Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-09-27

a pitt storm. We knew that it was
useless for us to attempt to reach Digne
that night in the forlorn condi ion we
were then in, SO all we could do was to
grope our way through the darkness
and the rain. in quest OF some place
where we might find shelter from the
elements.
We had been stumbling along through
the woods for about an hour, and had
begun to reconcile myself to spending
the night in the storm, when suddenly
a cry from Pierre brought me to halt.
I retraced my steps as quickly as 7
could to where he was standing, and
learned that he had discovered some
thing that felt-for we could not see
hand before us, the darkness was so in.
tense-like two stone posts and tum-
ble-down gate. I alighted from my
horse, and Pierre and I, after some lit
tie trouble, managed to pull the heavy
gate to one side. We led our horses
through the opening and found some
thing like road on the other side,
which we determined to explore, trust
ing it would bring us to some farm
house, where we might possibly gain
admittanee.
We had not proceeded very far when
we caught the faint glimmer of light
through the trees ahead of us. We
trudged on with renewed hope, and
soon found ourselves in what seemed to
be the paved courtyard of some large
farmhouse or chateau. Leaving Pierre
with the horses, beneath the shelter of
long shed, I stumbled up couple of
stone steps, crossed wide terrace, and
found myself beside large stone
building. The light streamed from q
tall window above, and cast warm
reflection upon the wet fag-stones be-
heath my feet. After slight hunt I
came upon flight Of stone steps, and
ascending these stood before a great
oaken door; then, Selling the knocker,
1 beat upon the heavy panels until I
felt the door hemble upon its cumbrous
hinges. / waited some time and was
thinking about repeating my knock,
when, all of a sudden, the door few
open with a jerk, and the man within
started back with cry as the light re
vealed ME standing there with head
bound up, and the rain pouring down in
torrents upon my already drenched
person.
I quickly told the man had met
with Al accident, and asked shelter for
the night for myself and servant The
fellow, recovering from his fright or
surprise, [ knew not which it was that
my pitiable appearance had inspired
him with, told me to walk in; and then
closing the outer door, left me, saying
he would inform his master of my ar
rival.
The man soon returned, bringing with
him an old, but stately-looking gentle
man, who greeted me courteously, and
to whom [ explained lny predicament.
The old gentleman, who was called
Monsieur L'Oseray, as [ soon after
learned, co1doled with me upon my
mishaps, and kindly offered the protec-
ton of his roof until such time as I
should think it advisable to continue
my journey.
''And, Jean," said he, turning to the
servant, "see that this gentleman's
groom and horses are provided with
everything necessary to their comfort.
And now, SIR" continued he to myself,
when the man had departed, "permit
me to lead you to chamber where you
can relieve yourself of these wet gar
ments.
OF course objected to his putting
himself to any trouble, but all to no
purpose. He led me to chamber, and
provided me with dry clothes.
1t did not take me very long TO make
my toilet. and soon after I was dressed
a servant came to. me, and informed me
that Monsieur L'Oseray requested my
company below. I followed the man,
who led me into long hall, very high
and narrow, whose wallis were covered
artistically with banners, swords and
shields, and suits of armor, and which
was lighted upon one side by two or
three deep windows. The servant left
me here, saying he would return in
moment. had just begun to examine
some of the pieces of fine armor with
which the hall was so richly stored,
when what sounded to me like fierce
~ drawn sigh caused me to turn. be-
held standing in the shadow of one of
the deeply embrasured windows the
form of a woman. She had doubtless
been looking out at the storm, and must
have turned suddenly upon my en-
trance, for her long white dress was
wrapped tightly about her slender form,
and her loosely flowing black hair lay
upon her breast, as if ithad been thrown
there by quick twist of the head.
She was gazing at me with what APP,
peared to ne a fixed, angry stare. I
was about to apologize for my intru-
sion, VIXEN, quick as flash she darted
behind the curtain that hung beside the
window, and, turning, saw the servant
just entering the door.
He conducted me to room where
found my host waiting to lead me to
the daintily furnished tea table that
stood before the bright hearth.
l found Monsieur L'Oseray a little
reticient at first, but gradually he be
came more talkative and favored me
with many entertaining things in the
way of table-tal AS we were slowly
slipping our tea he related some anus
ing "reminiscences of his earlier days;
but, suddenly, in the midst of one Of
his tales, shrilI peal of maniac laugh
ter burst upon our ears. / sprang to
my feet and turned, expecting to find
some one in the room, yet nota soul
but ourselves was to be seen. I glanced
at DOnsieur T,'Osarav His cup Law in