The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1867-09-04

ceived single letter from the Talbots since
the time"
The viscount smiled. s:You do not under
stand?" he asked i'9l.a5s sh 34
| He put his hand on the latch of the door
but he changed his mind "a
"The garden has an entran from behind,
believe" said he.
"Upon ST. John street"
''Take the key and conduct ne.'
The proprietor obeyed. Hc was not sorry
to have companion with him, to enter the
park and call Mohican for he had vague
hope Of finding him.
Mohican, that terrible watch dog-killed
by single man, without having time to utter
a single howl of distress this appeared to
him an improbable circumstance
They passed through the dining-room, the
window Of which opened upon the garden
On the sill where he stopped, Benoit looked
sharply around. All was still and quiet oi
AT the first view no trace showed itself
upon the white carpet of snow.
clay, old fellow, tag. Mohican ! tay, tay"
"Tf he has heard you call the dog Mohi-
cam said Henri, she must have laughed to
choking" "a 3 Eits 55a s9i Is ie
where did he enterv' murmured Benoit
-"where did he go out? He should have left
some tracks"
Z sWhat is that there 2" asked the viscount.
His finger pointed to little eminence in
the centre ofthe lawn, which was opposite
the window. III
II do not know, " stammered Benoit, grow
ing pale
cit is the burial place of poor Mohican,"
said the viscount. Benoit threw himself for
ward and stretched out his two hands. The
tawny hair of the large dog was felt under
TIE snow
Benoit raised himself up. Notwithstand-
ing the cold, his forehead was covered with
perspiration. But it was not the thought of
the dog which disturbed him.
ut was DONE" he said, in a low voice, Gin
twenty steps from my window. He could
see Inc r and he trembled in his limbs.
eco OF" said Henri, s'you can no longer
doubt. This evening you will have every
thing here, and you will barricade your win
dows. Do not forget that wait for you at
six o'clock. Au reuoir."
They traversed the garden Benoit open
ed the door, The viscount departed
When in St. John street, he looked right
and left with a suspicious eye The street /
was silent but the yiscount pulled up his fur
red cape so as to conceal his face. Instead
of going back, Benoit closed the door behind
him with double-lock s5
u understand" said Henri; s'wc are decided
" afraid We do not wish to remain within,
all alone, and we will proceed to business. 1t
is better. Farewell" s'!4 ny
And he marched with rapid steps towards
Rue des Saussaics, on his way to the Barrier
Montmartre
Benoit drew from his pocket wooden cap,
which he pulled down above his eyes He |
turned Rue st. Denis, going down toward the
plain. s 4 lligsissl i
Il have very often" he thought "gone
roundabout ways not to pass before the
cabaret of Father Soulas, where those old fell |
lows meet--for feared to be recognized |
Now, | must 60 in"
Some twenty minutes afterwards he enter
ed little isolated house, situated beyond the
Notifications, on the prolongation of Rues
DIES Poissonriers. Within it were some peo-
pie drinking and smoking. Upon the arrival
of Benoit everybody became silent.
sSomething to drink" he said, seating
himself alone at a table. When he had drank |
he resumed Il am short-sighted, comrades
III had brought my spectacles | could .recog-
nze some old acquaintance among you"
They looked at him with increased dis |
trust.
The man who had waited on him with the
bottle was not Father Soulas. Benoit asked /
him where the latter was. v..a 4gt
Gle has changed his location" was the
answer, drily given.
"For how long 7"
"He is CONDEMNED for life" replied the
keeper Of the cabaret.
80 much the worse, poor man. Is Janet
Durieux here z"
"Janet Durieux is gone up"
as it possible? And the grinder Z"
"Here he is said harsh voice, at the
bottom OF the room. At the same time a
large hip-shot fellow. clothed in hazel brown
overcoat, buttoned from bottom to top, but
not enough to conceal the absence of shirt,
left the party and placed himself before Be
mott.
aWhat do you want with the grinder?"
he asked, rudely.
GA glass" said Bonoit.
He looked toward the door. Two or three
raseals, with hang-dog looks, already inter
cepted the passage.
s.That is il" SAID Benoit, calmly. "Do
not let any one enter"
'"Nor leave, said the grinder; with mean
ing look.
Benoit filled up two glasses, and offered
one to the bandit, saying:
"Ah, we'll, old fellow 1t is nevertheless
true that would net have recognized YOU"
The grinder pushed back the glass
Il do not drink except with friends he
fercely; II have never seen you"
"Well," said Benoit, drawing off his cap.
"Come here and see" And he whispered
some words in his ear.
'.Pepper-and-Salt," said the grinder, rece1-
ing, 'soh !! hah ! 1t is Hampton, called Pepper
and Salt, called Bequilalt-" He took the
glass and emptied it at draught.
Those habitues Of the cabaret who were too
young to recollect Hampton, called Pepper
and-Salt, ETC., betook themselves to talking
and drinking. A half a dozen old ones APP
and surrounded Benoit. demanding
glasses, and shaking hands all around.
elbow much do you COST? said Benoit
eNot much /