Evening star., 1938-01-02

about to set foot on French soil when heard
the name of my companion being called out.
did you hear that?" asked.
De Treville nodded. raised his monocle and
glanced about at surrounding faces. And
presently saw that the one who called wore
a uniform and held telegram aloft.
Telegram for de Treville" he repeated.
Now, am convinced that any man bearing
such an unusual name as that borne by Major
Bernard de Treville would unhesitatingly
have assumed the telegram to be for himself
which he did, He nodded and took the
message He read, and imperturbable though
he was, detected puzzled expression creep
ing over his features.
Then, tipping the boy. he handed the mes
sage to me silently. This was the message:
DO not Join Paris train. Wait for car now on
the way which will bring you direct to
chateau. Athos."
The telegram had been handed in in Paris
and was addressed: DE Treville, passenger
S. S. Maid Of Canterbury"
This is extraordinary, Trevvy," l NUT
tered WAS anyone expecting you in Paris?"
identify any friend who calls himself Athos. "
IF you are going to take any notice." l
said, I'VE shall have to pass the Customs here,
and presumably forfeit our tickets to Paris. )"
Trevvy took the telegram from my hand,
and stared at it again thoughtfully.
There may be French branch of the
family" he murmured, but if so, my own
branch has lost sight of it. 1t can hardly be a
trick This is another case of romance, crime;
adventure, being literally thrust under my
nose! We will wait for this mysterious car;
but in the meantime as precautionary
measure, see what arrangements can be made
about proceeding to Paris in the event of a
hitch. You will note, though" turning and
looking back towards the gangway, that no
one else who followed US down - and all the
passengers are ashore now has made any
attempt to claim the telegram"
The car arrived in due course, comrno-
dious saloon driven by chauffeur. The Paris
train had left and no other steamer had come
in We had strolled out of the buffet and were
standing rather conspicuously, our baggage
at our feet, as the man, cap in hand, ap-
preached. Without hesitation he addressed
my friend: "Monsiem de Treville?"
Trevvy stared for a moment. Clearly he
had neverseen the man before, nor, l gathered,
was the man acquainted with the passenger
he had been sent to meet. thought it odd
that he did not address de Treville by his
military rank.
liam de Trevile. This is my friend, Digger,
and there is our baggage"
The chauffeur, an elderly but capable
servant, packed the suitcases on board and
held the door open for us to enter. Shortly
afterwards we were bowling along at good
speed, and soon found ourselves clear of the
outskirts of the seaport.
Trevvy lighted cigarette, turned and
stared at me. His heavy brows were drawn
together in a way which seemed to make his
eyes smile His short military mustache, the
soft black hat which he wore, created as often
before momentary impression of mus
keteer. This thing is becoming more and
more amusing, he said.
you noted that he addressed you as
Monsieur de Treville??"
Il noticed. Which leads me to suppose that
despite my ignorance of anyone in France
bearing that name, nevertheless, there is some
misunderstanding. However that may be, it
is possible that we shall find the matter more
enforfo;pioo than a eornou,haf airolocc vicif tn