The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1918-07-10

Only once he spoke. "Know you where
you are3"
an field" said Adelbert, recently
ploughed."
AYE, in a field, right enough. But
one which sows corruption, and raises
nothing, until perhaps great st. Ga
briel calls in his CROP"
Then, realizing the meaning of the
mounds over which he trOd, old Adel-
bert crossed himself.
"Only a handful know of this meet
ing place." boosted the concierge. 81,
and few others. Only we may meet
with the committee face to face"
"You must have great influence" OBJ
served old Adelbert timldly.
II control the guilds. He who today
can sway labor to his will is power
full; very powerful, comrade. Labor
is the great beast which tires of car
rying burdens, and is but now learning
its strength"
aye" said old Adelbert. Had I
been wise, would have joined guild.
Then l might have kept my place at
the opera. AS it is, l stood alone, and
they put me out"
"YOu do not stand alone now. Stand
by us, and we will support you. The
republic will not forget its friends"
Thus heartened, old Adelbert bright
ened up somewhat. Why should he, an
old soldier, sweat at the thought Of
blood? Great changes required heroic
measures. 1t was because he was old
that he feared change. He stumped
through the passageway without urg-
ing, and stood erect and with shoulders
squared while the bandage was re-
moved.
He was rather longer than Olga
Loschek had been in comprehending
his surroundings. His old eyes at first
saw little but the table and its candles
in their gruesome holders. But when
he saw the committee his heart failed.
Here, embodied before him, was every
thing he had lOathed during all his
upright and loyal years-anarchy,
murder, treason. His face worked.
The cords in his neck stood out like
strings drawn to the breaking point.
The concierge was speaking. For
all his Boosting, he was Ill at ease.
His voice had lost Its bravado. and
had taken on fawning note.
This is the man of whom word was
sent to the committee" he said. II
ventured to ask that he be allowed
to come here, because he brings in
formation of value"
"Step forward, comrade," said the
leader. "What Is your name and &C.
cupatiOnT
"Adelbert, excellency. As to occu-
patton, for years was connected with
the opera. Twenty years, excellency.
Then l grew old, and another" His
voice broke.
"What is the information that brings
you here?"
Suddenly old Adelbert wept, terrible
tears that forced their way from his
faded eyes, and ran down his cheeks.
II cannot, excellencies!" he cried. ~
find I cannot"
He collapsed into the chair, and
throwing his arms across the table
bowed his head on them. His Shout
ders heaved under his old uniform.
The committee stirred. and the con-
cierge caught him brutally by the
wrist.
up with your he said, from
clenched teeth. "What stupidity Is
thisf Would you play with deathT
But old Adelbert was beyond fear.
He shook his head. II cannot" he
muttered. his face hidden.
Then the concierge stood erect and
folded his arms across his chest. HE
is terrified, that is ALL" he said. IF
the committee wishes. I can tell them
Of this matter. Later, he can be In
terroget 3D."
The leader nodded.
by chance" said the concierge,
"this-this brave veteran"-he glanced
contemptuously at the huddled figure /
In the chair-"haa come acroas an old