Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-11-17

awhile," said Carmine, setting down the lamp. "What would you like for brealA fast, Citizen Gex2''
 Breakfast! When one has only az hour to ivel''
 "An the same, you had better take something. It is cold, wet morning."
 "You are right. I must not tremble, even with cold. Will you kindly send coffee for two, rolls and cognac?"
 "You shall have them in ten minutes; and I will come again when all is ready"
 "He. Is a good old fellow-Carmine," observed the chevalier, when We were alone. "You are silent, my friend; you say nothing"
 "Because my heart Is full; and what can sayP This is terrible, De Gex- terrible for you, and for me both grievous disappointment and a defeat. made sure I should succeed.''
 Fortunately for me, did not. And please remember that 1t is my own do ing. You offered me my life, and if l did not choose to accept it that is my own affair. You acted the part of a true friend. And see, have everything ready. Here is the letter for my mother, and here a plan of the chateau, which, with the explanation I shall give you, will enable you to find the treasure, even though the building should be in ruins"
 Our conversation was interrupted fo1 a moment by the arrival of the coffee, which De Gex mixed with cognac and leisurely drank, eating at the same time roll, and courteously inviting me tc follow his example.
 Breakfast over, he added brief post script to the letter, of which, as also the plan of the chateau, took posses sion and put inside the lining of my doublet. But, even though they should fall into the hands of the enemy, mo- body would be able to make aught ot either of them without the clew, and that I had in still safer place-my head.
 When I told De Gex what had hap pened the night before, he agreed with me in thinking that Bonaparte was the instigator of his execution, Barras being merely an instrument, though doubtless 8 very willing one.
 "You are right; it is Bonaparte's an swer to my refusal of his offer," said the chevalier. "I have been mistaken in him. He Is great captain; thought him an honest man. Those who judged him less favorably judged him more truly. If he does restore the monarchy much fear that himself will be the monarch. Poor France!"
 Shortly afterwards De Gex inquired about the time. looked at my watch. It was a quarter to seven.
 My mother is good woman," he cold CT hrOT1rrhf +, %1,o 0J God. You will not think me weak or foolish if say prayer?"
 My answer was to kneel by his side.
 When we rose from our knees the great clock of the Abbaye was striking the hour.
 De Gex put his arms around my neck and kissed me on both cheeks.
 "You have been very good to me-" he said. 'God bless you for it! You will stay with me to the last, and tell my mother and Antoinette-"
 My heart was SO full that could only press his hand and murmur an inarticu- late assent; and the same moment the door opened, and Carmine, followed by two turnkeys, entered the cell, while two soldiers with fixed bayonets stood on guard without.
 
 alier.
 would have taken his arm; Carmine also offered to support him. But he kindly, yet firmly, refused us, saying that he could walk quite well alone and would rather do so.
 He walked between Carmine and me- the turnkeys leading and the soldiers following.
 At the foot of the staircase we were received by the officer in charge of the firing party. After giving us the mili tary salute, which we duly acknowl edged, and saying something about the unpleasantness of the duty he was called upon to perform, he ordered the prisoner to be pinioned and blindfolded
 De Gex objected, and asked as a favor that he might die free and himself give the word of command.
 The officer assented, and we all went into the courtyard De Gex doffed his