The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-04-13

mass across shot with small lights
from deep windows, which was the
! palace.
Peter was cain. He had carried
many such letters as the ONE nos. Ind
den in his breast pocket No con
science stirred in him. If he dia
not 30 this work. others would.
He had until midnight AZ that
hour messenger would receive the
letter from him in the colonnnde of
the cathedral. On this night, each
| week, the messenger waited. Some
times there was letter. sometimes
none That was NIL II was ama2inS-
ly simple and for II one received the
difference between perjury and com
fort.
Seeing Peter settlcd. a stcaming
platter before him. Herman turned
and hurried through the night. This
which he had happened on was q big
thing. too big for him alone. Two
heads were better than %. He
would take advice.
OF the main avenue he fell into q
smart trot. The color came "a his
pale cheeks, A cold sweat broke out
over him. He WAS short of wind from
many cigarettes. But nj last he
reached the house.
Black IIumtart WuS not in his bu-
reGu, behind III. grating With easy
( familiarity Herman turned to door
beyond and entered. A dirty little
| room. It was Uttered uuW with the
| preparations FOR q meal. On the bare
table were a loaf, jug of beer, and
dish OF fried veal. The concierge
was at the stove making gravy IN
| frying pan-a huge man, bearded and
heavy Of gtrth. Yet stepping lightly,
| Ike a cat. A dark maa and called
the black" he yet revealed, on full
glance, eyes curtously 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
II have discovered something" Her
man said. "As to its value. know
nothing. or its use to US
Let me judge that"
ut Is matter OF letter"
"Sit down, man. and tell 1t. Or do
| you wish me to draw the Information.
like bad tecth7"
"a letter from the palace" said
Herman. And explained.
Black Humbert listened. He was
skeptlCal. but not entirely increduous.
He knew the court-none better. The
! women of the court wrote many let
| tiers. 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 if 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. AnnunciatQ Is driv-
! ing her to wickedness, as she drove
! her husband. But 1t Is worth consid-
Grafton. Even the knowledge of an
! intrigue is often helpful. OF what
size was the letter."
"A small envelope. l saw no more"
$50" The big man rose, and I'M
tied his soiled apron. $50 back" he
said, land enter the restaurant. Or
der a small meal, that you may have
| finished when he does. Leave with
him and suggest the Hungaria."
| "Hungaria! I have no money"
"You will need no money. Now,
mark this: At q certain corner you
will be attacked and robbed. 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-
livers these letters"
AS the man stood, he seemed 10 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 one. 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 70
ferocity when one Of a mob, was 4
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 a bowl Of soup. His
hands shook. but the hot food revived
him. After all, IT was simple enough
But, OF course, 1t hinged entirely on
his fellow clerks agreeing to accom-
pany him.