The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-07-12
NOIU Go On With the Story

I patiently for tomorrow's papers. They
will tell us IL anything serious over
takes US between now and then"
Bursts of laughter echoed through
the room. Suddenly q calm voice arose
in the silence which followed the
laughter.
Gentlemen" II said, I'VE must not
ridicule what we cannot explain. To-
me, this is all too formidable to be
considered a joke any longer. A man
who has been able toapproach several
kings and emperors, a man who has
been able to elude the police of the
entire world for Twenty-Five days, a
man who has the audacity, the skill,
the self-conhdence OF this one, IL he
Is fool, is most dangerous onei~
There was q moment of astonished
silence. Then murmurs arose, but
the calm. grave voice went on, above
them all:
Instead Of laughing, It would
seem wiser TO scent danger and put
ourselves on guard, II possible.
who knows but that same terribly
ambitious or terribly enlightened man
has possession OF q new explosive or
new implement Of warfare, for ex-
ample?
And who knows but that this man
~ Aoo bANCh SUN
OF intelligence, power and temerity,
will not hurl his engine of destruc-
ton upon the world when he sees
HIS threat disregarded?
Gentlemen, I repeat, that a ser
ious reflection upon this mystery
would be more suitable than a care
less Taught"
The voice ceased.
An officer arose quickly, took his
cap from its hook, and walked out
stiffly. 1t was the speaker, Captain
lie RerbeIlac. His ominous words had
cast their chill. A profound silence
followed his departure, but only for
q moment.
Suddenly ssinte-cIaire exclaimed:
"Pessimistic, as usual lie KerbeIlac!
l persist in thinking it funny even IL
The Unknown turns out to be the
devil himself"
He rose to his feet, and lifting his
half filled glass OF Asti, prepared a
toast
ITO The Unknown'"
They cheered, they cIinked glasses.
they drank and then they drank
again, in the midst OF applause and
cries and laughter, until the Asst bot
ties had been emptied. Then they
sat down and began 10 eat. CONVEX
sstion became more and more gen
eral, and the meal was ended without
further incident.
The Officers Dream.
THAT afternoon at ; o'clock Sainte-
Claire and Ciserat left the hotel
1 at Villefrsnche. in that state OF
contentment which only a good
luncheon can bestow.
Through the picturesque narrow
streets. now rooted across. now descend
ing in steep steps. they went on down
TO the waters edge.
1t was one Of those exquisite Riviera
winter days. when the sun has the
air soft. and the sea calm.
Some officers were strolling back and
forth along the quay. with cigar or
cigarette. enjoying that utter sense of
well-being which is ever the result Of a
good meal on a fine day.
At the edge Of the water. Ciserat and
his friend stopped and looked at one an
other questioningly.
What shall we do?" asked the en-
sign.
Il should like to go back and write
some letters. The cafes here are so full |
and It is quieter on board"
Yes" said sainte-Claire II must do |
some writing. too. Then. I'll go to bed |
for fifteen solid hours Of sleep"
Won't you dine tonight?"
No. 1--we had enou0h IN Last for
some time. and haven't caught up on |
the sleep lost during the maneouvreS |
You know. / must get eight hours sleep |
in twenty-four. and I'm terribly be- |
hind" Ciserat laughed.
Go along. then" he said to his friend