, 1861-02-28

when the trampling Of horses feet was heard,
and three officers, dressed as the girl had de.
scribed, entered the yard Of the inn. Thus far
her story was confirmed Conviction Of the
truth now took possession of Pierre's mind. &.
at is too true" he said. al will go back to
the stable, and think what is best TO be done. In
the meantime the landlord will, doubtless, come
to you and it is better VIC should not be seen
together"
lie had not leit the room FIVE minutes, ere
mine host made his appearance. A more spe-
cious aud obsequious bOnface you never beheld.
As the girl had predicted, his opening speech
was to the effect that would, he trusted, pardon
| the liberty he was about to take in proposing
that three officers Of the Imperial Guard should
dine in my room. He had dinner Tor five, cer-
tainly; but il the rcpast he had was served up
in two separate apartments, there would not be
sufficient for either party. lie assured me, more
over, that could not fSil to be pleased with the
society of these gentlemen, as they were officers
Of rank, du bon ton Jien and oommc IL faw.
Putting good face on the matter, expressed
my wi lingnesS to meet his wishes and those Of
the officers added, however, that l trusted
the newly arrived gentlemen would excuse my
servant sitting at the same table with them I;
that was travelling for my health, and he sci
dom left my side, as was subject to sudden at.
tacks of spasms. l thought the fellow appeared
rather disconnected at this announcement; but
not pretending to notice the effect my communi-
the room, to send my servant up stairs, as
wished to take some cordial before dinner.
Pierre soon made his appearance, and putting
my pistols in my hand. he said: I.l al.-
IAN is but too true, Monsieur courage, and
we shall be masters Of the field. l have ar
ranged my plan, and you must follow my in
structions. The captain Of this internal band
Of cut throatS you must request to sit on one side
Of the table, while take my place opposite to
them. As soon as have helped myself TO
glass Of wine, after the dessert is placed upon the
table. you must shoot the scOundrel opposite you
shrink not, for on your nerve and presence Of
mind depends your safety. Leave the rest to
me; we have desperate game to play-cOOl.
ness and courage alone are wanting to ensure
success" .t.r.
lpromised compliance, and was picturing to
myself the scene of which / was SO soon to
play so prominent part, when the three sol dis
dm officers made their appearance, ushered in by
the landlord. The fellows were dressed to per-
iection-rathCr outTs as to dandyisIn, for they
were oiled and scented az the yericst petd mditre
in the recherche saloons of Paris Their address
was rather Of the free-and.easy school, some.
what ovcrdone, perhaps, still there was nothing
offensive in their manner They were profuse in
their thanks for the honor l had conferred upon
them by allowing them to dine with me--in
short they acted their parts to the life. The
glances that had been interchanged among them
selves as they entered the apartment, when they
saw Pierre, had not escaped my observation.
therefore, as soon as they had expended their
volley Of compliments and thanks, apologised
for being compelled to have my servant at the
same table, assigning the same reason had given
the landlord. Atlength the soup was served, then
cfa ,nks and
roasted capon. Every mouthfil | took thought
would have choked me; and my want Of appe-
tite attributed to the state Of my health. Tho
fellows ate, drank, laughed and chatted away in
the most amable manner possible. ~
The dinner was by this time very nearly
brought to conclusion. The girl had waited
upon US and during her absence from the room
with the remains Of the dinner, one Of the mis-
creantS opposite to Pierre appeared to be search
ing about his person Cor some missing object; at
last he said, " have lost my snuff box" Aud
addressing himself to my attendant, added, 81
will thai you to go down stairs, and on the
dresser in the kitchen you will see golden snuff
box, for must have leit il there, and bring Il up
| to me-" ~ n.f
Pierre, however, to my great delight never
quilted his seat; and very quietly remarked that
he never executed any orders but those Of his
master. The person addressed looked confused
at the reply, and bit his lips in rage. Turning
to me, he requested very politely that ! would
have il executed The girl re-entered with the
cheese and some fruit, aud observed to the gen
tlemsn Of the missing snuff box, that Ia file
would fetch 1t for him. 10 .f
Alademoiselle was accordingly commissioned
| to execute the errand but she presently re-
turned saying that there was no tabldiers to be
found below. . .....s.af ....s .s
mo NATTER" said the fellow; bring us
champagne
While this very pleasant beverage was gone
for, the other officer my right hand discovered
that his pocket handkerchief was absent without
leave, and Ord,rcd Pierre to go to the kitchen
| and look for ID. This command, however, was
'lisobeyed in like manner; for my trusty follower
replied, "The servant will be here directly with
/ the wine, and she eau bring it to YOU" The
champagne was brought, and ere the cork was
| let loose from its confinement, the lost handker-
chief was discovered under the table.
! The girl now left the room aud never shall l
forget the look she gave me as she closed the
door. II seemed to say the world has closed on
you forever-we shall never see each other
again.
The bottle was passed, and, as Pierre helped
himself he turned towards me, and a glance Of
the eye told me what he meant lie put the
glass to his lips but placing il suddenly on the
table, said to me, +" hope you are not i'll, sir. "
"NO," | replied. knew what he meant, but
was powerleSs. lie added" Monsieur must
take some cordial; he put his hands in his pock-
cts, and drew forth brace Of pistols, aud level
ing them with deadly aim at his opposite neigh.
burs, shot them both al the same moment. lie
then sprang like tiger on the captain ut the foot
Of the table, viii h he UPSET in the melee. caught
him by the throat aud called inc to his assistance.
had in some dcgrye recovered from my sIup.
faction, f1r my s,nses had been IaTalyE Il, G !
may be allowed the expreSsion, and IAN % the
faithful fsllow.
/ We conirivcd to pinion IT, scounlrel between