, an
III ready to perform my mission.
Ac