Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1918-03-15

preparations for a meal. On the bare
table were a loaf, a jug of beer. and
q 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 curiously pale and fiat.
No greeting passed between them.
Humbert gave his visitor a quick
glance. Herman closed the door, and
wiped out the band of his hat. The
concierge poured the gravy over the
meat.
II have discovered something" Her.
man said. "As to its value, l know
nothing, or its use to u.s."
LET me Judge that"
at is a matter of a 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 many let
tiers. tie saw a number of them,
through one of his men in the post
Office. There were many ~intrigues.
After all, who could blame them? The
court was dreary enough these days,
and If they chose to amuse themselves
as best they could-one must make
allowances.
"a liaisonr I" he said at last, with
his mouth full. "The countess is hand
ing her to wickedness, as she drove
her husband. But 1t Is worth consid'
GRAFTON. Even the knowledge of an
intrigue is often helpful. OF what
size was the letter."
"a small envelope. I saw no more
49," The big man rose, and un-
tied his soiled apron. go back" he
| said, land enter the restaurant. Or
der a small meal, that you may have
finished when he does. Leave with
him and suggest the Hungaria."
"Hungaria l have no money"
"You will need no money. Now
mark this: At a certain corner you
will be attacked and robbed. A mere
FORM" he added, as he saw Herman's
pallid face go winter. For the real
envelope will be substituted another
In his breast pocket, you said. Well
then suggest going to his room. Ht
may" added the concierge grimly, ire
uuire your assistance. Leave him a
his lodging, but watch the house. i
is important to know to whom he de
livers these letters"
As the man stood, he seemed to the
covering Herman to swell until ht
dominated the room. He took on au
thority. To Herman came suddenly
the memory of a hidden room, and
many men, and one, huge and tower
| ing, who held the others in the hollow
of his hand. Back went Herman ovel
his earlier route. But now he did moi
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
meetings, who was capable of rising
to heights of cruelty that amounted to
~ferocity when one of a mob, was
coward alone.
However, the sight of the restaurant
and of his fellow clerk eating calmly
quieted him. Peter Niburg was still
alone. Herman took a table near him
and ordered a bowl of soup. His
hands shook, but the hot food revived
him. After all, 1t was simple enough
But, of course, it hinged entirely OF
his fellow clerks agreeing to accom-
pany him.
He glanced across. Peter Niburg
was eating, but his eyes were fxet
pm Madame Marie, at her high desk
There was speculation in them, ant