River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1918-04-25

goggles, with the low-visored cap and
fur coat, he looked not unlike his late
companion. but he had jaunty step
as he walked toward the car, bit of
swagger that covered, perhaps, just
trifle of uneasiness.
For Milky now knew his destination,
knew that he was bound on perilous
work, and that the chances Of his re-
turning were about fifty-fifty, or rather
less.
He did not know his way. Over the
mountains it was plain enough, for
there was but one road. After he
descended into the plain OF Karnia,
however, it became difficult. Sign
posts were few and not explicit. But
at last he found the railroad, which
he knew well-that railroad without
objective, save as it would serve to
move troops toward the border. After
that Milky found it easier.
But, with his course assured, other
difficulties presented themselves. To
take the letter to those who would re-
it. with all that it might contain, was
another. He was not brilliant, was
Milky. Only brave and simple Of
heart and IMMERSED in the ways Of
darkness.
If. now, he could open the letter and
remove it, substituting-well, what
could he substitute? There were
cigarette papers in his pocket. Trust
Milky for that. But how to make the
exchange?
The engine was boiling hard, dull
roaring under the hood that threat
ened trouble. He drew up beside the
road and took off the water cap. Then
he whistled. Why, Of course! Had it
not been done from time immemorial,
this steaming Of letters? He examined
it. 1t bore no discriminating seal.
He held the envelope over the water
cap, and was boyishly pleased to feel
the flap loosen. After all, things were
easy enough if one used ones brains.
He rather regretted using almost all
of his cigarette papers, of course. lie
had, perhaps, never heard of, the drop
Of nicotine on the tongue of dog.
AS for the letter itself, he put 1t,
without even glancing at it, into his
cap, under the lining. Then he sealed
| the envelope again and dried it against
one of the lamps. It looked, he re-
Elected, as good as new.
He was extremely pleased with him
| self.
Before he returned to the machine
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 had told him
Milky hung his hope of success. This
was, briefly, that he should go to the
royal shooting box at Wedding, and
| should go, not to the house itself, but
to the gate keepers lodge. Here he
was to leave his machine, and tap at
the door. On it's being opened, he was
| 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 if not thorough.
When at last the lights of the lodge
at the gate of Wedding cleaned out
through the trees, it was half-past
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 gate 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 ali was well. There were
footsteps within, and man stepped
out into the darkness, closing the door
behind him.
'sYou have, the letter?" he asked.
ut is here"
| Il will take it."
Milky held it out. The man fun
bled for it. took 1t.
I ORDERS have come" said the voice,
that you remain here for the night.