The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-04-25

III AlllptHebIdDlt lybbtTys
1t was late in the evening of No
vember Is that the Marquis of
Charras, worthy nobleman, of middle
age, rode slowly on his way to Castle
Saillant Twilight had already fallen
on the forest it was perfectly still,
and the stars shining serenely over
head, while the full moon rose in
majestic beauty, lighting the trees with
fantastic splendor, as the falling leaves
loated silently from the dying branches.
Theinsecurity Of the path he travelled
was well known to the marquis, and,
advancing deeper into the woods, he
spurred his horse to faster speed,
inwardly wishing that he had not
ventured thus into the solitude alone.
Nor did the wish prove needless
one scarcely had he proceeded hun
dred steps further when the click of a
gun-hammer startled him, and the
next instant the muzzle of the weapon
was bearing close upon him, while a
dark form suddenly appeared beneath
towering oak, and in a calm, resolute
voice ordered:
Halt Your purse, my lord, or you
| stir not further p
Instantly the marquis realized that
he stood faced by the same dilemma
ruthlessly forced upon many before
him, and quite rs reluctant as they to
sacrifice his life for the small sum he
carried, scornfully cast his purse upon
the ground. riding slowly forward, but
saying, as he did so:
"You follow a risky trade, fellow /;
l warrant it will yet bring you to the
gallows p
"Thats my risk" replied the high
wayman, coolly advancing from the
shadow of the oak into the clear moon
light to seize the purse.
But just as he stopped for the prize
the fastening of his mask suddenly
snapped, and it dropped to the ground,
leaving his face clearly revealed; at
the same moment the marquis again
looked back and the woods echoed with
a startled cry of astonishment.
Can it be possible?" he cried, gaz-
ing as though par alyzed with bewilder-
ment. "Who could ever have suspected
this? Despicable man, you are at last
|
rascally Deeds"
The bandit, with no show of con-
fusion, however merely smiled, and
pointing his gun threateningly at the
marquis, the latter put spurs to his
horse and sped onward to the castle.
"And now this fine sport must really
come to an end, / suppose" said the
robber, quietly. How unfortunate.
1t has afforded me infinite amusement"
And turning by-path he also directed
his steps toward the castle.
Breathless, the excited marquis ar
rived at the house, but finding the
count absent proceeded as quietly as
he could to the salon, where number
of his acquaintances We're assembled
around the hostess, who was grace
fully doing the honors of the house.
Although carefully repressing all al
lusion TO his recent adventure. he could
not escape remark upon his abstracted
silence, and some joked him upon his
! hum0r but he could only cast sad,
compassionate glances toward the
countess, as she chatted gayly, utterly
unconscious of the cloud above her.
Ringing at last for Il servant, she in
quired if her brother, the count. had
yet returned from hunting, and re-
ceived in reply the information that
he had but just arrived, and had gone
to his room, leaving his excuses on the
plea of severe headache. An hour later
Count de Saillant returned, and had
scarcely finished his cordial greetings
when the marquis requested an inter-
view, and the two withdrew to an adj
joining room.
Now, what is it, my dear Char
ras ~ inquired the count, serenely, lit
appears to me you look somewhat
downhearted.
And, truly, my dear friend, 4. have
sufficient cause to look So" replied the
marquis, sadly; "for it grieves me in
! eXpressibly to be the bearer of bad
news"
"Then, for heavens sake, Charras,
don't keep me in suspense; out with it
at once" cried the count.
"Not two hours since, while riding
through the forest, l was attacked and
robbed; l was forced to surrender my
purse to preserve my life"
Upon my word, am truly sorry to
hear that you, too, have been subjected
to this villainy on my grounds" ex-
claimed Saillant; "but others have
been likewise unfortunate, and hope
your loss has not been great"
"And do you suppose l am grieving
for few pieces of gold?" interrupted
his friend. my dear count, the worst
is have discovered the bandit"
"What you have recognized him
That is, indeed, good luck. Now,
then, the bold rascal will be secured
and at once brought to the gallows.
will Immediately"
"No, no, my dear friend, do nothing
yet interrupted the other; "this
affair must remain a secret in order to