The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1916-06-09

growls, yelps against an undertone
made up of the blended voices of ex-
cited noncombatants.
AS suddenly as though someone,
wearying of the entertainment, had
lifted the needle from that record, il
was discontinued. The minister Of
war stirred uneasily in his sleep. NUT
tered naughty word. opened one eye,
scowled, opened the other.
He blinked furiously, half-blinded
but still able to make out the discom-
posing silhouette of a man seated Just
beyond the radius of glare-a quiet
presence that moved not, but eyed him
steadfastly; an apparition the more
arresting because of its very immo-
bility.
Rapidly the face of the minister Of
war lost several shades of purple. He
moistened his lips nervously with a
thick, dry tongue, and convulsiyely he
clutched the bedclothing high and
tight about his neck, as though labor
ing under the erroneous impression
that the sanctity of his person was
threatened.
What do you want, monsieur" he
suffered in still, small voice which
he would have been the last to ac-
knowledge his own.
Il desire to discuss matter of bust
ness with monsieur" replied the in
truder after a small pause. IF you
will be good enough to calm yourself
-"
Il am perfectly calm"
But here the minister OF war verified
with one swift glance an earlier i'm
preston, to the effect that the tres
passer was holding something that
shone with, metallic luster, and his
soul began to curl up round the edges.
There are eighteen hundred francs
in my poeketbook- about" he man.
aged to articulate. MY watch is on
the stand here You &ll find the fam.
iA plate-in khe dining room safe' be
hind the buffet--the key is on my ring
and the jewels of madame, my wife.
in small strong box beneath the head
OF her bed. The combination"
Pardon; monsieur labors under a
misrepresentation" the housebreaker
interposed dryly. Had one desired
these valuables one would readily have
possessed oneself OF them without
going to the trouble of disturbing the
rest of monsieur. I'haye, however, al
ready mentioned the nature of my er.
rand"
"Eh?" demanded the minister of war.
what is that? But give me of your
mercy one chance to explainl | have
never Willingly harmed you, monsieur,
and II | have done so without my
knowledge, rest assured you have but
to petition me through the proper
channels and will be only too glad to
make amends"
"Still you do not listen" the other
insisted. Come, NJ. Ducroy-calm
yourself. / have not robbed you, be.
cause | have no wish to rob you.
have net harmed you, for have no
wish to harm you. Nor have any
wish other than to lay before you, as
representing government, certain
matter CT state business"
There was silence while the minis
ter CT war permitted this exhcrtation
to sink in. Then, apparently treasured
he sat up in bed and eyed his untimely
visitor with glare little short OF true
ulent.
"Eh? What's that?' he demanded
Business? What sort Of business? II
you wish to lay under my considera
ton any matter of business, how is il
you break into my home at dead Of
night and rouse me in this brutal fash
ion-er-" here his voice faltered-
with lethal weapon pointed at my
head?"
Monsieur win admit he speaks un
der an error, returned the burglar
Il have yet to point this pistol at him
! should be very sorry to feel obliged
to do so. display it, in fact, simply
that monsieur may not forget himself
and attempt to summon servants in
his resentment of this-I admit -un-
usual method of introducing oneself to
his attention. When we understand
each other there will be no need for
such precautions, and then shall put
my pistol away, SC that tie sight of II
may no longer annoy monsieur"
''It is true, l do not understand you,
grumbled the minister Of war. Why
If your errand be peaceable break in.
to my house?"
! Because it was urgently necessary
to sec monsieur instantly Monsieur
will reflect upon the reception one
would receive did one ring the front
door bell and demand an audience al
three o'clock in the morning."
Well. NJ. Ducroy conceded dubi
ously Then, on reflection, he iterated
the monosyllable testify. WELL What
is it you want. them"
4 can best explain BY asking mon
sieur to examine what have to show
him
With this Lanyard dropped the pis
tol into his coat pocket, from anothel
produced gold cigarette case, anC
from the store Of this last selected
single cigarette with meticulous care
Regarding the minister Of war in {
mystifying manner. he began TO rol
the cigarette briskly between hi
! palms. a small shower Of tobacco