The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-03-29

mass across, shot with small lights
from deep windows, which was the
palace.
4 Peter was calm He had carried
many such letters as the one now hid
den in his breast pocket. No con-
science stirred in him. If he did
not do this work. others would.
He had until midnight. At that
hour messenger would receive the
letter from him in the colonnade Of
the cathedral. On this night, each
week, the messenger waited. Some
times there was a letter, sometimes
none. That was all. 1t was amazing
ly simple, and for 1t one received the
| difference between penury and COM
fort.
Seeing Peter settled, a steaming
platter before him, Herman turned
and hurried through the night. This
which he had happened on was a big
thing, too big for him alone. Two
heads were better than o.. He
would take advice.
on the main avenue he fell into a
pale cheeks. A cold sweat broke out
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 to a door
beyond and entered. A dirty little
room, it was Uttered now with the
preparations for a meal. On the bare
table were q loaf. jug of beer, and
a dish of fried veal. The concierge
was at the stove making gravy In
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.
Il 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 matter of q letter."
"Sit down, man, and tell it. 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
ters. He saw q 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,
md If they chose to amuse themselves '
IS best they could-one must make /
"a liaisoni" he said at last, with
his mouth full. 1.-THE countess is hand
some, and bored. Annuncfata is driv- s
ng her to wickedness, as she drove
Ter husband. But it is worth cOnsid- '
,ration. Even the knowledge of an 1
intrigue is often helpful. OF what
ize was the letter." G
"a small envelope. 1 saw no MORE" )
$50" The big man rose, and I'M Z
led his soiled apron. go back" he
aid, "and enter the restaurant. Or h
er a small meal, that you may have
nished when he does. Leave with
i'm and suggest the Hungaria."
"Hungaria! 1 have no money"
!
lark this: At certain corner you
I'LL be attacked and robbed. A mere Il
orm," he added, as he saw Herman's
allid face go whittier. For the real =
nvelope will be substituted another.
q his breast pocket, you said. Well,
hen suggest going to his room. He
lay," added the concierge grimly, ire =
uire your assistance. Leave him at Il
Is lodging, but watch the house. 1t =
important to know to whom he de-
vers these letters"
AS the man stood, he seemed to the
1wering Herman to swell until he 81
ominated the room. He took on au- r.
lority. To Herman came suddenly 81
le memory of q hidden room, and al
any men, and one, huge and tower ci
g, who held the others in the hollow
, his hand. Back went Herman over pl
Is earlier route. But now he did not sc
In. His craven knees shook beneath bi
I'M. Fresh sweat, not of haste but l.
fear broke out over him. He who q,
as brave enough of tongue In the al
ceilings, who was capable OF rising al
heights of cruelty that amounted to
rocity when one of mob, was to
ward alone. m
However, the sight of the restaurant, ye
i'd of his fellow clerk eating calmly, ye
lieted him. Peter Niburg was still fir
one. Herman took table near him,
i'd ordered q bowl of soup. His in
lnds shook, but the hot food revived th
m. After all, 1t was simple enough.
ut, of course. 1t hinged entirely on
8 fellow clerks agreeing to accom-
my him. M
He glanced across. Peter Niburg he
as eating, but his eyes were fixed W,
Madame Marie, at her high desk. al,
here was speculation In them, and on
netting else. Triumph, perhaps. -,
Suddenly Herman became calm.