The Elbert County tribune., 1918-08-09

palace
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. II 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, 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 o.. He
would take advice.
! on the main avenue he fell into
smart trot. The color came to his
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 door
beyond and entered. dirty little
room. Ii was Uttered now with the
preparations for meal. On the bare
table were loaf, jug OF beer. and
0 dish OF fried veal. The concierge
was at the stove making gravy In n
I haa rda aA nm
heavy of girth. yet stepping lightly.
like 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 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
"It Is "A matter of letter."
"Sit down. man, and tell 1t. Or do
you wish me to draw the Information,
like bad teeth7"
"A letter from the palace" snid
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
ters. He saw 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 II they chose to amuse themselves
as best they could-one 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 worth consld-
eratlon. Even the knowledge of an
intrigue is often helpful. OF what
size was the letter.
\ "A small envelope. l saw no more"
49," The big man rose. and. un-
tied his soiled apron. go back" he
said, "and enter the restaurant. Or
der a small meal. that you may have
finished when he does. Leave with
him and suggest the Hungaria.' f'
"Hungarial 1 have no money"
"You will need no money. Now.
mark this: At 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. He
may" added the concierge grimly, ire
quire your assistance. Leave him at
his lodging. but watch the house. 1t
Is important to know to whom he de-
llvers these letters"
As the man stood, he seemed to the
covering Herman to swell until he
dominated the room. He took on au-
thority. To Herman came suddenly
the memory of hidden room, and
many men. and ope, huge and tower
ing, who held the others in the hollow
of his hand. Back went Herman over
his earlier route. But now he 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
meetings. who was capable OF rising
to heights of cruelty that amounted to
ferocity when one Of mob, was n
coward alone.
However, the sight Of the restaurant,
and Of his fellow clerk eating calmly,
quieted him. Peter Niburg was still
alone. Herman took table near him,
and ordered bowl of soup. His
hnnds shook, but the hot food revived
him. After all. 1t was simple enough.
But. of course. 1t hinged entirely on
his fellow clerks agreeing to accom-
pany him.