The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1918-04-18

goggles. with the low-visored cap and
fur coat. he looked not unlike his late
companion. But he had a jaunty step
as he walked toward the car, bit Of
swagger that covered, perhaps. just
trffie 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-dfty. or rather
less.
He did not know his way. Over the
mountains II was plain enough. for
there was but one road. After he
descended into the plain Of Karnia.
however. It became difficult. Sign
posts were few and not explicit. But
at last ne found the railroad. which
he knew well-that railroad without
objective, save as II would serve to
move troops toward the border. After
that Milky found It easier.
But, with his course assured, other
difficulties presented themselves. To
take the letter to those who would re-
ceive Il was one thing. But to deliver
It. with all that It might contain, was
another. He was not brilliant. was
Milky. Only brave and simple of
heart, and unversed in the ways of
darkness.
II. now. he could open the letter and
remove It, substituting-well, what
could he substitutei There were
nj nm ~o<<s ,o,>oro In v,la nocLox 0>v,,sx
Milky for that. But how to make the
exchangef
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
he 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
cnp. and was boJtshly pleased to feel
the flap loosen. After oil, things were
easy enough II 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 II.
without even glancing at 1t, into his
cap. under the lining. Then he sealed
the envelope again and dried It against
one Of the lamps. 1t looked, he re-
fiected. us good rs new.
He was extremely pleased with him
self.
Before he returned to the machine
he consulted his watch. II 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. ut the best, late by an
hour.
On what the messenger had told him
Milky hung his hope Of success. This
was, briefly, that he should 60 to the
royal shooting box at Wedeling. and
should 20. 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. az all the world.
knew that Karl. with some kindred
spirits, was at Wedeling. shooting.
That Is. II the messenger told the
truth. Milky intended to find out. He
was nothing II not thorough.
When at last the lights Of the lodge
at the gate Of Wedeling cleaned out
through the trees. It was half-past
three. and wet spring snow was fall.
Ing softly. In an open place Milky
looked up. The stars were gone.
The lodge now. and the 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 oil was well. There were
footsteps within, and man stepped
out into the darkness. closing the door
behind him.
"You have the letter." he asked.
ut Is here"
~ will take It."
Milky held It out. The man FUN.
bled for It, took Il.
"Orders have come" said the voice,
that you remain here for The night.