Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1892-12-01
CHAPTER ~.

De Gcx and myself could not well
keep ourselves to ourselves all the
day; the mouton would have been sus-
picious. our other comrades offended: so
we joined in some of their games, and
made ourselves agreeable by pledging
them in sour wine and treating them to
bad cigars.
After supper we were marched Off to
our cells.
You see there is no answer to your
letter." whispered the chevalier, de-
spondently, in English, as we parted for
the night.
Thine enough yet. Don't worry your
self. my dear sir. / shall have an an
swer in the morning, and am sure it
will be favorable" I whispered back,
with considerably more confidence than
/ felt. for if Mile. Carmine had been as
good as her word there was no reason
why ! should not have had Nine. Bona
parties reply in the course of the day.
However. there was nothing for it but
to wait for what the morrow might
bring forth: and, deferring inspection
of my quarters until daylight, for the
very sufficient reason that l had no can
die, turned in, and IN a few seconds
was fast asleep.
I awolle with the sun, and looked
round. For a prison my room was by
no means bad. 1t had vaulted ceiling,
a window barred on the outside, and an
oaken-bound door. The furniture con-
sisted of n table, two chairs, a wash
stand and truclkle-bed.
When l had dressed put a couple Of
of chairs on the table, climbed up to
the window, and looked out. Below me
was the courtyard and the gloomy en-
trance to the prison. Beyond the gates
/ spied picturesque little house and q
pleasant garden, in which two women
were walking. Their gait and their fig
ures told me they were young, and
hoped they were pretty.
After awhile they turned their faces
towards the prison, whereupon l put
one of my hands through the bars and
waved my pocket handkerchief.
Women have always kindly feeling
for prisoners and captives; and it had
come into my mind that in the event of
my appeal to Mime. Bonaparte being
unsuccessful these young ladies might
help me to escape.
To my great delight. one of them ac-
knowlcdged my greeting with friend
ly wave of her hand and a graceful
courtesy; and I was considering how /
could arrange code of signals, when
heard a clatter of wooden shoes on the
corridor / was ON the floor in an in
slant, and when the yvarder entered he
found everything in its place.
honour, citoyen," he said. 81 come
nd hnr &c.
bit of paper for YOU"
The bit of paper was note from
Mile. Carmine, and ran thus: Il only
succeeded in seeing Nine. Bonaparte
last night. She read your letter, and
dare say you will hear from her during
the day. JULIE"
As j read it ! thought OF the poor
chevalier.
How is Citizen Gex this morning
still alive?" I asked the warder, anx-
iously.
.sAIivco All, understand. The head
Of Citizen Gex is still on his shoulders.
Allons."
After breakfast I showed the chew
alier Mile. Carmine's letter.
ut is WE'LL" he said, with a smile,
yet half sadly; ''well for you. whatever
it may be for me-"
And why is it not well for you?"
Thine presses, my friend. l have
had hint that tomorrow or the next
day"
II shall see Nine. Bonaparte to-day,
and when she knows the facts j am sure
she will intercede for you."
I'm Mime. Boneparte is my only hope.
From all hear of him. Bonaparte is not
tender-hearted- But his wife is, and she
has great influence-especiallyw with Bar
ras. who, they say. was once her lover
and is still her obedient servant. And
you seem to be very successful with the
ladies. Here is Mile. Carmine, whom
you saw for the first time yesterday,
sending you confidential notes and sign
ing herself Julie"
''She is moved with compassion for
you, chcva!ier, and would save your
life"
Seeing that ! have been here a
month. her compassion comes rather
late. No, Mr.. Roy. she is moved by
your bright blue eyes and ruddy counte-
nance"
This was rather personal, so gave
the talk another turn, by asking De
Gex whether Nile. Carmine's note por-
landed a visit or n summons