Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1880-07-08

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.
"Harkl What is thatP" she suddenly
exclaimed,
There 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.
La Santerelle!'' Louise exclaimed, in
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.
6 / have come to aid you if can, for
/ have not forgotten your kind pity
when l 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.
'' l trust so, lady"
But how can you get US out of this
prison-like apartmenta 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. I never suspected that the
panel could be moved"
Nor does Monsieur de Lanier," said
the dwarf, with a comical grimace.
f" He has only very recently come in
possession of this building, and knows
very little about it. / discovered this
secret passage, and trust that it is the
very thing to help us. We had better
start at once, 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 friend?"
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 Lanier
with his toilet, so that he will not sus-
pect me- When dressed he will repair
to your room. Discovering your alb
sence, he will at once cause a search to
be made. When you are not found on
the grounds b , will conjecture that you
have taken to the highway, and then,
mounting horses, he and his servants
will scour away on wild-goose chase.
After he is gone, | will repair to you,
and we will hie away in another direc-
tion."
But suppose Monsieur de Lanier
commands you to accompany himP"
said St. Leger.
g 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 horses?"
There are three WI 5h, with this OBJ
ject in view, | told Monsieur de Lanier this
morning were disabled; SO he will not
ask for them. They are sound and swift,
and will carry US to place of safety"
81 have friend at H who will
conceal US until we have a chance to
leave the country" " said Louise.
Every well. But come; we must be
going. Mademoiselle, will you be SO
kind as to give me your glovep
Certainly"
The dwarf took it with smile.