Mexico Missouri message., 1916-06-22

| "Nor was 1t as easily kept as sup
posed when given" he said under his
breath. Come with me into this side
room where we can converse more
freely--I can perceive Monsieur Cas-
sion across the floor. No doubt he is
seeking You, and my presence here
will give the man no pleasure"
glanced in the direction indicated,
and although 1 saw nothing of the
commissaire, slipped back willingly
! enough through the lifted curtain into
the deserted room behind. 1t was
evidently an ONCE Of some kind, for
1t contained only a desk and some
chairs, and was unlighted, except for
the CLEAN from between the curtains.
The outer wall was so thick a consid-
cradle space separated the room from
the window, which was screened Off by
heavy drapery. D'Artigny appeared
familiar with these details, for, with
scarcely a glance about, he led me
into this recess, where we stood con-
cealed. Lights from below illumined
our faces, and revealed an open win
dow looking down on the court. My
companion glanced out at the scene
beneath, and his eyes and lips smiled
as he turned again and faced me.
"But, monsieur" questioned puz-
zled, "why was it not easy? You met
with troublep
Hardly that; mere annoyance. 1
may only suspect the cause, but an
hour after left you my ticket of in
vitation was withdrawn"
withdrawn? by whom?"
''The order of La Barre, no doubt;
an o1icer of his guard called on me
to say he preferred my absence"
"'Twas the work Of Cassion."
$50 chose to believe, especially as
he sent me word later to remain at
the boats, and have them in readiness
for departure at any minute. Some
inkling of our meeting must have
reached his ears"
But how came you here, then9"
he laughed in careless good humor.
why, that was no trick! Think you
I am one to disappoint because of 30
small an obstacle? As the door was
refused me sought other entrance,
and found 1t here" He pointed through
the open window. "It was not a diff
flcult passage, but I had to wait the
withdrawal of the guards below, which
caused my late arrival. Yet this was
compensated for by discovering you so
quickly. My only fear was encounter
ing someone I knew while seeking
you on the floor"
'You entered through this Window"
eyes; there is a lattice work below"
"And whose office is that within|
"My guess is that of Colonel Del
guard, La Barrels chief of staff, for
there was a letter for him lying on
the desk. What difference? You are
glad 1 Gamer
eyes, monsieur, but not so much for
my own sake as for yours. bring
you warning that you adventure with
those who would do you evil if the
chance arrive"
"Bah! Monsieur Cassion?
"'Tis not well for you to despise the
man, for he has power and is a villain
at heart in spite of all his pretty ways.
TITS said he has the cruelty of tiger,
and in this case La Barre gives him
full authority"
Hath the governor grudge against
me alsoP'
"Only that you are follower Of La
Sale, and loyal, while he is heart and
hand with the other faction. He child
ed Cassion for accepting you as guide,
and advised close watch lest you show
treachery."
DArtigny leaned motionIess against
the window ledge, and the light
streaming in through the opening Of
the draperies revealed the gravity Of