The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-06-07
K QUEENS ADVENTURE.

4 QUEENS ADVENTURE.
One rainy evening toward the close of
April, 1901, a ponderous old travelling
coach toiled YEARLY up the hill, the sum-
nit of which is crowned by the ancient
town of Jougne, on the road between
Ions les Sauilet Besancon, the capital OF
the province of Franche- Comte.
There we're two women in the vehicle;
one tall; handsome and exceedingly ele
CANT, occupied the seat facing the horses;
the other who sat opposite to her, was
young person Of sprightly countenance,
whose simple costume and deterentlal
manner announced her to be either a
waiting maid or a ''dame de campagne."
From time to time one or the other OF
the two travellers would thrust her head
out of the carriage window to urge on
the position or look back down the road,
apparently to see whether anyone were
following. Notwithstanding the entreat-
les of the ladies, and his own best en-
deavors, Maitre jacques, the postillion,
failed miserably in his attempts to induce
his two heavy Flemish horses even to
get into trot, let alone a gal:op. The
road was so bad, the rain SO binding,
the ruts were SO many, the mud was SO
deep, the best the poor beasts could do,
in response to their master oaths and
loud cracks of the whip, was to give an
occasional jerk forward or stumble,
and then resume their wonted funeral
pace.
"IIeaven help us, Susanna! This dread
full journey will never end. We cannot
possibly reach Besancon to night" OBJ
served the lady who sat with her face to
the horses, ''Mon Dieu. how l wish we
we're we'll over it and safe
MADAME is too nervous. That gen
tleman Oh horseback we have seen at the
LIST three stations, and who has followed
us, has frightened her. Believe me, |
am sure he is no spy. he is too nicc-look-
ing for that. am persuaded he is only
instigatcd by madame's charms, and has
not recognized her. Oh. lie is no more a
sans cnlotte" than | am
sit matters very little what you think
about him. | have my fears, and my
reasons for having them. Put your head
out once more aud see if he is still in
sight"
Susanna did rs she was bid, and pres
emily shutting down the window as
quickly as she could, to prevent the rain
| from pouring in, gave her mistress the
reassuring news that not only had the OBJ
noxious stranger disappeared, but also
the gates at Jougne were close at hand.
"And, madame, through break in the
| clouds | saw the mountains of Switzer-
land; so, you see, We are approaching the
| frontier.
THAT is well; we will stop for supper
here, at the Lion d Or. and then hasten
on to Besancon this very night, said hel
| mistress.
In very few moments more the car
rage rumbled through the narrow streets
of Jougne, and presently stopped under
| the protecochere of the Golden Lion.
"Will the ladies get down" said tho
iolly inn-keeper, as he stood with the
halsopeued carriage door in one hant
and his cap in the other, bowling extra
civility to these two new guests and de
Iiuhted with the prospect of their being
detained all NIGHT under his ;oof, rol
travellers had become very rare in thes,
troubled times. ..Wiu the ladies ge
down? Supper will be ready at a mo
ment's notice
Certainly; we want it at once, and le
it be good substantial meal, for | cal
assure you, we are really hungry" an
swered the tall lacy as she jumped out
and turning to the postillon inquire i
it were possible TO reach BeSancon Uefor
midnight.
"Perfectly impossible. madame; tn
roads are in shocking state. We shout,
only run the risk Of breaking down hall
way"
sand that would be intolcrable. Al
Ions. Susanna, get down and bring i
with you all the shawls, pillows and rug
that you can find, for, since we mus
sleep here, We may as well make oui
selves at home.
Susanna, loaded with rugs and satchcl,
followed her mistress into the house: an
the two travellers, emerging from til