Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1918-03-29

FttAANCs
Peter was calm. Hc-had carried
many such letters as the one now hid
den in his breast pocket. No con-
science stirred In him. Ii he did
not do this work. others would.
He had until midnight. 81 that
hour messenger would receive the
letter from him in the eolonnade of
the cathedral. On this night, each
week. the messenger waited. Some
times there was letter. sometimes
none. That was all. 1t was amazing
" simple. and for 1t one received the
difference between penury and com
fort.
Seeing Peter settled, steaming
platter before him. Herman turned
and hurried through the night. This
which he had happened on was big
thing, too big for him alone. Two
heads were better than :. He
would take advice.
on the main avenue he fell into a
smart trot. The color came 81 his
pale cheeks. A cold sweat broke ont
over him. He was short of wind from
many cigarettes But at last he
reached the house.
Black Humbert was not in his bu-
reau, behind the grating. With easy
familiarity Herman turned 10 door
beyond and entered. A dirty little
room, it was Uttered now with the
preparations for meal. On the ssre
table We're loaf. jug of beer, and
dish of fried veal. The concierge
was at the stove making gravy in a
frying pan-a huge man, bearded and
heavy of girth, yet stepping lightly,
like a cat. "A dark man and called
the black he yet revealed, On full
glance, eyes cdriously pale and fiat.
No greeting passed between them.
Huiubert gave his visitor quick
glance. Herman closed the door. and
wiped out the band of his hat. The
concierge poured the gravy over the
meat.
Il have discovered something, Her
man said. "As to its value, / know
nothing, or Its use to u.s."
Let me Judge that
ut is a matter of letter"
SIT down, man, and tell 1t. Or do
you wish me to draw the information,
like bad teeth?"
"A letter from the palace" said
Herman. And explained.
Black Humbert listened. He was
skeptical, but not entirely incredulous.
He knew the court--none better. The
women of the court wrote m6ay let
ters. He saw a number of them,
through one Of his men in the post
Office. There We're many intrigues.
After all, who could blame them? The
court was dreary enough these days,
and IL they chose to amuse themselves
as best they cOuld-0ne must make
allowances.
"A liaison' he said at last, with
his mouth full. "The countess is hand
some. and bored, Annunciata Is driv-
ing her to wickedness, as she drove
her husband. But 1t is weEth consid-
Grafton. Even the knowledge of an
intrigue is often helpful. OF what
size was the letter."
"A small envelope. saw no more"
$50" The big man rose, and I'M
tied his soiled apron. Go back" he
said, land enter the restaurant Or
der small meal, that you may have
finished when he does. Leave with
him and suggest the Hungaria."
"Hungarial have no mons5s.
''You viii need no money. Now,
mark this: At d certain corner you
will be attacked and robbed. A mere
FORM" he added. as he saw Herman's
pallid face go whittier. For the real
envelope viii be substituted another.
In his breast pocket, you said. Well,
then suggest going to his room. He
may" added the concierge grimly. "re-
quire your assistance. Leave him at
his lodging. but watch the house. It
is important to know TO whom he de-
liyers these letters"
AS the man stood, he seemed to the
covering Herman to swell until he
dominated the room. He took on au-
thorlty. TO Herman came suddenly
the memory of hidden room. and
many men, and one huge and tower |
ing. who held the others in the hollow |
of his hand. Back went Herman over |
his earlier route. But now ne did not |
run. His craven knees shook beneath |
him. Fresh sweat, not Of haste but |
of fear, broke out over him. He who
was brave enough Of tongue in the
who was capable Of rising |
to heights of cruelty that amohHted TO |
ferocity when one Of mob, was a
coward alone.
However, the sight Of the reStaurant,
and of his fellow clerk eating calmly. |
quoted him. Peter Niburg was still /
alone. Herman took table near him,
aud ordered a bowl Of soup. His
hands shock, but the hot food revived
him. After all, 1t was simple enough.
But, Of course. It hinged entirely on
his fellow clerks agreeing to accom-
pany him.
He glanced across. Peter Niburg
was eating. but his eyes were fixed
on Madame Marie, at her high 6esF