The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-03-30

reached the house.
Black fiumbort WAS not in his bu-
reau. behind the grating With easy
familiarity Herman turned u a door
beyond and entered. A dirty little
room, II was Uttered now with the
preparations for a meal. On the bare
table We're q loaf. q jug Of beer and
dish OF fried veal. The concierge
was at the stove making gravy In a
frying pan-a huge man. bearded and
heavy OF girth, yet stepping lightly.
ike cat A dark man and called
the black he yet revealed, on full
glance, eyes curtOusly pale and fiat
No greeting passed between them.
HuInbert 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, l know
nothing, or its use to u.s.
Let me Judge that"
ut Is matter OF letter"
sit down, man, and tell It. Or do
you wish me to draw the Information,
like bad teeth7"
"A letter from the palace" said
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
| 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 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 consid-
| Grafton. Even the knowledge Of an
intrigue is often helpful. OF what
size was the letter.
"a small envelope. I saw no more"
$50" The big man rose, and I'M
tied his solled 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."
"Hungaria. 1 have no money"
you will need no money. Now,
mark this: At q certain corner you
will be attacked and robbed. A mere
FORM" he added, as he saw Herman's
pallid face go whittier. 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 grizzly, 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 to the
covering Herman to swell until he
dominated the room. He took on au-
thority. To Herman came suddenly
the memory of n 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 to
ferocity when one Of q mob, was a
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
hands 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.
He glanced across. Peter Niburg
was eating, but his eyes were fixed
on Madame Marie, at her high desk.
There was speculation in them, and
something else. Triumph, perhaps
Suddenly Herman became calm.
Calm with hate
And, after all. it was very easy. |
Peter Niburg was lonely The burden
Of the letter oppressed him. He
wanted the comfort of human CONVEX
sation and the reinsurance Of
familiar face. When the two met ut !
the rack by the door which contained
their hats. his expression was almoct |
friendly. They went out together.
"a fine night" said Herman, and |
cast an eye at the sky.
Fine enough"
TOO good to waste In sleep. was |
thinking" observed Herman. "of an
hour or two at the Hungaria"
The Hungaria Something In Peters
heart leaped, but he
his fellow clerk.
"Since when," he inquired, shave
,.on froouopta1 tho urnpo NJ, ~