The Price He Paid — page 293: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

284 THE DUEL. “You do well,” rejoined the baron. “The weather is not inviting.” r “And yet your excellency is going out?” hazarded Moser. “On a necessary errand which cannot be delayed. Good-morning, and good-by.” So saying, the baron held out his hand, which the old gentleman took reverentially, but in some con- fusion. He had often received marks of the kindly feeling entertained toward him by his chief, but had never been honored by any such approach to - familiarity. This unwonted friendliness encouraged the councilor to speak words he had long pondered in his heart. “If IL may be allowed a question,” he began timidly. “They are saying—there was a report in the town yesterday evening that your excellency is intending to retire from office. Isit true? Are you really leaving?” } “Yes, | am going.” said Raven, with quiet de- cision; “and going very shortly.” The councilor’s head drooped sorrowfully. “In that case, I shall not remain here myself,” he replied in a low voice. “I have long thought of ask- ing to be relieved from my duties.” The baron looked at him in silence. The old man’s fidelity touched him. Moser alone had stood by him, true and stanch to the last; he alone had held to his allegiance, unshaken by the attacks, refusing to be misled by all the calumnies. “Go back into the house, my dear sir,” said Raven, kindly. “You will take cold out here in the chill morning air, lightly clad as you are. Once more, adieu.” Again he took the old man’s hand, pressing it this time with a quick, warm pressure; then he went on his way. The councilor stood looking after him. He, who habitually had such a horror of taking cold, forgot now that he was bare-headed and without an over- coat. Not until the baron had passed out of sight did he return to his dwelling; a deep sigh escaped his breast as he mounted the stairs. It had come, Eomichooks: co