Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-01-10
CHAPTER VII.
YOUR PURSE OR YOUR LIFE.

At tie noise made by the door in
closing, Tom and Sarah aroused them
selves from their reverie they thanked
the ChOurineur for the information he
had given, but he inspired them with
much less confidence since he had so
sincerely but so vulgarly expressed
such bolndIess admiration for r O.
d0lphe. As he went out the wind
blew with increased violence. and the
rain poured in torrents.
The Maitre d'Ecolc aud Ch0uette
hidden in the alley opposite, saw the
Chourineur when he came out; he
turned towards that part of the street
where there was a house in the pro-
cess of demolition: soon his footsteps,
a little heavy by his frequent liba
tions during the evening, were lost
amid the howlingS Of the wind and
the noise Of the rain splashing against
the walls.
Tom and Sarah left the tavern, not
withstanding the tempest, and took an
opposite direction from that Of the
Chourineur. They are lost, said the
Maitre, quietly, to his companion,
'Un-cork yoar vitrioI-attention : Let
Us take off our shoes, so they can't t
hear US behind them, said La Chou
cite. You are right, La Chouette,
always right; | should not hav c
thought of that: let US tread as if on
velvet The horrible couple took off
their shoes, gliding along in the shade
close TO the houses. By this strata
gem, the noise of their footsteps was
so deadened, that they followed close
behind Tom and Sarah without being
perceived. fortunately our hack is
at the corner of the street, or we
should be drenched,' said Tom. Are
you cold, Sarah 2
Perhaps we might learn something
from this Smuggler-this Bras Rouge,
answered Sarah, without replying to
his question. suddenly he stopped
he was not far from the place desig
mated by LIE Maitre d'Ecole.' i have
mistaken the street., said Tom; we
ought to have turned to the left i'll
coming out of the tavern. | remem
Der a house in ruins we must pass to
find our way; let us go back The
Maitre d'Ecole and Chouette sprang
in doorway, to escape recognition
they were so near that Tom and SaraE
in turning, almost elbowed tn e N
Upon the whole I'd rather they'd &C
that way said the Maitre d'Ecole
If the gentleman kicks-I have an
other idea.
Tom and Sarah after repassing the
tapis franc, drew near house il
ruins; this building being about hal
demolished, its open vault formed
sort of gulf, extendig along the street
The Maitre d'Ecole sprang upon hi;
victim with the bound of a tiger, anC
seizing Tom by the throat, he cried
Your money, or I'll throw you in thi
hole The brigand, pushing hin
backwards, held him, as it were, sus
pended over the vault, while with th
other hand he seized the arm of Sarah
as with vice. In the meanwhile, l.;
Chouette emptied his pockets with maj
vellous dexterity. Sarah uttered n
cry, but said in calm tone, Give then
your purse, Tom and then, address
ing the brigand, said, I'VE will max
no noise-do us no harm. The Chou
cite, after having scrupulously examir
, ed the pockets OF both victims, said t
Sarah, Let me look at your hands, t
, see if you have any rings. No. sal
' the old woman, grumbling; Then yo
have no one to give you rings: whs
/ miseryr The sang iroid' of Tom di
/ not desert him during this unlooke,
: for scene.
E will you make a bargain 2 said h
4 My portfolio contains papers that wi