Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-07-12

seemed departed from his legs, and
he sank helplessly back again.
What is your name?'' asked
the little man, looking at him with
those gimlet eyes.
"Aristide Brisson, sir"
You have been long in this
~house?"
"For 20 years, sir. My record
is of the best"
1--WE will investigate it, said
Lepine CURLY.
do sol" cried a voice behind
them. Nothing would please us
%better!!" They turned to find Ma
dame Brlsson on the threshold, her
eyes flashing, her bosom heaving,
one plump hand hold together at
the throat the garment which
threatened every moment to dis
close her still plumper shoulders.
We are honest people = our
nelghbors will speak a good word
for us-all of them!"
II do not doubt it, Madame"
said Lepine, courteously, realizing
that here he had to do with the
head of the house. Meanwhile
we wish to'make certain inquiries
OF you, which you need not hest
tate to answer. But / wish first to
warn you that Of these inquiries
you must not breathe so much as a
word to any one. Do you under
stand?"
5 We understand, sir; you may
rely upon us, said Madame Bris-
son, and sat down beside her hus-
band.
Our inquiry pursued Lepine,
concerns the two gentleman who
departed SO early yesterday morn
ing"
At the words, Brisson bounded
IN his chair, and the color swept
back into his cheeks. He was him
self again.
"So!" he cried, and suddenly
found that he could stand erect,
and did SO. 80! 1t is about those
swine! / knew that all was not
right; | knew that they were not
as they pretended! u
What was it they pretended?"
THAT they were Of America.
But it did not deceive memo. not
for one instant. They had not the
ar OF Americans. Besides, do
Americans go tramping about the
country with knapsacks on their
backs :. No; only Germans do that!
10 Gabrielle, as they departed, |
said, Americans, no; Germans,
perhaps, or Austrians-but not
Americans!!"
Yes, gentlemen, those were his
very words!" said Madame Bris-
son, with an emphatic nod.
And there is a final proof"
went on Brisson, excitedly; "a
proof conclusive. When / present
my bill, the nj who takes it grows
quite red with anger. 1t was a most
reasonable bill - SO francs for
three days, with many extras "a
most reasonable bill, for Ameri-
cans. 1t vas then that [ knew
there was something wrong-that
they were imposters who feared
the police. 1t was only that which
prevented a scene. Gabrielle, I
said, as they went away down the
street, those men have something
to conceal
Yes, gentlemen" put in Ga
brielle, "he said just that
There is even worse to come,
sirs,o and Brisson dropped his
voice as one does in speaking of
great horrors. "You will scarcely
credit it, but, after having had us
at their heels for three days, up-
stairs, downstairs after compell-.
ing us to arise in the dark Of night
to prepare their breakfasts-this
person handed me a note for 100
francs and said with a lordly air,
You may keep the change" The
change-four francs! And yet
from his manner you would have
thought he was giving me a for
tune!''
Have you still that 1~O0-franc
note z" Leplne incurred.
But certainly, SIR answered.
Madame Gabrielle, and, turning
her back to the company, she
stopped quickly and arose with the
bill In her hand.
Lepine took it and examined It
carefully by the light of the can
die. It was a new note, apparently
fresh from the bank, and the pre-
Ifect's eyes were shining with salts
faction when he raised his head.
shall have to retain this, he
said. aOne moment, Z he added.
as Madame Brisson opened her lips
to protest; shall, of course.