Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-01-01
IRASBURGH VERMONT, FRIDAY. JANUARY 1, 1858 .

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with the king ? No; a dark deed was
being coneocted in that turret-chamber
and, by some mysterious means, he had
penetrated the deep scheme.
An instant his hand rested on the wall;
then, from out the solid masonry, swung
heavy block of stone, disclosing low,
vaHlted passage, with narrow fight of
winding steps. A burning torch rested
against the stone staircase; passing
through and taking the light in one hand.
with the other he drew the stone back
into its place, and then ascended the
winding stairs. Flight after Eight was
passed, until he had nearly reached the
summit of the tower; then, leaving his
torch in an iron socket, fastened against
the wall, he passed through another Sc
cret opening, that quickly closed after
him, and stole noiselessly behind thick
arras, through which streamed the light
from the chamber.
There were two men within that
chamber. One, with a cold, calculating
face, lighted by not one ray Of sympathy,
with small gray eyes, shaded by thick,
bushy eyebrows, and of broad, short
stature, sat at a small table in the centre
of the room, earnestly watching the
changing expression playing over his
companions countenance. The other
stood by the side of the first named, hold
ing a small roll of parchment in his hand,
from which he had been reading.
They were Father Lorraine and his
accomplice. Lorraine suddenly paused
in his persual, and, dropping the manu-
script upon the table, gazed vacantly
into the mans face; there was shade of
fear in his changing features and white
lips, and his nervous grasp rested upon
the hilt of dagger, that was half con-
cealed by the folds of his gown.
Did you not hear footsteps, Monte
cello? he asked, in low whisper.
heard nothing but the wind sweep
ing round the turret,' returned the other,
with coarse laugh, that contrasted
strangely with the trembling accents OF
his companion. Why, you are already
playing the fawn. Come, come, let us
to business. ! am to have one hundred
louis d'ors, and full absolution from the
deed. Said you not sol? he asked, in q
tone of impatience, and his glance fell
on the monk, still by the arras, which he
had partly drawn aside.
Strange murmured Lorraine, seat
ing himself at the table and dropping his
head upon his hand, unconscious of the
others presence.
What is strange Strange that yor
did not see phantom, when there wa.
nothing but the bare walls ?
'Bnt did you not hear footsteps p
asked the monk, resting his dark, inquir
ing eyes upon the man before him.
I Footsteps of the wind, but not thos,
of human feet
Well, perchance you may be right
Montecello,' and there was more assur
ance in the friar's tone.
And now, Lorraine, were those no
the terms-one hundred louis d'ors, ant
) full absolution from the deed"
Those are the conditions, my son.
? And now the naotiUe for this deed
The man bent lower down as he spoke
t and his manner was more earnest.
You have heard of the siege of Per
e onne ? began Lorraine, in low voice.
r Well
j. On the morrow Francis will leav
Blois, and Arnaud De Bourn will g
with him.
And you would prevent P
e You know my plans, Monticello, an
t now you are to act.
e Not yet. You have not told me til
+ motiUe'
d Lorraine was silent for moment, an
It his features worked with deep thought
J, then he gazed into the face before him
e but he saw only an iron viii in thos
deep drawn lines, and he felt that d,
1t ception would only injure him.
1t 4 may trust you? he said, laying h
Q hand on the mans arm.
; Il never betray a secret, was Il
Is stern reply.
?, You have seen Arnaud De Bour
d Monticello !?
Is Once, on the quay.
e, Think you he is not noble youth
a He is fair and comely, and brav
ir too for | saw him keep at bay fl
ID horsemen who had held captive a your
y girl he had torn from them. That W
1r your scheme, Lorraine, to take this youI