The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1918-05-01

briefly; but am n kindly soul, and
II you have told me the truth. you will
not have so much ms a shuttle to re-
mind you of this tomorrow"
81 have told the truth"
"As soldier, of course" Milky
went on, 81 think you have made n
mistake. You should have chosen the
precipice. But as a private gentle
man, I thank you"
Having examined the knots in the
rope, which were very well done. In
deed, and having gagged the chauffeur
securely, Milky prepared to go. In his
goggles, with the low-visored cap and
fur coat, he looked not unlike his late
companion. But he had jaunty step
as he walked toward the car, bit of
swagger that covered, perhaps, just a
trifle of uneasness.
For Milky now knew his destination,
knew that he was bound on perilous
work, and that the chances of his re-
turning were about fifty-fifty, 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, 1t became difficult. Sign
posts were few and not explicit. But
at last he 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 1t easier.
But, with his course assured. other
difficulties presented themselves. To
take the letter to those who would re-
crive 1t was one thing. But to deliver
It with all that 1t might contain, was
another. He was not brilliant, was
Milky. Only brave and simple of
heart, and IMMERSED in the ways of
darkness.
If, now, he could open the letter and
remove 1t, substituting-well, what
could he substitute? There were
cigarette papers in his pocket. Trust
Milky for. that. But how to make the
exchange?
The engine was boiling hard, dull
roaring under the hood that threat
ened trouble. He drew up beside the
road and took off the water cap. Then
he whistled. Why. of course! Had 1t
not been done from time immemorial,
this steaming of letters? He examined
it. 1t bore no discriminating seal.
He held the envelope over the water
cap, and was boyishly pleased to feel
the flap loosen. After all, things were
easy enough If 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 dog.
AS for the letter itself, he put it,
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-
Elected, as good as new.
He was extremely pleased with him.
self.
Before he returned to the machine
he consulted his watch. 1t 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
which was his destination.
He would be, at 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 go to the
royal shooting box at Wedding, and
should go, 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
For Milky, as all the world,
knew that Karl, with some kindred
spirits. was at Wedding, shooting.
That is, if the messenger told the
truth. Milky intended to find out. He
was nothing if not thorough.
When at last the lights of the lodge
at the gate of Wedding 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
not terror. But he went
boldly to the door, and knocked.
So far all was well. There were
footsteps within, and a man stepped
out into the darkness, closing the door
behind him.
"You have the letterT he asked.
ut is here"
II will take it.
Milky held it out. The man fun
bled for it took 1t.
"Orders have come" said the voice,
that you remain here for the night.
In the morning you are to carry dis