Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-08-17


ear, IAN agent of the Secret Service"
"oh, no; the honor you offer me is
far too great. have not attained
to any such official dignity
Il rather expected you to deny
but you offer me no other explana-
ton"
"And so you decide to believe that?
Very web, Mr.. Severn, shall let you
have il your own way. You deserve
reward; only, pray, never suggest this
theory to any one else. Let it remain
our secret, will your
"Your mockery does not change my
mind.r
Il had no expectation that it would I;
neither does ii bring me salary. But,
seriously, forget all this raiilery TO-
night, and remember only that you
are with Marie Gessler. Whatever
her purpose may be, you are TO be
Loyal only to her"
Il am, absolutely" / replied with
conviction my voice was unable to
disguise. She turned her face quick
~, and in the din light our eyes met.
"Yor said that very earnestly. You
make me believe l judged you right.
Philip Severn. Here is my hand"
l clasped il tightly. the firm pres
sure Of the warm fingers sending an
instant thrill through every nerve of
my body. 1t was not withdrawn, and
we walked so closely together l could
feel the slight pressure Of her form.
almost resting against mine.
where are you taking me?"
ITO Peronds French. cafe-have
you ever heard of it?"
''No, l think not"
Il have been there with stunning
parties once or twice, with a plain
clothes man along, of course, to show
us the sights. 1t is not very respect
able, believe, although really / new
er saw anything particularly dan
gerous. Interesting and unconven-
tional, Of course, but / anticipate no
trouble, unless we care to make il
ourselves. You see the cluster Of
lights at the next corner. That's
Perond's.-
AS / gazed forward, she drew her
hand from my grasp, and her form
Strengthened.
'What am TO do when we arriveT
Merely be the attentive escort
but not too attentive, please. Have
you dinedf'
"No was going to ask you"
"You need not ask mel am fam
ished, and this place is really famous
for its meals
Perond's was really underground; at
least you descended a broad pair of
steps TO attain its entrance, and the
glass in windows and doors fronting
the street was heavily draped, pre-
venting any view of the interior from
without What was overhead could
not be determined in the darkness,
my eyes merely discerning the out
lines of a tall building, without
CLEAN of light showing anywhere
from top to bottom. The front of the
restaurant, however, was brilliantly
lit, and a colored man in uniform
promptly held open the door as we
began descending the stairs.
Within the vestibule d maid re-
lieved US of outside wraps, and thus
unencumbered we advanced through
open doors directly into the main
room. This was surprisingly large
apartment, filed with tables of va
rfous sizes and shapes, the majority
occupied by men and women. either
eating or drinking. Near the center
was cleared space for dancing, but
at that moment unoccupied, while
against the farther wall, on a rather
high stage, two cabaret singers were
noislly entertaining the crowd. Alto
gether it was stirring and attractive
scene, bearing to my mind no re-
semblance Of any preconceived notion
Of the underworld. / could have cas-
lily imagined that we had entered,
rather, the restaurant of an ultra
fashionable hotel the other side Of
Broadway.
Nor did our entrance create the
slightest interest, beyond awakening
the attention of the bead waiter, who
met us smilingly.
"a table for two, MsieurF
"A booth, please; have you None
near the center7" and slipped bin
into his hand, which closed II instant
ly out of sight.
"Ah, certainly; the very thing,
M'sieur l viii show you. Francois.
the central booth for the gentleman.
All, see, Msieur-bien, tres bienP
1t was indeed coy spot. with the
heavy curtains held aside. A divan
of soft plush across the end, table
covered with snowy linen, and already
glistening with silver and glass. in
the center. and three exceedingly com
Portable chairs.
at is very fine. M'sieur," said.
"Quite TO my satisfaction. You might
lower one OF those curtains, II you
win. Yes, that Is much better. Is
Francois our waiterf"
"Oui, M'sieur; you would be seryedf
The table de holt, Francois. These
dishes are ready-but M'sieur, we
serve quickly whatever you wish"
He spread his hands expressively,
glanced swiftly about to assure him
self all was well, and backed out, stiIl
politely bowling, leaving the attentive
Francois beside me, pad In hand. At
my suggestion the lady gave the or
der using discretion. I thought. while