The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-07-21

| One, Jle IaOy, we nave meJ DeIOTe
1t is Louise d'Argent. Her companion,
young man of noble presence, is Eu'
gene st. Leger, her betrothed.
Mademoiselle G'Argent is as beautiful
as ever, although her face is pale and
wan with suffering. Her long black
mourning robes show that death has
wrested dear ones from her. Her father
and uncle have both peTished in the
revolution.
That morning, while she and her be-
| trothed were Just about starting for a
place of safety, they were seized by the
| soldiers Of De Laniere, and brought to
the residence of the latter.
For two hours they have sat in this
apartment, every minute expecting to
be hurried away to Paris, there to meet
a bloody fate. Only one alternative is
given them; De Lanier has promised
that if Louise will wed him, he will let
st. Leger go free. But she prefers death
| to such a bridegroom, and her lover
applauds her resolution.
So the two sit there with all comfort
gone save the deathless affection they
| have for each other.
This suspense is killing me" muir
INJURED Louise, pressing her hand to her
heart.
"Be patient, love-" says Eugene, striv-
| ing to soothe her.
Harki What is thatP" she suddenly
exclaimed,
Thele was a slight noise in the wall
back of them. One of the beautifully
| carved panels was showed aside, and the
wien face and grotesque form ofa dwarf
appeared.
| astonishment.
Hist!-yes, lady, It's l." he replied,
coming into the loom.
"And what do you herep" inquired
Louise, after she had explained to Eu-
gene whom this strange visitor was.
81 have come to aid you if can, for
l have not forgotten your kind pity
when was hurt at the Petite Trianon," "
and his eyes filed with tears of emo
ton.
"Grateful creature And can you
really help usp" inquired Louise, grasp
ing his hand excitedly.
"I trust so, lady"
"But how can you get US out of this
prison-lfke apartment The door is
locked, the windows barred. see no
way of escape, unless it is, indeed, by
the passage through which you have
just come. l never suspected that the
| panel COulu DE mOVeu.
Nor does Monsieur de Lanier," said
the dwarf, with a comical grimace.
He has only very recently come in
possession of this building, and knows
very little about it. l discovered this
secret passage, and trust that it is the
very thing to help us. We had better
start at orce, for Monsieur de Lanier
intends to visit you soon, and when he
comes he must find his prey missing"
"But what is your plan, my friendp'
inquired St. Leger.
1T is this" replied the dwarf. You
and mademoiselle follow me through
this passage until we reach the door
which is in the wall of the wine cellar
and is so covered by vines as to be en-
tirely concealed from the outside. In
| side this door you will remain while
go back and assist Monsieur de Lsniel
with his toilet, so that lie will not sus
pect me. When dressed he will repair
to your room. Discovering your alb.
sence, he will at once cause a search tC
be made. When you are not found or
the grounds h will conjecture that vol
have taken to the highway, and then
mounting horses, he and his servant:
will scour away on a wild-goose chase
After he is gone, will repair TO you
and we WILL HE away IN anolner ulrec
tion."
"But suppose Monsieur de Laniel
commands you to accompany himP'
said St. Leger.
"He will not do that-he will leave
me in charge of the chateau; for his
servants are new, and he trusts none Of
them"
"And the horsesp"
"There are three which, with this OBJ
iect in view, l told Monsieur de Lanier thi
morning were disabled; so he will no
ask for them. They are sound and swift
and will carry us to a place of safety.
Il have friend at H who will
conceal us until we have a chance t,
leave the country" said Louise.
Every well. But come; we must b
going. Mademoiselle, will you be 8
kind rs to give me your glOveg
Certainly"
The dwarf took it with smile.