New Britain herald., 1922-09-11
Avoiding Dancer-By Rcoues,
CHAPTER I.

iHToush the. suaVe, warm radiance or that afternoon of spring in Eng. Nnd gentleman of modest and commonly amiable department bore a rueful countenance down Piccadilly and into Halfmoon street, where presently he introduced 1t to one whom he found awaiting him in his lodgings. much at ease in his easiest chalr' making free with his whskey and tobacco, and reading slender brown volume selected from his shelves
 ms degage person was patently an Englishman. The other was as un- mlstakably of Galic pattern, though ne dressed and carried himself in a thoroughly Anglo-Saxon fashion.
 The Englishman dropped his book to the floor beside the chair uprose and extended a cordial hand, ex- claiming: Hare ye, Monsieur Duchemin?"
 well, for the matter of that: How are you, Mister Wertheimer?
 Their hands fell apart, and Mon- sieur Duchemin proceeded to do away his hat and stick and chamois gloves
 Pretty way you've got of making your friends wait on your pleasure Here I've wasted upward of two hours of His Majestys time =. '
 How was l to know you'd have the cheek to force your way in here in my absence and help yourself to my few poor consolations?" Duche- min retorted. helping himself to them in turn. But then one never does know what fresh indignity or danger Fate has in store :"
 There are some things one knows very definitely. You aren't forget ting you have given that Smolny lot reason for holding your name an- athema?"
 "Ah" Duchemin growled-"as for me, can take care of myself, thank you"
 "Man." the Englshlnan declared solemnly - you're superannuated. You're nearly forty--next door to second childhood"
 T know; and so long as I feel my years, even you can abuse me with impunity."
 But Werthimer would not hear him. Odd" he unused, T never thought of it before, that you were growing old. You're just doddering and I thought you were simply tired out and needed a holiday"
 Perhaps I am and do,' said | Duchemin patiently "One feels one | has earned a holiday, if ever anybody did in your blessed Secret Service
 "Still-at your age-I'd be think ing about retiring instead of asking for rest.'
 Although Duchemin knew very well that he was merely being ragged | in that way of deadly seriousness which so often amuses the English, he chose to suggest sourly; My resignation is at your disposal any time you wish it."
 Accepted" said Wertheimer airily, 'to take effect at once.'
 To this Duchemin merely grunted, as who should say he didn't consider this turn of conversation desperately amusing.
 And to what" he inquired with the tedious irony of ennui, "is one ln- debted for this unexpected honor on the part of the First Under-Secretary of the British Secret Service? Or whatever your high-s sounding official title is
 "Oh," Werthemer replied laziy- and knocked out his pipe-"I merely dropped in to say goodbye"
 Duchemin discovered symptoms of more animation.
 And where, pray, am I going ?'
 That's for you to say Monsieur Duchemn meditated briefly. q see," he announced: I'm to have a rowing commission.
 Worse than that: none at all.'
 Duchemin opened his eyes wide.
 Look here: What the devil--." Well, if you must know the Fnglishman interrupted hastily, my instructions were to give you your walking papers if you refused to re- sign. So your connection with the S. s. is from this hour severed. And if you ain't out of England within twenty-four hours, we'll jolly we'll de- port you. And that's that"
 "One perceives one has served Eng land not wisely but too well.'
 "Shrewd lad!" Wertheimer laughed "You see, old soul, we admire you no end, and we're determined to save your life. Word has leaked through from Petrograd that your name has been triple etarred on the Smolnys Index F atorius. IT you lhger here mu nger the verdict Will uh- doubtedlS 2: Violent death at the hands of some person or persons un- known. So here are passports and roodish bit of money. If you run through all of it before this blows over. we'll find way, of course, to get more to you.'
 The other nodded, Investigating the envelope which his late chief had handed him and the smile faded from