Argosy, September 1955 — page 69: what you’re looking at

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

a BRANDY FOR THE COLONEL 67 | lapel, arrived at Aurance-sur-Cher, inquired his way to the Villa a _ Bobet, and proceeded thither where, eventually, he was accepted as a guest. Accepted is perhaps not exactly the word, for when Colonel Bobet introduced the elderly gentleman to his wife as none other than Pantoufle, the comrade of Resistance days, who had assisted him in their underground operations against the Boche, she quickly drew her husband aside and read him a tirade on strangers - taking up her spare bedroom, another mouth to feed, and needless __ expense when she was trying to save every sou so that they might . eventually live in a respectable-looking house. Besides which, she did not like the man’s looks. Bobet reassured her: “‘ No, no, my dear. Pantoufle is a capital fellow and will remain here only a day or so. As a matter of fact, he was treasurer of our Resistance group and owes me a con- siderable sum of money. He has only recently located me and has come here to open negotiations with a possible view to repayment.” At this, Madame Bobet ceased to remonstrate. The fact that this Pantoufle might be going to part with some cash made him not only tolerable but almost attractive, and Héloise spent her time speculating first upon how much, and second how she was going to get her hands on it. Later that day, Colonel Bobet and his friend walked along the banks of the Cher, where the smooth surface was turned to copper ___and gold by the rays of the setting sun—and where, likewise, their -_ conversation could not be overheard. | When he was certain they were out of earshot, Colonel Bobet came to the point. ‘“ Pantoufle, old fellow,”’ he said, “‘ how much would you pay for the privilege of placing the Marquis d’Aurac in the potage and at the same time doing yourself some good? You _. remember during the days of the Resistance we had more than a little reason to suspect the swine was collaborating.” | Pantoufle replied: ‘ What is on your mind, dear Mystére ”— __ the name by which Bobet had been known in the Maquis—“ and how much would you require? ”’ The Colonel told him. The visitor threw back his head and roared with laughter when Bobet had finished. ‘‘ Oh, my dear boy,” he said, “‘ but that is very naughty. Yes, yes, most naughty, but at the same time delicious and satisfying. I assure you my people will co-operate. But about Madame Bobet—are you certain. . .?” “Blind as a bat, poor thing, my dear Pantoufle, unless, of course someone were to tell her.”’ ~“ From what you say of the feeling in the village, there is not comiclbooks.conn