Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1918-03-07

goggles, with the low-vlsored cap and
fur coat. he looked not unlike his late
companion. But he had a jaunty step
as he walked toward the car, q bit OF
swagger that covered. perhaps, just q
trife 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 ~flfty-ifty, or rather
less.
He did not know his way. Over the
mountains 1t was plain enough, for
there was but n road. After he
descended into the plain of Karnin,
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 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 1t was one thing. But to deliver
1t, 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, a dull
roaring under the hood that threat.
ened trouble. He drew up beside the
road and took of the water cap. Then
lie whistled. Why, Of course! Had 1t
not been done from time immemorial,
this steamIng of letters7 He examined
1t. 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 He
had. perhaps, never heard Of the drop
Of nicotine on the tongue Of a dog.
AS for the letter itself, he put 1t,
without wen glancing at 1t, into his
cap, under the lining. Then he sealed
the envelope again and dried 1t against
n Of the lamps. 1t looked, he e
Elected, 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 told him
Milky hung his hope Of success. This
was. briefly, that he should so to the
royal shooting box ut 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 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 Wedding, shooting.
That Ia, II the messenger told the
truth. Milky intended to find out. He
WINS nothing II not thorough.
When at last the lights Of the lodge
ut the gate Of Wedding gleamed out
through the trees, 1t was half.past
three, and d wet spring snow was foil.
Ing softly. In an open place Milky
'ookcd ur. The stars were gone.
The lodge HOW, and tho 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 all was well. There were
footsteps within, ind 4 man stepped
out Into the darkness, closing the door
behind him.
lyon have the letterf' ho asksd.
ut is here"
u will take It."
Milky held It out. The man FUN.
bled for II, took Il.
"Orders have come" said tho voics,
TINT sou renaain here Tor The nighE.