The Elk Mountain pilot., 1918-11-14

goggles, with the low-visored cap and
fur coat. he looked not unlike his late
companion. But he had a jaunty step
ns he walked toward the car. bit Of
swagger that covered. perhaps. just a
trifie of uneasiness.
For Milky now knew his destination.
knew that he was bound on perilous
work, and thnt the chances of his re-
turning were about fifty-fifty. or rather
less.
He did not know his way. Over the
mountains 1t was plain enough. for
there was but one road. After he
descended into the plain of Karnia.
however, 1t became difficult. Sign
posts were, few and not explicit. But
at last he found the railroad. which
he knew well-that rnilrond without
objective. save az 1t would serve to
move troops toward the border. After
that Milky found 1t easier.
But, with his course assured. other
difficulties presented themselves. To
take the letter to those who would re-
ceive It was one thing. But to deliver
It. with all that 1t might contain. was
another. He was not brilliant, was
Milky. Only brave and simple of
heart, and unversed in the ways Of
darkness. So
II, now, he could open the letter and
remove It, substituting-well. whnt
could he substitute1 There were
cigarette papers in his pocket. Trust
Milky for that. But how to make the
exchanged
The engine was boiling hard. dull
roaring under the hood that threat
ened trouble. He drew up beside the
road and took OF the wnter cap. Then
he whistled. Why. Of course! Had 1t
not been done from time immemorial.
this steaming Of lettersf He examined
1t. It bore no discriminating seal.
He held the envelope over the water
cap. and was boyishly pleased to feel
the nap loosen. After all. things were
easy enough II one used ones bruins.
He rather regretted using almost nli
Of his cigarette papers, of course. He
had, perhaps, never heard Of the drop
Of nicotine on the tongue Of dog.
Az for the letter itself. he put It.
without even glancing at It, into his
cnp, under the lining. Then he sealed
the envelope again and dried 1t against
one Of the lamps. 1t looked. he re-
tiected. as good as new.
He was extremely pleased with him
self.
Before he returned to the machine
he consulted his watch. 1t Was three
O'Clock. True. the long early spring
night gave him four more hours Of
darkness. But the messenger was due
at three, at the hunting lodge in the
mountains which was his destination.
He would be. at the best. late BY an
hour.
On what the messenger Ind tod him
Milky hung his hope of success. This
was, briefly. that he should go to the
royal shooting box at Wedeling. and
should go. not to the house itself. but
to the gate keepers lodge. Here he
wus to leave his machine, and tap at
the door. On Its being opened; he was
to say nothing. but to give the letter
to him who opened the door. After
that he was to take the machine away
to the capital, some sixty miles farther
on. --
The message, then. was to the king
himself. For Milky. as all the world.
knew that Karl. with some kindred
spirits, was at Wedeling. shooting.
That Is, If the messenger told the
truth. Milky intended to find out. He
was nothing II not thorough.
When at last the lights of the lodge
at the gate of Wedeling CLEANED out
through the trees. 1t was half-rnst
three, and wet spring snow was fall
ing softly. In an open place Milky
looked up The stars were gone.
The lodge now, and the quite keep
er.s house. Nikky's heart hammered
as he left the car-hammered with
nervousness, not terror. But he went
boldly to the door, and knocked.
So far oil was well. There were
Footsteps within, and q man stepped
out into the darkness, closing the door
behind him.
.You have the letter. be asked.
sIt is here"
II will take It"
Milky hsad It s1t The man fun
b1sd for II, took It
s,ordsrs have come." said the voice.
''that you remain here for the night.