The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times., 1918-11-21

goggles, with the low-visored cap and
fur coat, he looked not unlike his late
companion. But he had jnunty step
rs he walked toward the car, bit OF
swagger that covered. perhaps. just n
trifle OF uneaslness.
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-ffty, or rather
less.
He did not know his way. Over the
mountains It was plain enough. for
descended into the plain Of Knrnn.
however, II became difficult. Sign
posts were few and not explicit. Put
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 IL easier.
But, with his course assured. other
I difficulties presented themselves. To
take the letter to those who would re-
ceive IL was one thing. But to deliver
II. with all that II 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 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. n dull
roaring under the hood that threat.
ened trouble. He drew up beside the
road and took on the water cap. Then
he whistled. Why, OF course Had It
not been done from time immemorlal
this steaming of letters? He examined
It. y 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 1t,
without even glancing at II, into his
cap, under the lining. Then he sealed
the envelope again and dried It against
one OF the lamps. II looked. he re-
fected. as good us new.
He was extremely pleased with him
self.
Before he returned 10 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, nt the hunting lodge in the
mountains 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
royal shooting box at Wedellng, 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
10 say nothing, but TO give the letter
10 him who opened the door. Aftes
that he was TO take the machine away
10 the capital, some sixty miles farther
on.
The message, then. was TO the king
himself. For Milky, as all the world,
knew that Karl, with some kindred
spirits. was at Wedeling. shooting.
That In, II the messenger told the
truth. Milky intended to find out. lie
was nothing II not thorough.
When at last the lights OF the lodge
ut the gate OF Wedeling cleaned out
through the trees, II was half-past
three. and wet spring snow was fall
Ing softly. In IN open place Milky
looked up. The stars were gone.
The lodge now, and the gate keep
er's house. Nlkky's heart hammered
as he left the car-hammered with
nervousness. not terror. But he went
boldly to the door. and knocked.
so far all was well. There were
footsteps within, and man stepped
out into the darkness. closing the door
behind him.
"You have the letter." he asked.
"It Is here"
II will take t."
Milky held II out The man FUN.
bled for II. took II.
"Orders have come" said the voice,
shat you remain here for the night.