Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-08-03

True enough" said the other. "All
the same, shall be very glad when
Charles has taken charge of his wifes
dot. | don't like the responsibility of
carving about L. 900 francs in notes." he
added, putting his hand to his breast
pocket and showing his friend the corner
of well stuffed pocketbook.
AS Remond, in the shadow, overheard
these words his eyes cleaned with the
rapacity of a bird Of prey.
"Do you hear" he muttercd, looking
significantly at his companion.
IL dol" said the other shortly, return
ing his look.
"Oh, you are quite safe in Les Bons
Amis," answered the CHEEKY voice of NJ,
Dumont, clear and distinct on the even
ing air. Nothing will happen to you
here. You are not thinking of those bug
aboo stories our friend the marie told us
at dinner Of the achievements of that vii
lain Robert Macaire;"
He would have spoken less confidently
perhaps could he have seen the express
sion which passed across the evil face of
his hidden and unknown guest as he ut
tered these words:
"Oh, no, Dumont, am not afraid of
such imaginary dangers, and think, too"
looking complacently at his stalwart
proportions-"I would be a match for
any robber. But" he added, II will be
glad to berelieved of this responsibility"
And l." said Remond to himself with
an ugly smile, will be happy to do you
that service. Perhaps my skill will prove
an equivalent for your strength"
NJ. Dumont had paused a moment and
laid his hand on his friends shoulder as
he spoke these last words, and as they
stood thus Charles came out of the house
and approached them quickly.
Father" said he, think it will be bet
ter that / should go myself with Picard"
your" said Dumont. why should
you go?"
well" answered the young man,
flor one reason Picard is so frightened
st the idea of going through the forest
alone that ! am afraid to trust him lest
he should cause a further delay. Be
sides that, | am so anxious and impatient
that | would wish to go with him-if it
were only that then the time will seem
! to pass more quickly than if | remained
here imagining everything that could
possibly happen to delay him. 1t will be
night. | can bs of no use here, and am
quite sure we viii get back more quickly
II go than if we send Picard alone"
perhaps he IS right" said NJ Ger
menil.
But what does Clementine say?' OBJ
served NJ. Dumont. I'VE must consult
her wishes in this matter. If she con-
sents to your going, have nothing to
say against it, but of course if she oh
jects"-
"Oh," cried Charles, interrupting him,
"Clementine is quite of my opinion. She
has as little confidence in Picards speedy
return as | have. Is not that SO, dear
Clementine?" he went on, addressing the
young girl, who had come out of the
house and joined them just as Charles
was speaking
1T is Charles" she replied. you
know" she went on, addressing the two
old men, CHARLES is brave and strong
not like that cowardly little Picard, and
then he will lose no time, because--be
cause"-she added with little blush-"l
will be waiting for him at the end Of his
journey"
This last argument carried the day
M. Dumont CALAMITY remarking that
with such an object in view he thought
even Picard would forget his fears.
So it was decided that Charles should
accompany the little clerk to st. Mau
rice.
-;Nln I,. Nhn, 81
said Pierre, coming toward them. al
is waiting Mt the back gate, as ! thought
that would save you bit Of a round. i
you follow the lane round by the corner
J of the marsh, it will bring you into tn,
high road to St. Maurice in half tn,
time"
) "All right, Pierre; that's a good idca
of yours"
} Before you go, NJ. Charles, will 70,
. please to tell me how ! am to distribute
the rooms tonight"
/ "Ah" said Charles, Il was forgetting
my duties. Give Mile. Clementine til,
room at the end of the corridor and pu
NJ Germenil in No. 49,"
And the poor woman yonder-wher'
is she to go?' inquired Pierre.
Let me see. You had better put he
in the small room near NJ Gernenil's."
"Bien m'sieu, No. 8, and in case an,
travellers should arrive and want rooms
where shall put them?"
oh! If any one should come, which i
not likely, put them in the rooms on tn
entire sol, so that our friends may no
be in any way disturbed And now
must be off," he went on. There is n
time to lose. We have a long road be
fore us. Come, father, you'll see me OF
too. Obi had almost forgotten. Here
Pierre" he said, taking bunch of key
out of his pocket, you had better kee
these in case of need. They are all mum
bered should you want to open any O
the empty rooms"
"Bien m'sieu," said Pierre taking tn
I ! KEYS